The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has donated a sum of $3.95 million for a two-year project to improve physiotherapy service in childcare centres and homes for the disabled. The donation was made in response to applications from six welfare non-governmental organisations to employ physiotherapy artisans in their centres and homes. About 1,140 children and 950 adults with disabilities will benefit from the donation. The beneficiary organisations include the Caritas Hong Kong, Heep Hong Society for Handicapped Children, Hong Kong Council of the Church of Christ in China, Mental Health Association of Hong Kong, Society of Homes for the Handicapped and the Spastics Association of Hong Kong. A spokesman for the Health and Welfare Branch said that unlike their counterparts in the Hospital Authority and special schools, physiotherapists working in rehabilitation units are not provided with non-professional support from an assistant in conducting therapy. 'The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust's donation will enable the Government to assess the cost-effectiveness of the improved manning ratio in delivering physiotherapy service in rehabilitation units,' the spokesman said.