A one-year support program was launched on Thursday in response to the devastating blaze at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, offering free mental health services to those who have lost loved ones.
The Compassionate Support Programme for Bereaved Families, introduced by the Advisory Committee on Mental Health (ACMH), works in tandem with the Social Welfare Department’s “one social worker per household” scheme to provide grief and bereavement counseling for affected families.
Based on mental health risk assessments, participants will be referred to clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, or both for further follow-up where necessary.
Under ACMH’s coordination, several non-governmental organizations—including the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council, the Comfort Care Concern Group, and the Samaritan Befrienders Hong Kong—will deliver services and proactively reach out to bereaved families.
“The Compassionate Support Programme for Bereaved Families will pool strengths from different sectors to provide psychological support for bereaved families affected by the disaster in a timely manner and to journey with them through this difficult time,” said ACMH Chairman Lam Ching-choi.
Lam also visited the Lok Sin Village transitional housing project in Tai Po on Wednesday to learn about the living conditions, facilities, and support arrangements provided to victims of the fire.
