The Social Welfare Department (SWD) today held the Care the Carers Campaign kick-off ceremony to mark the launch of a three-year citywide publicity drive which aims to recognise carers’ contributions, promote the message of caring for the carers, and appeal to the community to show their support.

Officiating at the ceremony, Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki expressed gratitude to all carers across the city and noted that the Government will continue to better assist carers through enhanced support, strengthened respite services and stronger financial assistance. He also hoped that all members of the community would collaborate with the Government to enhance support for carers and demonstrate the spirit of the Care the Carers Campaign.

To thank carers for their efforts and contributions as well as echo with the Happy Hong Kong Campaign, Mr Chan announced that the SWD will organise the Say Thank You to Carers event which involves the distribution of 10,000 Ocean Park tickets to carers of seniors and people with disabilities. The tickets will be distributed through elderly and rehabilitation service units.

Separately, the 24-hour Designated Hotline for Carer Support 182 183 will begin operation from midnight tomorrow. Commissioned by the SWD and operated by Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, the hotline's 30 lines will be answered by professional social workers. Representatives from Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, together with carers, gave a demonstration of the hotline at today’s ceremony.

Speaking on the hotline's operation, Director of Social Welfare Charmaine Lee pointed out that the social workers will conduct instant assessments on the callers’ conditions and needs, so that appropriate carer support, referral and outreaching visits can be arranged. She also expressed hope that with the timely support, the hotline will alleviate carers’ pressure.

The Government also announced that starting from next month, the Support for Carers Project will be extended to cover disabled people and their carers in need. As such, property management workers can better utilise community resources to support carers of senior citizens as well as people with disabilities. The SWD appealed to the property management sector’s continual support for the enhanced project.

Furthermore, a Shue Yan University representative briefed the ceremony participants on the Information Gateway for Carers to be launched in November, which aims to help carers obtain comprehensive and updated information.

With the launch of the Care the Carers Campaign, the SWD will also roll out new TV and radio announcements in the public interest, and a series of promotional activities tomorrow, to call on public support for carers and a carer-friendly community.