Hong Kong care teams with mental health training better at identifying cases, study finds

Hong Kong community care teams that received mental health training are better at identifying hidden cases and communicating with those who are suffering, a study has found, while a lawmaker has urged authorities to expand the coverage of the course.

Bill Tang Ka-piu of the Federation of Trade Unions said on Sunday the care teams were able to go deeper into the community compared with formal medical professionals and could be more effective in providing basic services.

“It is not to say that we should replace professional social workers or doctors with care teams,” Tang said.

“Care teams in general have stronger ties with the local residents. They also know the neighbourhood more. If they are given some basic training on mental health support, it can help establish a more effective service network so that people suffering mental health issues are more willing to seek help.”

The government set up care teams in all 18 districts to support the government’s work and strengthen networks. Each care team has about eight to 12 members.

Tang made the calls after the Mental Health Association of Hong Kong conducted “mental health first aid” training to 127 care team members between April and June this year to enhance their ability to identify issues and step in properly.