The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has dedicated significant efforts to supporting residents affected by the Wang Fuk Court fire in Tai Po. The School of Nursing formed a multidisciplinary volunteer team, mobilising faculty members, students and alumni to reach out to the community, offering tangible assistance and mental-health support to residents. In recognition of the team’s selfless contributions, the School organised a Community Mental Health Support Programme Volunteer Appreciation event on 30 April, aiming to encourage the University community to leverage its expertise and strengths for the benefit of society.
The Ceremony was held on the PolyU campus and officiated by Dr LAM Ching-Choi, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Mental Health (ACMH) and Non-Official Member of the Executive Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government of the People’s Republic of China; Mr Horace LIT, Executive Manager, Charities (Health; Older Adults) of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Prof. Daniel SHEK, Associate Vice President (Undergraduate Programme) of PolyU; Dr Laura LO, Associate Vice President (Institutional Advancement); and Prof. David SHUM, Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences (FHSS).
During his speech, Prof. Daniel Shek said, “We offer our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the residents of Wang Fuk Court. In the face of adversity, our community has co
me together to demonstrate care and resilience. It is truly moving to see the projects’ implementation today as an excellent demonstration of PolyU’s motto: ‘To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind’. We have always believed that academic excellence only finds its true meaning through civic responsibility and compassionate action.”
Prof. David Shum remarked, “The Community Mental Health Support Programme has demonstrated the power of collaboration, bringing together healthcare professionals, community partners, housing-site operators and volunteers to provide holistic care.”
The PolyU volunteer team comprised over 100 FHSS alumni—including psychiatric nurses, occupational therapists and social workers—exemplifying the University’s strong interdisciplinary strengths. In addition to distributing over 1,000 relief supply packages to affected residents, the volunteers leveraged their professional expertise to offer immediate and comprehensive health, emotional and social support in helping affected residents to rebuild their lives.
Prof. Vivian HUI, Assistant Professor of the School of Nursing, the Community Mental Health Support Programme Leader and a member at ACMH, expressed her gratitude to the volunteers for their professional support and selfless contributions. She said, “We are grateful for the support of the PolyU team that includes professionals from different fields. They have leveraged their knowledge and rich experience to give back to society. With their shared efforts, we have been able to provide residents with timely and comprehensive care, addressing their physical, psychological and social needs. The Programme also equipped the team with valuable hands-on experience, further enhancing their professional competencies and fostering personal growth.”
Since mid-December last year, the School of Nursing has partnered with seven government and non-governmental organisations to organise volunteer visits to 12 rehousing sites, including transitional housing and residential units managed by the Hong Kong Housing Society, providing support to over 1,200 residents.
Over the past three months, the volunteer team has addressed residents’ needs through community outreach. Occupational therapists offered advice on lifestyle adjustment and routine reconstruction by, for example, enhancing fall-prevention awareness among older adults in response to changes in their home and living environments. Social workers advised residents on essential coping skills to help them manage the challenges brought about by life changes while maintaining mental well-being as they integrate into new communities. Psychiatric nurses identified residents experiencing negative emotions, insomnia or related difficulties, and provided counselling and follow-up support.
In view of the significant impact of the first Community Mental Health Support Programme, the Programme will continue in 2026-2027. This new phase will focus on monitoring and provide transitional mental health support for residents through a tiered-service model, while also formulating long-term mental health support strategies through data analysis. The aim is to strengthen society’s resilience in navigating major incidents in the future. To date, around 300 residents have completed comprehensive mental health screenings. The team has also organised 10 workshops on topics such as insomnia and psychological resilience, and has referred more than 10 cases to clinical psychologists, psychiatrists and Integrated Community Centres for Mental Wellness for follow-up.
Three volunteers representing psychiatric nurses, occupational therapists and social workers, respectively, together with a housing operator from the Hong Kong Housing Society, shared their service experiences.
The PolyU multidisciplinary volunteer team posed for a group photo.
