Funded by the Mental Health Initiative Funding Scheme co-ordinated by the Advisory Committee on Mental Health, the Integrated Centre for Wellbeing (I-WELL) of The Education University of Hong Kong has launched the Gear Up! Be Mentally Smart project in March 2022. It is hoped that through a series of structural training courses and activities, lay leaders in the community will be provided with basic knowledge of mental health and suicidal behavior, and a community-based support network will be established to promote mental health and identify people with mental health needs.
The project objectives include:
a. To improve awareness of mental health issues of lay leaders (mainly from religious groups and parent associations) in the workplace and community with fundamental concepts, knowledge, and skills in nurturing the mental well-being of people through
(i) establishing an inclusive and accepting atmosphere;
(ii) de-stigmatization of mental illnesses; and
(iii) enhancing understandings, knowledge skills, and sensitivity to identify people with mental health needs and suicidal risk.;
b. To promote positive mental health in the community and region
Community lay leaders (mainly from religious groups and parent associations) in the Northern, Tai Po, Sha Tin, and New Territories West Districts
