Why Hong Kong’s Nimby attitude is a threat to mental health
Siu-man Ng says mental health service centres are struggling to find a home in housing estates because of residents’ opposition, and officials need to do more to lead changes
During election season, those campaigning to be Hong Kong’s next chief executive will generally promise to strengthen community health and social services. Such “morally correct” pledges are popular. Once a new leader is in power, translating these promises into actual policy can be swift. What, then, is the problem?
For some services, such as those related to mental health care, the biggest obstacles come during implementation. Over the past decade, efforts to locate mental health services in a neighbourhood have often run into opposition by residents. This has led to severe delays in the roll-out of some policy initiatives. Eradicating such barriers should be a priority for our next leader.
In Hong Kong, many people fear and/or dislike mental health problems. Though they agree that the community needs more mental health care, many do not want such services sited in their neighbourhood.
For a better approach to mental well-being, Hong Kong society needs to work together
Of course, this “not in my backyard” (Nimby) mentality is a problem all over the world, not just in Hong Kong, but it appears entrenched here. Despite the government’s heavy investment in public education, it seems to have grown worse. There are various explanations for this: our high population density, and people’s preoccupation with any negative impact on real estate prices, for example.
How can we persuade more communities to welcome these services? This is particularly important in public housing estates, where about half of Hong Kong’s population reside. These estates must have easy access to mental health services if the city really means to adopt a community-based service model.
MTR firebomb attack throws spotlight on mental health care
Breaking point: Hong Kong’s overburdened mental health care system in need of a fix
In his 2009 policy address, Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying announced the launch of the city’s first Integrated Community Centre for Mental Wellness in Tin Shu Wai. Since then, a total of 24 such one-stop centres have been set up. But they face daunting challenges.