Mental-health training for care teams 'offers return of five times'

Henry Siu

A mental health organization has emphasized the significant value of the "Mental Health First Aid" course provided to district care teams, estimating a return of "HK$5 for every dollar" invested.

They recommend promoting these courses to all district care teams across Hong Kong.

The Mental Health Association of Hong Kong conducted the "Mental Health First Aid Course" for care teams from April to June.

These teams were established by the administration in 2022 to enhance community networks and support those in need.

During the course, 127 care team members were trained in communication skills and emergency response techniques, equipping them to better identify and address mental health issues.

Afterward, the association collaborated with the Department of Social Work at Chinese University to assess its effectiveness through a survey.

Results indicated that all 127 participants experienced improved knowledge of mental health, greater acceptance of individuals with mental illness and enhanced community service skills.

Their scores averaged an impressive 45.6 out of 60 in mental health knowledge.

"I gained a deeper understanding of mental health through the course and learned that most individuals with mental health issues are not violent," said Cheng, a care team member.

Cheng likened the role of care teams to that of a "sentinel," providing support when patients exhibit unusual behavior, which can lead to earlier identification of their needs.

Despite some social perceptions that care teams cannot replace professionals, assistant professor Angela Cui Jialiang from CUHK's department of social work argued that care teams can actually offer broader coverage and deeper community engagement than traditional medical services.

"While many regions adopt a 'pyramid model' to address mental health, care teams provide essential early identification and preventive community care," she said.

Cui stressed that care teams must possess the right attitude and knowledge to effectively serve as a foundational resource, highlighting the importance of relevant training courses.

Bill Tang Ka-piu, a Legislative Council member from the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions, said care teams strengthen community mental health support and foster collaboration across regions, creating a more effective service network that encourages individuals with mental health challenges to seek help.