“While there is only so much we can do in such a crisis,” reflects social worker Almond Lau, “our presence can offer hope, showing that the community cares.
This emotional impact is not only carved into the hearts of those who have lost their homes, but also reverberates through an entire community bound together by shock and grief. Even during the early moments of the Wang Fuk Court fire, mental well-being emerged as a critical part of disaster response. While emergency services focused on immediate physical needs—shelter, food, medical care—social workers and mental health professionals from our JC JoyAge mobilised quickly, rushing to temporary shelters to offer emotional support and a compassionate presence amid the chaos.
Prioritising stability and a sense of safety
Almond Lau, social worker and project-in-charge with JC JoyAge, was one of the first to be deployed on site to provide support.
“The affected families are in full survival mode—they apply for relief funds and gather essential supplies, forced to push their emotions aside,” She recalled, “I also observed an emotional swing—at times, evacuees feel fortunate to have survived and received help, yet in quieter moments, waves of sorrow and anguish strike hard.”
Disaster survivors experience complex emotions, and their thoughts are in turmoil. Yet, the programme’s team is keenly aware that the immediate priority is not to initiate intervention, but rather to first assist them in establishing stability and a safe environment.
Through offering practical support and emotional safety, the JC JoyAge team builds a sense of security and structure amid the chaos, paving a critical road towards emotional healing. For frontline support teams like Almond and her Peer Supporters, the emotional support work focused on providing a calm, caring presence on site. They also offered practical tips for emotional stabilisation and grounding and served as a one-stop-point for information and referrals to tangible support services.
“While there is only so much we can do in such a crisis like this,” Almond reflects, “our presence can offer a sense of hope to those affected, showing affected residents that the community cares and has come together to help.”
Our presence can offer a sense of hope to those affected, showing affected residents that the community cares and has come together to helpAlmond Lau, Social Worker and Project-in-Charge, JC JoyAge
Healing as a community
The strong and agile network of professionals built by JC JoyAge enabled a swift response, mobilising to deliver impactful support to those in need, even beyond their day-to-day roles.
Among them was Millie, a Peer Supporter living in Tai Po, who chose to channel her empathy for the community through concrete actions. Applying what she has learned from the peer supporter programme, she went on-site as a peer and offered on-site emotional support outside a temporary shelter. She says, “I realised our strength lies in our life experience, which helps us understand and empathise more deeply with a wide range of life circumstances, especially those faced by other older adults. It all comes naturally.”
She was also mindful of the principle in securing one’s own footing before reaching out to help others. In her words, “We can only truly help others if we are doing okay ourselves, and that begins with assessing our own capacity to help,” she shares. Drawing on the skills she picked up from the programme, Millie practises mindfulness after volunteering to stay grounded—taking mindful walks, doing breathing exercises, journalling and spending time with her family.
“I have never been an optimistic person, but I have learned that when help is available, everything feels easier and problems seem resolvable,” Millie reflects.
Empowerment as a way forward
Apart from JC JoyAge, Jockey Club "Reach to Bridge" Community Elderly Support Project and Jockey Club Carer Space Project were also on site to extend tangible support to older residents living alone and carers of older adults, such as distributing emergency supplies like clothing, or assisting with administrative work for welfare. In small but meaningful ways, such effort aimed to shoulder some stress for affected individuals, and offer a warm presence of community care.
When a community learns, heals, and grows together, every individual’s strength weaves into a strong shield against adversity. In Millie’s own words, “It is simple—once you learn about mental health, you will find a use for it. It is like having an ‘arsenal’ on standby.”
Did you know?
Launched in 2016, JC JoyAge aims to tackle depression among older adults through cross-sectoral collaboration, professional support and outreach activities in the community. It provides a community support network for over 24,000 elderly and middle-aged persons with depression and depressive symptoms. Over 900 Peer Supporters have completed training and assist social workers in rendering emotional support for at-risk or depressed elderly and middle-aged persons. The project helps to build a healthier community for all.
“They are too young to share their observations and feelings in words. What they need is a safe space to express in ways they know, freely,” shared Kaman Yuen, supervisor of Sham Shui Po KeySteps@JC Hub.