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Medical and Health

Experts share views on combatting mental health stigma at Trust-funded Mental Health Conference
17/11/2017

The World Health Organisation has stated there is “no health without mental health”. Mental well-being is an essential component in the healthy development of our families and communities, and this fact must be recognised and promoted. However, many Hong Kong citizens who suffer from mental health problems are reluctant to seek medical help as they feel it to be a taboo subject.

To reduce the stigma and encourage people in need to seek timely support, public education and mental health promotion are much needed. Addressing this need, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust granted the Patient Care Foundation funding to host the Hong Kong Mental Health Conference 2017, held at the Hong Kong Academy of Medicine in early November.

The three-day conference featured some 100 local and overseas experts who shared their views on the city’s attitude towards mental health under the theme of “Mental Health Matters: Overcoming the Stigma.”

The Conference brought together numerous disciplines including corporations, educators, public health specialists, caregivers and NGOs. They examined mental health issues in the context of six theme areas: educational settings, the workplace, healthcare, the elderly, the media, the legal system and policy making.

The first two days featured keynote speakers and panel discussions, while the final day took the form of an open forum at which various mental health organisations in Hong Kong were invited to share their strategies and experiences, so as to strengthen support for mental patients and their caregivers.

The Club has been a staunch supporter of efforts to promote mental well-being in the community. Examples include initiating the “JC JoyAge: Jockey Club Holistic Support Project for Elderly Mental Wellness” in collaboration with HKU and six NGOs to provide holistic support to older people at risk or having mild to moderate depression; and funding the Jockey Club Early Psychosis Project to provide early intervention for younger patients.