A new chapter of service in Sai Kung countryside

In collaboration with Haven of Hope Christian Service (HOHCS)

For years, Haven of Hope Christian Service (HOHCS) has been prioritising the needs of the public, innovating and pursuing breakthroughs along the way. Despite the uncertainty in Hong Kong in recent years due to Covid-19, it has spearheaded through, continuously developing services that meet the needs of the society. One of HOHCS’ latest service operations is stationed at the brand new social welfare complex in Ho Chung, Sai Kung, which is a social welfare project owned and funded by the Social Welfare Department. 

Although HOHCS has set down its roots in Sai Kung District over the years, most of its service units are located in Tseung Kwan O, with services only provided to rural residents. However, with the new complex in Ho Chung, taking over the former Sai Kung Central Primary School, it is able to reach a new audience who need the help.

A design that connects with nature

Located in Ho Chung of Sai Kung and being converted from the existing ex-Sai Kung Central Primary School, the Ho Chung Welfare Facilities Block is surrounded by rivers and mangroves in a beautiful and tranquil environment. In converting the former school into a social welfare complex, the user team and the design team, with the support of the Social Welfare Department and Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, make a joint effort to realise a vision for the new complex.

“The vision is to turn the abandoned school into a safe and beautiful oasis both responding to the surrounding nature and to be fully enjoyed by the physically or mentally bounded residents, through provision of appropriate indoor and outdoor facilities which can strengthen their physical health and also facilitate their engagement with the nature, family members and the local community,”   says Doris Leung, Project Manager of Facility Management Section of HOHCS.

The new complex will feature five thematic “oases” which include a rooftop café for the elderly and mentally handicapped people to carry out leisure activities, exercise, sensory training and horticultural therapy. It is set for completion in 2022. Upon completion, there will be 60 hostel places for the severely mentally handicapped; 100 home-for-the-aged places; and daycare centre services for 30 eligible elders.

Fostering communication between different groups

This time around, HOHCS has successfully bid a service tender to operate an elderly home. It will plough ahead to serve the elders of the existing generation, as well as the elders in future. “The complete construction of the elderly home not just cater the needs of the elders of the current generation. We ought to make preparations for the elders in future,” says Eanna Chow, Head of Elderly Services of HOHCS.

HOHCS is always forging ahead to develop a healthy and compassionate Hong Kong. Chris Chong, Director of Service of HOHCS, hopes that the Ho Chung Welfare Facilities Block could become a place that promotes inclusion for disabled persons and frail elders and change the public perception on the door fenced or disconnected residential homes for the elderly and disabled persons. “We hope to invite more friends from the local community to participate in various events and group activities, which inevitably will raise public understanding on HOHCS and the services we are providing here, as well as to promote community networking, social capital and mutual support and participation,” she says.

To support its functions, the new complex will introduce new technology advancement, including facial recognition and fall prevention. These functions will help staff free up their time to further help service users, and enable everyone to engage in outdoor activities in a safe environment.

Engaging the community with new features

Lastly, it is hoped that in the future, the complex will become an engagement point for those in the community. The public is welcome to join in the programmes and activities as volunteers, and ultimately narrow the distance between the homes and the public to bring about mutual assistance.

Ho Chung Welfare Facilities Block will open in 2022.

Read more: Sai Kung District Health Centre Express – a new chapter in primary healthcare