Eligible organisations are invited to apply for funding support for the implementation of mental health projects under the first phase of the Mental Health Initiatives Funding Scheme.

Non-governmental organisations receiving recurrent subventions from the Social Welfare Department, Hong Kong Council of Social Service agency members and tertiary institutions registered under the laws of Hong Kong may submit proposals to the Advisory Committee on Mental Health's secretariat by August 31 to apply for funding support.      

Priority will be accorded to projects that fall into one of three areas: training of lay leaders for establishing a community network of mental health support, support for carers or information technology support for the elderly.

The application assessment will be based on the proposal submitted, taking into account the project strength, impact, design and feasibility as well as the applying organisation's experience and track record.

The Chief Executive in the 2020 Policy Address noted that the social unrest in 2019 and the persisting COVID-19 epidemic since early 2020 have different levels of impact on the mental well-being of citizens.

The Government therefore decided to earmark $300 million under the Beat Drugs Fund to provide better support to the needy in the community and raise public awareness of mental health.

The second phase of the Mental Health Initiatives Funding Scheme will be announced next year.

Click here for details.