Friendly exchange: Acting Chief Executive Henry Tang talks to the stall operators during his visit to Apliu Street, Sham Shui Po.

The Government will continue to provide a safety net for those unable to fend for themselves, Acting Chief Executive Henry Tang said when paying a visit to Sham Shui Po District today.

Mr Tang visited the Boys' and Girls' Clubs Association of Hong Kong in Lai Kok Estate to learn about the challenges faced by the youth and families of new immigrants, including financial difficulties, education for children and youth unemployment.

Talking to clients, volunteers and staff of the centre, Mr Tang said that for those who were able to work but needed assistance, the Government would provide the necessary support services.

Mr Tang also visited the Dragon Centre, stalls in Apliu Street and shops selling electronic products in Golden Shopping Centre and exchanged views with residents and shopkeepers along the way.

He was pleased to learn that consumer sentiment had improved as the economy continued to recover, but he noted that there was still a lot of work to be done and urged the community to work together to address the economic restructuring.

Before visiting Sham Shui Po, Mr Tang visited a social services complex in Ho Man Tin to learn more about community care services for the elderly and mentally handicapped people.

Accompanied by the Chairman of the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, Christopher Chan, and the relevant assistant directors of the Social Welfare Department, Mr Tang visited the Wong Cho Tong Social Services Building to review the various day care and residential care services provided by the non-governmental organisation and to meet with clients receiving services in the building.

Mr Tang visited the integrated vocational rehabilitation services centre catering for moderately mentally handicapped people and was briefed on the challenges the centre faced in sustaining and further developing this service.

He also visited the community centre, day care centre and residential care centre for the elderly in the same building and chatted with the elderly people, volunteer workers and staff of the centres while they were taking part in various types of social and rehabilitation activities.