The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) has recently announced a significant allocation of HK$790 million towards a mental health support initiative aimed at addressing the mental health crises faced by the young and elderly population. The initiative comes as a response to the increasing levels of stress and mental health challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and socio-economic pressures in Hong Kong.
A study has revealed that 2.8 percent of Hong Kong students experienced suicidal thoughts during the 2022-23 school year, highlighting the urgency of addressing mental health issues among the youth. Additionally, the elderly population, facing declining health, loneliness, and bereavement, are also at a higher risk of depression and suicide.
To combat these challenges, the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has approved the funding for eight mental health initiatives. These initiatives will specifically cater to the needs of young people and the aging population in Hong Kong. It is estimated that more than 154,000 individuals will benefit from these initiatives.
During a press conference, Lester Garson Huang, the HKJC Club Steward, emphasized the multi-pronged approach that will be taken to tackle mental health challenges. The HKJC will collaborate closely with the government, non-governmental organizations, social services, schools, and academia to implement these initiatives effectively.
The eight initiatives will provide both online and offline support at primary care, school, and community levels. Additionally, territory-wide monitoring will be conducted to assess the impact of these initiatives. Further details regarding the first set of initiatives will be announced at a later date.
The HKJC's allocation of HK$790 million demonstrates its commitment to addressing the mental health needs of the young and elderly in Hong Kong. By providing comprehensive support and working in collaboration with various stakeholders, the initiative aims to make a positive impact on the mental well-being of the citizens.
香港賽馬會撥出7.9億港元支持年輕人和長者的心理健康，惠及逾15萬市民
香港賽馬會（HKJC）最近宣布將撥款7.9億港元用於心理健康支援計劃，旨在應對年輕人和長者所面臨的心理健康危機。該計劃是對COVID-19疫情和香港社會經濟壓力加劇所導致的壓力和心理健康挑戰做出的回應。
一項研究顯示，2022-23學年，香港有2.8％的學生出現自殺念頭，凸顯了解決年輕人心理健康問題的迫切性。此外，長者人口由於健康狀況下降、孤獨感和喪失親人等原因，也面臨著更高的憂鬱和自殺風險。
為應對這些挑戰，香港賽馬會慈善信託將撥款支持八個心理健康項目。這些項目將特別關注年輕人和香港老年人的需求。預計逾15萬人將從這些項目中受益。
在一次新聞發布會上，香港賽馬會管治人Lester Garson Huang強調將採取多管齊下的方法應對心理健康挑戰。香港賽馬會將與政府、非政府組織、社會服務機構、學校和學術界密切合作，有效實施這些項目。
這八個項目將在基層醫療、學校和社區層面提供線上和線下支援。此外，將進行全區監測以評估這些項目的影響。有關第一批項目的詳細信息將在稍後公布。
香港賽馬會撥款7.9億港元展示了其致力於滿足香港年輕人和長者心理健康需求的承諾。通過提供全面支援並與各方合作，該計劃旨在對市民的心理福祉產生積極影響。
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