40th Anniversary of Richmond Fellowship of Hong Kong
On the forefront of mental health
Richmond Fellowship of Hong Kong is an international non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting mental health. Established in Hong Kong in 1984, our services have expanded from a rehabilitation hostel, Yam Garden, to a comprehensive range of mental health services, including community mental health support services, residential training, vocational rehabilitation, supported employment, 24-hour mental health hotline, and various special programs. Our services are thoughtfully crafted to meet the diverse needs of individuals in their journey of recovery, as well as their dedicated caregivers. We extend our support to young people and their parents, working adults, and the elderly, effectively reaching and impacting up to 15,000 individuals annually. With over four decades of experience in this field, we take immense pride in our continuous commitment to making a difference in the lives of those facing mental health challenges.
40 years of journey
Over the past 40 years, we have witnessed numerous changes in Hong Kong, including moments of ‘leap’, ‘transformation’, ‘stability’ and ‘challenge’. We recognise that the mental health landscape is intimately intertwined with the ever-evolving environment in which we live. Emotional distress can affect individuals from all walks of life, irrespective of age, background, or profession. As awareness of mental illness steadily grows within society and public demand for support increases, we diligently reassess our services, searching for effective models, and recalibrating our strategies. Our goal is to meet the evolving needs of our community. Furthermore, we staunchly advocate for individuals in their journey of recovery, lending our voices to their cause. We strive to facilitate their successful reintegration into the community, fostering new lifestyles and opportunities for growth. As we reflect upon our forty-year odyssey, we remain dedicated to our mission of promoting mental health, pioneering transformative change, and nurturing a society that embraces and supports the well-being of all people-in-recovery.
Reaching out to those in need
We deeply understand the arduous and often lengthy path of recovery. As such, we continually strive to evolve and innovate our services to cater to the diverse needs of individuals seeking support. In our relentless pursuit of enhancing holistic care, we have established various initiatives over the years. In 2001, we founded Richmond Welbiz Limited, creating social enterprises and employment training opportunities. Collaborating with the business sector, we aim to facilitate the reintegration of individuals in recovery into the social workplace. Our commitment to supporting caregivers and family members led to the establishment of the Heart to Heart Club in 2004, which has grown to encompass over 800 members. In 2008, we proudly launched JUSTONE, Hong Kong's pioneering 24-hour emotional support hotline staffed by compassionate human responders and successfully took over the mental health hotline project provided by the Department of Health later on. Recognising the transformative power of peer support, we played a pivotal role in establishing the Richmond Fellowship Community Network in 2013. This organisation serves as a platform for individuals in recovery to support one another, with over 300 members actively utilising their personal experiences to promote mental health. In 2023, their dedication and impact were officially recognised by the government, acknowledging them as a charitable organisation. Since 2020, we have implemented the Recovering Citizenship model, developed by Yale University in the United States. This model empowers individuals in recovery to cultivate personal strengths and assume valuable roles within society, enabling them to make significant contributions to their communities. Through these initiatives and unwavering commitment to promoting mental health, we strive to provide comprehensive support to all in need, fostering resilience and empowering individuals on their path to recovery.
Embracing the future
As we proudly commemorate our 40th year of service in Hong Kong, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the public, including our dedicated volunteers, for their unwavering support throughout the years. We are immensely grateful for the generosity of our donors and sponsors, the collaborative efforts of both government and non-government social welfare organisations and community groups, the invaluable guidance of professional advisory teams, and the continuous support from our international partner, Richmond Fellowship. It is through their collective contributions that our services have been able to flourish and reach more individuals in need.
While we celebrate our achievements, we acknowledge that there remains a significant demand for mental health support within our society. We have ambitious plans for future development and expansion, driven by our unwavering commitment to our mission. Rest assured, we will persist in offering compassionate care and sincere support to those in need.
Whether you are a supporter or a beneficiary, we deeply appreciate your unwavering presence throughout the highs and lows of our 40-year journey. If you would like to contribute and support our services, please kindly consider making a donation at www.richmond.org.hk. Your generosity will enable us to continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.
Total number of service recipients over the past 40 years
566,581 |