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Press Corner
Charity Concert for Suicide Prevention
Services
(13 July 2009)
The Hong Kong Medical
Association (HKMA) and the HKMA Charitable Foundation
(Foundation) will hold a Charity Concert at the Hong
Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall on Saturday, 1 August
2009, all funds generated, WITHOUT deducting any
cost, will be donated to the Suicide Prevention
Services (SPS).
The Foundationˇ¦s
Founding Chairman, Dr. CHOW Pak Chin expressed
that the financial tsunami last year attacked most countries
in the world, including Hong Kong. Many Hong Kong people
were suffering from huge pressure as a result of unemployment,
investment failures or losses, and difficulties with
their family and work relationships. These people were
on the verge of emotional breakdown, they need channels
to relief their stress else they might commit suicide.
The demand for befriending hotline services increased
significantly over the past months. In view of this,
the Foundation had decided to dedicate the funds generated
for enhancing SPSˇ¦s services.
Dr.
TSE Hung Hing, the HKMA President told this afternoon
that the HKMA, and later with the joint effort of the
Foundation, have been raising funds for community projects
and people in need over the past 20 years through the
public performances of its Choir and Orchestra. This
year, noting the economic hardship, the HKMA would bear
all production and administration cost of the charity
concert, which was estimated to be over HK$100K. Every
cent generated would be donated to support the suicide
prevention service. He urged for the generous support
of the general public, and together we brought comfort
to the desperate people.
Dr. CHOW
continued that the Hon. LEUNG Chun Ying and Prof. Gabriel
LEUNG had agreed to come and officiate the Concert.
The HKMA Choir and Orchestra would bring good music
to the audience. It was glad to know that some donors
had dedicated their concert tickets to the low income
families, which might not have the chance before to
sit in a grand concert hall and enjoy classical music.
The Foundation expressed our greatest gratitude towards
all generous donors.
Ms.
Elsie CHIEN, Deputy Director of SPS briefed that
ever since the financial tsunami, the number of incoming
call to the SPS hotline has increased by 78% in April
to June this year compared to the same period last year.
Calls from male increased by 85% and that the calls
related to financial and employment problems increased
by 68%. Hotline volunteer Ms. CHAN expressed that in
the past months, many callers felt frustrated because
of financial problems and have suicidal thoughts. Fortunately,
they changed their mind after talked to the hotline
volunteers who showed concern and acceptance.
Ms. CHIEN
also introduced their other services apart from the
24-hour hotline, including the Outreach Befriending
Service for Suicidal Elderly and Project BLESS (Befriending
service for Lighting up and Empowering
Suicide Survivors). Ms. Szeto, a volunteer
of the outreach service, shared that many of the elder
and retired persons they reached have emotional distress.
Under their care and regular visits, many have become
more stable and positive. Ms. Szeto expressed that,
thanks to the communication skills she learnt by joining
the volunteer service, she as well enjoyed improved
relationship with her elders at home.
Ms. LAW
told that after her son committed suicide, the whole
family was in a mess. It was the turning point when
she sought help from Project BLESS. She was able to
face the way forward after counseling. Later she was
trained to be a volunteer, and helped other survivors
overcome their difficult time by sharing with them her
own experience. She reminded that suicide survivors
were particularly vulnerable, especially when the society
was filled with negative news. She urged the emotionally
distressed persons to contact Project BLESS at 2382
2737 for assistance.
Notes to editors:
The Hong Kong Medical Association, founded in 1920,
aims to bring together Hong Kong's government, institutional,
university and private medical practitioners for an
effective exchange of views and co-ordination of efforts.
The foremost objective of the Association is to safeguard
and promote public health. The Association speaks collectively
for its members and aims to keep its members abreast
of medical ethics, issues and advances around the world.
In fulfilling these goals, the association hopes to
better serve the people of Hong Kong.
Enquiries : Ms. Candy Yuen
Tel : 2527 8285
Home Page : http://www.hkma.org
E-mail : hkma@hkma.org
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