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HKJC Charities Trust backs expansion of suicide prevention services

The renovated facility is expected to support more people through expanded crisis and mental health services.

2 min read
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Key Points
The renovated Ping Shek Service Centre is expected to serve around 20% more people seeking help
New facilities include upgraded counseling spaces, accessible amenities, and enhanced volunteer support systems
The project forms part of HKJC's long-term commitment to strengthening community mental health services

The Suicide Prevention Services Jockey Club Ping Shek Service Centre officially reopened on July 11 following a renovation supported by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust. The upgrade expands the center's capacity to provide mental health and emotional support services to vulnerable individuals and their families.

The upgraded facility, which has served as Suicide Prevention Services' headquarters since 2009, was redesigned to improve operational efficiency and create a safer, more comfortable environment for counseling sessions, group activities, and frontline services.

The renovation reconfigured approximately 256 square meters of space, introducing redesigned counseling rooms, expanded activity areas, barrier-free facilities, and an accessible restroom to better accommodate a wider range of service users.

The center also plays a key role in volunteer training. As part of the upgrade, new technology has been introduced, including a hands-free, noise-canceling hotline system to improve call quality and an emergency alert system that enables staff to respond more quickly when immediate assistance is required.

With the expanded facilities, Suicide Prevention Services expects to increase its number of trained volunteers by approximately 25%, allowing the organization to assist an estimated 20% more people through its 24-hour hotline, crisis intervention, bereavement counseling, and community outreach programs.

The project is part of the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust's broader effort to strengthen mental health support through both online and offline initiatives. In recent years, the Trust has also funded programs supporting caregivers facing emotional crises and initiatives providing bereavement assistance to families and friends of individuals who have died unexpectedly.

At the reopening ceremony, representatives highlighted the growing importance of accessible mental health services as demand for emotional support continues to rise. The Club said it will continue working with community partners to promote mental well-being through coordinated support across schools, neighborhoods, healthcare services, and digital platforms.

The Club noted that its charitable contributions are funded through its integrated business model, under which horse racing and responsible sports wagering generate tax revenue, employment opportunities, and financial support for community initiatives across Hong Kong.

Good to know

The Hong Kong Jockey Club has donated more than HK$100m (US$12.76m) to Suicide Prevention Services over the past three decades

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