Press Releases
SHWF visits Eastern District (with photos)
In one of his regular visits to the district, the Secretary for Health, Welfare
and Food, Dr York Chow, today (November 17) called at the Eastern District and
toured two welfare facilities there to gain a better understanding of the latest
mode of service delivered in the district.
Arriving on site, Dr Chow was introduced by the District Officer (Eastern), Mr
Herman Cho, to the Chai Wan District Elderly Community Centre run by the Hong
Kong Society for the Aged. The centre provides a variety of services, including
community education, case management, support team for the elderly, health
education, volunteer development, carer support services, social and
recreational activities, meal and laundry services.
At the community centre, Dr Chow joined an elderly discussion forum where
participants shared with him their views and concerns on current affairs. He
also inspected a Chinese orchestra training class for the elderly.
"Ageing in the community is one of the primary concerns that needs be addressed
in our elderly care policy. To enhance the quality of life of the elderly, we
will further enhance subsidised home-based or centre-based community care and
support services as well as continue to promote active ageing to the community,"
he said.
At his next stop, Dr Chow called at the New Jade Manufacturing Centre of
Richmond Fellowship of Hong Kong to learn about the operation of an integrated
vocational rehabilitation service for the ex-mentally ill. The centre provides
skills training and employment opportunities for about 190 users, including
packaging of household products and binding of books; as well as the operation
of a stationery store which provides on-the-job training and employment
opportunities for the ex-mentally ill.
Dr Chow was also briefed on the operation of Richmond Welbiz Limited, which was
funded by the Social Welfare Department's "Enhancing Employment of People with
Disabilities through Small Enterprise" Project. Through the grant of seed money,
the company recruits ex-mentally ill workers to provide cleaning services for
outside companies, enabling people with disabilities to enjoy genuine employment
in a carefully planned and sympathetic working environment.
During his tour, Dr Chow took the opportunity to talk to service users. He was
pleased to learn that the users considered the training and employment
programmes that they attended useful in equipping them with a better knowledge
of the necessary work skills. He encouraged the trainees to face the challenges
to integrate into the society.
Dr Chow concluded his visit to Eastern District by meeting with district
councillors. Views on various issues relating to health, welfare, food and
environmental hygiene issues were exchanged.
Ends/Friday, November 17, 2006
Issued at HKT 16:51
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