Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong

Over the past year, Hong Kong has experienced wave after wave of tremendous challenges and changes. And it is not over yet: many people in the community are suffering on-going hardships of one type or another. Surrounded by such overwhelming difficulties, those who devote their lives to helping others may also begin to feel helpless.

In mid-March, Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong’s Counselling Unit organised a professional webinar for counsellors called “Exploring how to recover Social Sentiment.” The seminar was well received, attracting nearly 400 participants. The two guest speakers explored ways through which counsellors can manage their own emotion during the darkness of the pandemic while carrying out their mission to encourage and nurture members of the community.

Because of the continuing pandemic-related social distancing restrictions, the webinar was conducted online, using channels like Zoom and Facebook Live to make sure it was as accessible as possible. Dr Wong Lai Cheung, an approved couples counsellor and family therapy specialist, and Dr Stephen Mann, a seasoned clinical psychologist, spoke at the webinar. Dr Wong talked about “emotional damage from the family and sociological perspectives,” while Dr Mann discussed “recovery from emotional damage in the context of acceptance and commitment.” The talk was also followed by a Q&A session.

Dr Lee Hing Wai, Bonson, the Association’s Deputy General Secretary and Chief Social Services Officer, also delivered a speech at the seminar, thanking the two speakers for their generosity in sharing their views with the audience and commenting on how the webinar “was a meaningful and timely response to the needs of the community.”

Dr Wong’s moving and heartfelt presentation focused on the “inner mind” that many people have. She pointed out that most people – even counsellors and volunteers –have experienced fear and anxiety due to the pandemic and social unrest of recent years. She suggested that everyone needs to get in touch with their deepest feelings and find for themselves a small healing community that will not judge them, but make them feel safe and listened to. Such a community will help people regain their strength and face challenges with a renewed sense of positivity.

Dr Mann used vivid metaphors and stories to encourage the participants to accept the idea that “change alone is eternal” as a new normal; and that they should try to let of a desire to be in control of the outcome of every situation. Dr Mann explained that even though external environments may change, the role and identity of people who help, “the givers,” remains unchanged. At the highest level, all that the givers need to do is accompany the receivers through their current difficulties and help them face the unknown.

The two speakers' presentations received positive reactions, with several participants saying that the seminar was informative and inspiring.

The Association will continue to provide support to “givers” like Dr Wong and Dr Mann and help others in need by organising more supportive courses like these. Coming up soon, our Counselling Unit will be holding a paid course on the theories and skills of ACT in April and May. ACT therapy is one of the most evidence-based theories in psychotherapy today, combining acceptance, mindfulness, commitment, and behavioural change strategies, with the ultimate goal of increasing one's psychological resilience. This type of therapy also helps individuals clarify their values through taking appropriate actions.

For more information about the programme, please contact the Association’s Counselling Unit at 2783 3431, email to [email protected], or visit our Facebook Page.

After the final round of public voting and judging, the winner and runners-up of “My Favourite/Like Short Film Awards,” have been announced. Launched by the YOL Youth Influencer Training Programme, which is jointly organised by the Association and the Hong Kong Association of Banks, the awards celebrate creativity and intelligence in young people.

Winner: “Opening Source and Reducing Expenditure is Easy!”
Team: Chan Ching Wing, Liu Hoi Wan, Pang Kit Nam, Tsang Ka On, Lok Kai Him, Tong Ka Wai
Short film available here
Judge’s comment: “Able to make good use of role-play to bring out the theme of the story and increase the overall attractiveness of the film.”

1^st Runner up: "Find the Original Taste"
Team: Kwong Wing Yan, Chan Tat Hai, Leung Tze Lam, Lam Tze Yan, Tsang Lok Yee
Short film available here
Judge’s comment: “By testing vegetarian products and sharing their personal feelings, the filmmakers closed the gap between the content and the audience.”

The “Hong Kong Green Organization Certification” is organized by the Environmental Campaign Committee alongside the Environmental Protection Department and in conjunction with nine other organizations. The certification aims to highlight organizations with substantial achievements in green management in order to encourage program participants to adopt a range of environmental practices and to recognize their efforts and commitments to the environment. Upon being assessed by the adjudicating panel, the Association was honored as a 2020-2022 “Hong Kong Green Organization” in recognition of our contributions to environmental protection.

YM Volunteer, Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong’s popular volunteering programme, recently held a “Sweet Massage Therapist” series of workshops for the elderly. The workshop attracted more than 20 participants who completed six training sessions and a final knowledge revision on the ideas and techniques they had learned. The participants are now practicing aromatherapy massage therapy for the elderly, helping to relieve pain and tackle insomnia.