FAQs
A: As this is the first time a project like this has been carried out on this scale in Hong Kong, the YWP programme is an opportunity to explore how this approach works for the Hong Kong population. There is a research project running alongside the programme. We will collect data to help us to evaluate how well this works in a local setting.
A: No – it is helpful for people experiencing these symptoms, but also designed as an opportunity for anyone who is experiencing any kind of difficulty – no matter how mild – to build skills that will help them to cope better with any challenges they may face now or in the future.
A: The YWPs are trained to deliver a manualized intervention based on the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Manualized interventions involve working through a standardised treatment programme with a client, tailoring the treatment to the client’s presenting problem and individual needs. The YWPs are each provided with a manual that will be used to guide their work with their clients. Each young person is provided with a booklet, and the YWP will use their own manual to guide their clients through the booklet, helping them to learn new ideas and skills to handle their problem differently.
A: If you have noticed a change in the behaviour or demeanour of a young person you support, it may be a sign that there has been a change in their mental health or wellbeing. For example, you may have a student who always seems highly stressed but doesn’t seem to have the skills to manage the stress, or a student who is highly perfectionist, to an extent that it interferes with their ability to show their true potential. As someone who closely supports young people, you are in an excellent position to notice these changes. The aim of the YWP project is to identify people early in the course of changes in their mental health and provide support to them, so that they can receive early interventions which prevent problems from getting worse and causing more problems for the young person.
A: For online YWP services, if you are a Hong Kong resident, If you are aged between 18-24, and currently experiencing mental health difficulties or struggles with your emotions, while not currently (or previously) diagnosed with a severe or complex mental health condition, you may be eligible to see a YWP.
A: Before being referred to a YWP, each prospective client will have an assessment with a mental health practitioner (not a YWP). This assessment ensures that only people who would benefit from the YWP approach are referred. If you have this assessment and the YWP sessions would not be a good fit for you, the practitioner will make other recommendations to ensure that you are safe and supported.
For young people who are working with YWPs, YWPs have been trained on how to recognise and respond to safeguarding and risk issues. If any concerns are raised in the sessions, the YWPs have been instructed on how to respond to these, tailoring their response to the urgency of the situation. They will have clinical support from experienced clinicians.
A: Conversations with the YWP are confidential. No information will be released to any party without your consent, except when you present an imminent danger to yourself or to someone else, or if the YWP is led to believe that you may be in imminent danger or risk.
A: YWPs are practitioners who have been trained to deliver the manualised intervention. To join the programme, YWPs were required to have some prior experience of working with, or learning about, mental health problems.
The YWPs attended an intensive block of lectures organised by Mind HK, covering various topics including mental health in young people, counselling skills and safeguarding. They received in-depth training on the delivery of the intervention, including skills-based sessions designed to help the YWPs to build competence in delivering the intervention to varied individuals experiencing a diverse range of presenting problems.
A: The YWPs are closely supervised by experienced mental health professionals, such as psychologists and counsellors. They will receive an one-on-one supervision session per week, and a group supervision session once per month. They will also receive support from host organisations and Mind HK throughout the entire placement period.
A: Parent Consent is not required for online sessions, as you must be aged 18 or above in order to meet with a YWP online.
A: For online intervention, you must be aged 18 and above. However, if you are below the age of 18 and would like to receive mental health support via this programme, you may reach out to us at [email protected] to enquire directly.
A: Both English and Cantonese.
A: The service will be free of charge for eligible participants from December 2022 to April 30 2023.
