Community Helper 2.0 - Support for Elders with Emigrant Children

Background

Hong Kong Christian Service (HKCS) conducted the 'Survey on Service Needs of Elders with Emigrant Children in Hong Kong', from November 2022 to February 2023. The survey found that 36.0% of elders had children who had emigrated in or after 2020, of whom 63.0% of the children were their 'primary caregivers' 79.5% of elders with emigrant children are at 'high risk' of social isolation and 69.9% of elders with emigrant children were prone to depression. The survey also found that strengthening the neighbourhood support network to provide 'life support services' to the elders in need would enable them to live in the community in peace.

Therefore, HKCS launched "Community Helper - Support for Elders with Emigrant Family" in August 2023, for a year. The project aimed at enhancing needy elders, connection with community resources and matching appropriate services for them to facilitate better adjustment to changes and improve their quality of life. Since its implementation, the project has received attention and support from different stakeholders in the society, and has successfully provided services to nearly 200 elderly people, effectively reducing their depression and improving their happiness.

Our agency has continued the efforts to launch the "Community Helper 2.0 - Support for Elders with Emigrant Children" in September 2024. In addition to continuing the service contents of the first year, such as individual counseling, volunteer visit and festival celebrations, Project 2.0 put more emphasis on developing strength and potential of the elders, especially transforming the participants in the first phase from the role of service recipients to "community good helper". The elders share their experience with different stakeholders in the society and they become more confident and connected with the community.

Objectives

• To assist elders with emigrant children to rebuild their identities and roles in the community, leveraging their strengths.
• To enhance self-efficacy of elders with emigrant children.
• To strengthen social support network of elders with emigrant children for reducing hidden risk and social isolation.

Service Target

• Elders whose children have emigrated or will emigrate
  
  

Service Contents

• Service Hotline : 6849 8307
• Emergency Crisis Intervention
• Festival Celebration
• Mutual Support Groups and Activities
• Volunteer Training
• Multi-generational "Co-Learning+Co-Living" Platform

Multi-generational "Co-Learning+Co-Living" Platform

Utilising the skills of elders with emigrant children to serve the community, transform their roles into "Community-Good-Parents", fostering an inclusive community and embodying the spirit of active ageing.

• "Co-learning": Learning new skills together with partner organisations, such as sewing, cooking, sports and storytelling.
• "Co-Living": Applying skills to contribute to society.

Major Service Areas

• Kwun Tong District and Shamshuipo District
• Accepting registrations for activities from elders with emigrant children across 18 districts.

Service Charge

• Please contact our staff on 6849 8307 for details.
  
  

Application and Withdrawal

• Please contact our staffs on 6849 8307 or visit our centre in person for application and withdrawal procedures.

Others information

• Survey 2023："Survey on Service Needs of Elders with Emigrant Children in Hong Kong"
• Survey 2024："Survey on Service Needs of Elders with Emigrant Children in Hong Kong 2024"