Hong Kong Jockey Club sets aside HK$790 million to support 8 mental health drives, with over 154,000 people set to benefit
- Club’s Lester Garson Huang says teenagers and elderly among those struggling with emotional, mental health issues as city recovers from Covid-19 pandemic
- New initiatives include development of early warning system to prevent student suicide, while club will expand old schemes to cover more age groups
The Hong Kong Jockey Club has earmarked nearly HK$800 million (US$102 million) to support eight mental health initiatives that are expected to benefit more than 154,000 residents.
Lester Garson Huang, a member of the sole authorised gambling operator’s board of stewards, said the club had noticed different age groups, especially teenagers and elderly, had become more vulnerable to emotional and mental health issues as life returned to normal after the Covid-19 pandemic.
“In order to combat mental health challenges in the city, the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has approved HK$790 million to roll out a series of mental health-related measures in collaboration with the government, various social service units, schools and scholars,” he said.
“Under a multipronged approach, the trust will commence projects such as supporting primary healthcare, schools and the community, providing online mental health support services and psychotherapy, and conducting continuous monitoring.”
The club aimed to support more than 154,000 people, targeting recipients from different age groups, their families, as well as frontline workers such as teachers and social workers, he added.