Emotional Counselling and Social Services

One's mood will inevitably be affected when losing a job and searching for a new one. It's common for most of the people to go through a period of emotional instability in which they become short-tempered or have no interest in doing anything. At such time, it is most desirable to have the help and support from their family and friends, so that one can get on with one's life and keep one's mind peacefully. However, each case has its uniqueness. If you find that you have felt depressed, disheartened and disappointed for a time, it may be better for you to seek professional help so as not to get into a dead end. Government departments and many organizations in society are prepared to give a hand to the needy.

• "Mutual Aid Helpline 187 8668" of Hong Kong Council of Social Services
  

  (http://1878668.socialnet.org.hk) The "Mutual Aid Helpline" launched by the Hong Kong Council of Social Services provides a one-stop hotline service for members of the public. Just dial a number and your call could be forwarded to over 270 service agencies and hotlines. The services provided include: 1. Services for those who feel despairing and have thought of committing suicide 2. Services for those who are subjected to violent abuse or sexual abuse or for those who are suspected to leave children in a state of neglect or use violence 3. Services for those who suffer emotional disturbance and need counselling 4. Services for those who are ill, in poor health or need help in their rehabilitation 5. Services for those who are in financial difficulties and want to get a job 6. Services for those who need occasional child-care, temporary accommodation or compassionate rehousing 7. Services for those who are hesitant about their study, schoolwork or further studies 8. Services for those who want to seek legal advice 9. Services for those who want to know about special concessions for the elderly, the disabled and single-parent families 10. Services for those who want to share some kind-hearted stories

  
  
• Clinical Psychological Services of Social Welfare Department
  

  Website of the Social Welfare Department (http://www.swd.gov.hk) The Clinical Psychologists of the Social Welfare Department provide psychological services in the form of psychological assessment and psychotherapy to help those who suffer emotional disturbance to overcome their crises and problems. In general, when people are referred to a clinical psychologist, a thorough and objective psychological assessment will be conducted to determine the nature of the problem, and the kind of assistance that will be appropriate. Where necessary, a treatment plan can be formulated. The aim of psychotherapy is to help clients change the framework of their perceptions, to alter their emotional responses, to ameliorate psychological symptoms, or to reduce psychological disturbances. Job-seekers in need of the service may call the Social Welfare Department hotline 2343 2255 for assistance or visit the Family Services Centre in the district where they live and talk to the social worker on duty about their problems. After initial screening and/or counselling, the social worker will make referral to the Clinical Psychologists for further services. The Clinical Psychological Service is composed of five Clinical Psychological Units. The address and catchment area of each unit are as follows: Unit 1 It serves Wong Tai Sin and Sai Kung District; Kwun Tong District, Kowloon City and Yau Tsim Mong District. Room 502, 5/F., Nang Fung Commercial Centre, 19 Lam Lok Street, Kowloon Bay. Telephone number:: 2707 7666 Unit 2 It serves Tai Po and North District; Shatin District. 4/F, Tai Po Complex, 8 Heung Sze Wui Street, Tai Po Market, NT. Telephone number : 3183 9401, 3183 9402 Unit 3 It serves Central Western, Southern and Island District; Eastern and Wanchai District. 14/F, Cornwall House, Taikoo Place, 979 King's Road, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong Telephone number : 2967 4110 Unit 4 It serves Tsuen Wan and Kwai Tsing District; Sham Shui Po District. 10/F, Tsuen Wan Multi-storey Carpark Building, 174-208 Castle Peak Road, Tsuen Wan, New Territories. Telephone number : 2940 7021 Unit 5 It serves Tuen Mun District ; Yuen Long District. Wings B & C, G/F., Shui Yip House, Tin Shui Estate, Tin Shui Wai, New Territories. Telephone number : 3568 7914 / 3568 7916

  
  
• Crisis Line of Caritas 18288
  

  (http://fcsc.caritas.org.hk) This is a 24-hour hotline service. Social workers will handle enquiries on various problems, including marital problems, personal setback, financial pressure and emotional abuse. After answering an enquiry made by a help seeker, a social worker will refer him to relevant organizations and follow up his case if he wishes.

  
  
• Suicide Prevention Services 2382 0000
  

  (http://www.sps.org.hk) The Suicide Prevention Services operates a 24-hour telephone counselling service. Its objective is to prevent suicide by providing confidential telephone and face-to-face counselling services for those feeling depressed and helpless and those who are prone to commit suicide. The services are provided by a group of hand-picked and trained volunteer workers. With a caring and sympathetic mind, the volunteer workers will listen patiently to the callers and give emotional support to those who need help and assist them in regaining an impetus for life.

  
  
• Mental Health Association of Hong Kong
  

  (http://www.mhahk.org.hk) 24-hour Mental Health Information Hotline Hotline number: 2772 0047 The contents of the pre-recorded messages include: Ways to promote mental health Types of mental illness, their symptoms and treatments Introduction to medical services for the mental illness and rehabilitation services How to get on with ex-mental patients Stress test and analysis Tips on keeping mentally healthy given by local celebrities Languages of the pre-recorded messages: Cantonese and Putonghua Telephone Counselling Service by Social Workers Hotline number: 2772 0047 (Press "9") The aim of the hotline is to encourage members of the public suffering from mental and psychological disturbance to face up to their problems and seek assistance early. The services provided include: Emotional Counselling and Social Services Basic mental assessment Referral service

• Samaritan Befrienders Hong Kong

  (http://www.sbhk.org.hk) The Samaritan Befrienders Hong Kong (SBHK) operates a 24-hour hotline service (hotline number: 2389 2222). It also provides an interview service by appointment if circumstances permit. Help seekers can also write to the SBHK. Its address is No. 126-127, G/F, Kam Wah House, Choi Hung Estate, Kowloon. If the situation of a help seeker is such that substantive relief (social or medical service) is warranted, the SBHK will give him/her relevant information, or with his/her consent, refer his/her case to relevant organizations. In case of emergency and when the help seeker does not object, the SBHK will inform relevant organizations or persons on his/her behalf to ask for help. When a help seeker asks the SBHK to help another person who is suicidally inclined, the SBHK will provide information as best it can and advise that other person to contact it. The SBHK will not disturb anyone who does not approach it direct, except when by reason of young age, infirmity or ill health, that person has to contact it through another person. In that case, the SBHK will try to contact him/her.

• Employment Hotline 2777 0309
  

  (http://www.hkfyg.org.hk/chi/ycs/27778899.html) The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups offers this service. Through the telephone, social workers will listen patiently to the callers, put them at ease, and give them advice on such matters as pressure of work, problems in interpersonal relations, job selection, change of jobs, further studies and job seeking. On top of telephone counselling, the services provided also consist of individual interview, group counselling and other supporting programmes.

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