In the last issue of the newsletter, we collected votes for the focused topics for community participation. The results show that most participants concentrated on child development, support for women and elderly. HKCSS actively promotes cross-sectoral collaboration among diverse stakeholders to address various social agendas and co-create a more sustainable society. Through a collaboration with Hong Kong Economic Times, we have jointly launched a “Co-Creation Column” in TOPick website and the “Sustainability Times” magazine. These platforms enable us to explore sustainability-related issues from a macro perspective that resonates with the public, highlighting the potential for collaboration across different sectors. We warmly invite you to share your co-creation stories. If they align with the current theme, our co-creation team may reach out to you, providing an precious opportunity to feature your story in the aforementioned publications.

Facing an aging society, how can corporates walk alongside carers? How to support carers has become an important issue that society must collectively explore and address. This event will explore carers’ current situations and needs from multiple perspectives. Through the sharing of community resource and showcasing initiatives from corporates, it will demonstrate how to co-create solutions that address social needs by leveraging community resources. An interactive session will also be arranged, allowing participants to exchange ideas and explore ways to build carer-friendly communities.

Click here to read more and register.

Over 70% of ethnic minorities in Hong Kong are in the prime of their careers, and they are a valuable asset to the Hong Kong workforce. However, due to cultural differences, employers might hesitate to hire them. By presenting the situation of ethnic minorities and providing an overview of their employment, offering cultural sensitivity training, and sharing practical experiences from exployers, this event aims to provide practical and actionable methods on how to cultivate an ethnically inclusive work environment. It also encourages you to take the first step to co-create a diverse talent pool in Hong Kong.

Registration details for the event will be announced soon. Please stay tuned.

How do ethnic minorities seek health consultation service in Hong Kong?

Does the language barrier hinder their access to basic health information?

Maria has been working at the Sham Shui Po District Health Center for three years. She has effectively leveraged her own ethnic minority (EM) background to proactively engage with EM members in the community, promoting Hong Kong’s primary healthcare services. Maria is familiar with the health needs and concerns of ethnic minorities, which has enhanced their awareness and trust in health information. This has not only raised health consciousness within the community she serves but also driven greater health awareness within her own family and the entire ethnic community. While serving as a bridging role, Maria has also contributed to creating a more welcoming and reassuring primary healthcare environment for ethnic minorities.

Let’s watch Maria’s story.

We have interviewed 10 ethnic minorities, covering themes of employment and education, adaptation and integration, family and gender, health, and more. Please stay tuned!

The traditional community carnival typically features orderly booths where participants play booth games to win prizes. This August, “Anewtoys” hosted a Feel Free Carnival at the shopping plaza in Ma On Shan. There were no red tents nor gifts – just a collection of toys made from waste – but it attracted over 100 families. This is the appeal of “Anewtoys”. Carers and their children sat on the ground together stacking paper cups. They wondered why simple waste could be so much fun and were curious about why children could be so immersed. In this rule-free carnival, participants actively queued, shared toys and got to know one another. Happiness is so close at hand, and the distance between people can be bridged in an instant.

Over the past academic year, Solutions Hub collaborated with the Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s School of Design and the Hong Kong Metropolitan University’s Department of Creative Arts. Through the creativity and multi-faceted thinking of youth, various types of digital tools have been designed from the user’s perspective for “Secret Chat”, including a series of themed stickers and interactive installations. Not only motivate youths to communicate and express abstract emotions, but also establishing resonant communication between social workers and youths, taking an innovative step forward for youth-friendly online chat counseling service.

Interactive installation helps relieve stress, with thematic visual attracts youths

Online stickers to support abstract expression of experiences and emotions (Design demonstration)

“Secret Chat” is a cross-sector co-creation project that brings together the foundation, social welfare sector, academia, youth, and general public. It aims in co-creating service guidelines and tools for online chat counseling services, providing support and assistance for youth with mental health needs.

Each individual’s life journey is unique, but we will all inevitably grow old. While many of us are consumed by work, neglecting our own and our loved ones’ wellbeing, unexpected physical changes can leave us feeling helpless.

Careful life planning is crucial to prepare for the future and make the most of the present, cultivating a more fulfilling existence.

Currently, Hong Kong lacks a comprehensive future care plan suitable for different adults. The Hong Kong Council of Social Service advocates for a self-care and life planning system, and has established a platform to provide life management and care information to the public, raising awareness of its importance.

For details, please visit https://compassionatecommunity.org.hk/

Youth are the pillars of the future. There are many children and youth service centers across Hong Kong, providing the youth with career planning, vocational guidance, and training and development support services.

Through diversified activities and resources, our youth can explore their potential, establish positive values, and plan a fulfilling life journey.

For more information, please visit the following service list and map.

https://ngo.hkcss.org.hk/search?search_str=&type=1&view=map&tags=sp381

Do Hong Kong Consumers Care About Sustainability?

In July, a survey of 1,199 Hong Kong consumers was conducted to explore how sustainability influences their purchasing decisions.  The majority of respondents were aged between 18 and 49, primarily from Generation Z and Millennials.

The findings reveal a strong preference for sustainability among consumers. Nearly 50% of participants reported having reduced or stopped buying from brands that they felt did not focus enough on sustainable practices. Furthermore, 57% of respondents believe their favourite brands are falling short in this area. This suggests that consumers are likely to shift their loyalty to brands that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability.

The survey also highlights that only 3% of respondents view product sustainability details as irrelevant. In contrast, nearly 80% of respondents have paid more for products or services that they consider more sustainable. However, only 13% are willing to pay an additional 10% or more on average, offering valuable insights for pricing strategies.

As an independent research firm, PIE Strategy conducted this survey to help the industry gain a clearer understanding of sustainable consumption habits and consumer expectations in Hong Kong. These insights could support businesses in integrating sustainability into their product strategies effectively.

For detailed insights, download the full report of the “Hong Kong Sustainable Consumer Choice Survey 2024” for free here: https://bit.ly/SustainableConsumption_PIE