Boost resources for mental health: SoCO
A community group on Sunday called on authorities to beef up support for those recovering from mental health issues, and that some of these people are not aware of the government services available for them.  The Society for Community Organisation said it surveyed 103 people going through mental rehabilitation between December and February – and found that 70 percent of them had some difficulty in carrying out daily activities independently.  The organisation – which polled people aged between 20 and 75 – compared the data collected with a government health report and found the impairment rate of the interviewed group was four times higher than that of healthy elderly people. SoCO’s community organiser, Crystal Yuen, said these people commonly struggle when handling tasks such as shopping, cooking, and taking medication. “We think being strict is not the right way to help people with mental problems get back into the community and recover quickly. We think it’s more important to look at their needs and enhance support,” she said. “We suggest the government do a survey to understand the needs and situations of adults with mental health issues in Hong Kong, so they can plan and provide the right resources. Also, they should fully review the mental health services that are currently available.”  Yuen pointed out the Social Welfare Department has set up mental health centres in every district of Hong Kong, but as more people move into new housing estates, the centres do not have the resources to help everyone.  She also said the eligibility standards for applying to some supporting services, such as the Home Care Service for Persons with Severe Disabilities, are way too high, turning away many people in need.