TV series backs family values
A TV drama series made by the Social Welfare Department which documents domestic traumas is to be screened to promote family stability.
The 10-episode series will show real-life social workers helping problem families. A helpline number will be displayed at the end of each programme.
The half-hour dramas will be broadcast on TVB at 7.30 pm on 10 consecutive Sundays beginning this week.
One episode shows an elderly man who runs away from home after an argument with his son over money, but then mends the relationship.
The number of people who sought help from the department's 24-hour hotline in March doubled from the same month last year to 2,362. Rising unemployment and economic problems might have contributed to the increase along with heightened awareness of the service, officials said.
Director of Social Welfare Andrew Leung Kin-pong said most of the callers suffered family problems, including financial worries, spousal abuse, elders being neglected, children left unattended and youths at risk.
