- Those joining Mental Health Foundation’s ‘Night to Light’ programme will trek up sunrise spots in Hong Kong and hold outdoor discussions
- Charity, which has set itself a goal of advancing mental wellness, will use funds raised to hire instructors and therapists, and buy hiking gear
Hiking is a good workout. The challenge may also be an occasion for sharing experiences and developing a positive attitude towards mental health.
As part of a project to increase understanding of mental well-being and fight social stigma, a charity will trek up sunrise spots in Hong Kong with 25 young adults who have experienced mental health issues and hold discussions during the outdoor gathering.
Stephen Wong, a vice-chairman of the Mental Health Foundation, said the "Night to Light" programme aimed to let participants, aged between 18 and 24, experience a journey from darkness to dawn.
"We will watch the sunrise together," he said. "We want to give them this message: darkness must pass."
The free programme will be funded by Operation Santa Claus, the annual fundraiser organised by the South China Morning Post and public broadcaster RTHK.
This is the first time the foundation is being helped by the year-end campaign, and it will use the funds to hire instructors and therapists, and buy hiking gear.
Founded by mental health professionals and concerned members of the public in 2012, the charity has set itself a goal of advancing mental wellness for Hongkongers. It served 2,340 and 2,882 people in 2017 and 2018 respectively.
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Dr Ting Sik-chuen, another vice-chairman of the foundation, said his team wanted to help rehabilitate people living with mental health issues.
"Improving their well-being is important," the psychiatrist said.
"And we have to tackle the social stigma of mental illness, which has prevented many from seeking the help they need."
A recent local study by the University of Hong Kong revealed that nearly one in 10 Hongkongers were found to have suspected depression.
We have to tackle the social stigma of mental illness, which has prevented many from seeking the help they needTing Sik-chuen, Mental Health Foundation vice-chairman
Wong said the foundation wanted to help young adults living with mental health issues and that he hoped the hiking challenges organised by his team under the Night to Light programme could lead them to develop a positive attitude towards mental health.
He said the two-year programme was based on an integrated approach, which consisted of outdoor group activities, individual interpersonal support, educational discussion, workshops and knowledge sharing.
Applicants are required to complete an assessment before enrolment on the programme. Those with scores in the range of mild to moderate will get a place, while applicants ranked as severe or extreme severe cases will be referred by the foundation to mental health specialists.
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Wong noted the role of the hikes in the programme, saying participants were expected to learn about mental health through direct experience and interaction with other members of the hiking groups that include mental health professionals, and individuals who have recovered from mental illness.
Roni Heung Pui-ying said the hikers would be encouraged to express themselves in words or through art in the free environment.
"They could create a pattern using fallen leaves around to reflect the feelings they have at the moment and then share them with others," the project manager said.
The hikes will be followed by therapy support and sharing sessions.
Wong said programme participants would be invited to share their experiences with their peers in different activities or at secondary schools, adding that the sharing could make a social impact by helping to encourage acceptance of mental health issues among youths and reduce stigma.
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