HKJC expands mental health programme with HK$678m funding

The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) has approved a cumulative funding of HK$678 million through its Charities Trust to support JC JoyAge, which aims to expand its community-based mental health support services to a primary care level. 

This initiative has addressed the pressing societal need for mental health support, as HKJC has cited a survey showing that about one in seven people aged between 16 and 75 in Hong Kong suffers from anxiety, depression, or other common mood disorders.

Initiated and funded by HKJC Charities Trust since 2016, JC JoyAge has tackled the issue of elderly depression through a cross-sectoral community support network, according to the release. By collaborating with District Elderly Community Centres (DECCs) and Integrated Community Centres for Mental Wellness (ICCMWs) across all 18 districts of Hong Kong, the project has established an integrated service model that covers more than 70% of relevant service units.

As part of the expanded funding, HKJC has embarking on a new three-year phase in 2024, which will continue to provide existing services to the elderly while expanding community-based support services in a primary care setting. HKJC has partnered with Wong Tai Sin District Health Centre (DHC), Southern DHC, and Sai Kung District Health Centre Express (DHCE) to establish the “Jockey Club JoyAge Hub” and introduce “Primary care physician co-care services” with designated general practitioners and family doctors. 

Furthermore, the services will be extended to services to individuals aged 45 and above, in addition to those aged 60 and above. It will also collaborate with Hospital Authority Clusters to refer stable and wait-listed psychiatric outpatient cases to community service units or designated DHCs/DHCE.

Primary care is a core focus of healthy community, a priority area under the club’s charities strategy, according to Club Steward Bernard Chan. HKJC has been aligning with the government’s direction on primary health-care development. The current phase of JC JoyAge partners DHCs/DHCE in three districts to build an integrated medical-social community mental health support network.

With the goal of providing services to over 13,000 at-risk and depressed elderly and middle-aged individuals, the project plans to refer 90 service users to designated primary care physicians for medical support. Additionally, it will train more than 70 social workers through professional workshops to enhance their mental health knowledge and competency. Over 480 peer supporters will be engaged to provide community support services and conduct more than 1,500 public education programs to improve mental health literacy.

The Club’s support for the JC JoyAge project, such as all its charity and community donations, is made possible by its integrated business model, where racing and responsible sports wagering generate substantial tax contributions, charity support, and employment opportunities for Hong Kong, according to the release.

Don't miss: HKJC pumps HK$1.4bn to support youth development

Back in April, HKJC committed a HK$1.4 billion donation to support five youth development initiatives in celebration of its 140th anniversary. These included two strategic collaborations with the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) announced in the 2024 Policy Address.

The five projects aimed to "level up" young people at critical periods in their developmental journey and help them build a resilient sense of self and trajectory in life, thereby establishing a foundation for a successful future. 

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