The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has announced a five-year, HK$290 million initiative aimed at providing specialized palliative and end-of-life care for persons with disabilities, addressing a significant gap in Hong Kong's healthcare services.

The initiative, named the Jockey Club End-of-Life Community Care Project: Unison (JCECC: Unison), was officially unveiled on Monday. It is designed to offer personalized care for individuals with physical or intellectual disabilities and those in mental recovery, while also supporting their caregivers.

With over 530,000 persons with disabilities in Hong Kong, 70 percent of whom are aged 50 or above, the need for tailored palliative care is critical, yet remains scarce globally.

Club Steward Dr Henry Chan delivers a speech at the launch ceremony of the JCECC: Unison.

Club Steward Henry Chan expressed at the launch ceremony, which was attended by Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun and representatives from the Hospital Authority, that the project is a response to the profound physical and emotional challenges that persons with disabilities and their families face during end-of-life stages.

Building on the success of its 2016 initiative, which served 23,000 elderly residents, JCECC: Unison will expand care to include younger individuals with disabilities. The initiative will utilize an evidence-based, cross-disciplinary approach that integrates medical and social services to provide in-home and residential care. This includes pain management, psychological support, and advance care planning. Caregivers will also benefit from skills training and counseling.

The Club’s Head of Charities (Positive Ageing & Elderly Care; and Healthy Community) Imelda Chan (3rd left) poses for a photo with a beneficiary of JCECC: Unison (3rd right) and other guests

The project aims to assist over 7,000 persons with disabilities and their families and to train 14,000 healthcare and social workers to enhance community-based palliative care. Additionally, public awareness will be raised through workshops and outreach programs.

Collaborating institutions include The University of Hong Kong, Caritas Hong Kong, and the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, among others.

Funded by the Jockey Club’s unique integrated business model, which channels racing and wagering revenues into charity, the initiative underscores the Club’s commitment to fostering a "healthy community."

HKJC launches $290m end-of-life care initiative for persons with disabilities