Essential Guide: Support Services for Ethnic Minority Older Adults in Hong Kong 

In Hong Kong's diverse society, ethnic minority older adults and their carers face unique challenges in accessing essential support services. A recent survey by Hong Kong Christian Service (HKCS) from November 2023 to April 2024 revealed a concerning trend: the majority of ethnic minority (EM) older adults and their carers have yet to utilize mainstream services, with over half of carers expressing uncertainty about these resources. As our multicultural older population grows, it's crucial to bridge this service gap. This comprehensive guide aims to connect EM families with vital support services across Hong Kong, ensuring every older person receives the care they deserve, regardless of their cultural background.

Governmental Support Services and Resources Available 

Social Welfare Department

The Social Welfare Department is a primary governmental agency that aims to provide welfare services and information to the community, including individuals from diverse backgrounds. This includes various resources such as pamphlets, leaflets and online links for those in need of assistance. Below are the specific services that can support ethnic minority (EM) carers and older adults in Hong Kong.

• Service target: Ethnic Minorities of all ages and ethnicity
• Service boundary: Ethnic Minorities across all districts in Hong Kong
• Website: https://www.swd.gov.hk/en/svcdesk/download/rru/index.html
• Contact number: 2343 2255

 Information Gateway for Carers

The ‘Information Gateway for Carers’ is a dedicated platform designed to provide up-to-date and detailed information for carers of older adults, and individuals requiring palliative care. It aims to raise awareness about the resources and services available.

• Service target: carers of older persons and persons with disabilities
• Website: https://www.carers.hk/en-us
• Contact information: [email protected]

Non-governmental Support Services and Resources Available 

Hong Kong Christian Service (HKCS): Support to Ethnic Elderly (SEE) Project

The HKCS launched a specific project called “Support to Ethnic Elderly (SEE)”specifically designed to assist older persons and their carers in addressing their needs. This initiative aims to facilitate  the social inclusion of EM older people in Hong Kong, supporting their carers and mainstream older adult service providers.

• Service target: carers of South and Southeast Asian older adults, as well as South and Southeast Asian older adults aged 60 or above, living in Sham Shui Po, Yau Tsim Mong, and Kowloon City Districts. 
• Service content: provides services such as outreaching, consultation, need assessment and referral, capacity-building programs, and mutual support groups for both carers and older persons.
• Service boundary: Sham Shui Po, Yau Tsim Mong, and Kowloon City Districts 
• Service Charge: Free-of-Charge 
• Website: https://www.hkcs.org/en/services/project-see
• Contact number: 2777 6188

The Zubin Foundation

The Zubin Foundation aims to provide opportunities and reduce any challenges encountered by EM in Hong Kong by doing outreach work and driving systematic change.

• Service target: ethnic minorities of all age groups and ethnicities in Hong Kong 
• Service content: older adults gatherings, social emotional groups, mental health counseling and chai gatherings for women and girls, as well as resources for emergency relief.
• Service boundary: ethnic minorities from all districts 
• Service charge: Most programs are free-of-charge but registration is required.         
• Website: https://www.zubinfoundation.org
• Contact number: 2540 9588
  

Outreaching Team for Ethnic Minorities

The Social Welfare Department commissioned three non-governmental organisations to set up three outreaching teams for ethnic minorities (OTEM) on mainly Hong Kong Island, in Kowloon and the New Territories to proactively reach out to ethnic minorities and connect those in need with mainstream welfare services.

Hong Kong Christian Service (HKCS): M.O.T.I.O.N - Multicultural Outreach Team for Inclusion

• Service boundary: Yau Tsim Mong, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon, Wong Tai Sin, and Sai Kung 
• Website: https://www.hkcs.org/en/services/otem-motion
• Contact number: 2708 2883

Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council:  Outreach Team for the Multi-Cultural Community 

• Service boundary: Kowloon Central (Kowloon City and Yau-Tsim-Mong District) and Kowloon East (Kwun Tong, Wong Tai SIn, and Sai Kung District)
• Website: https://www.skhwc.org.hk/en/services/elderly/#outreach-suppor
• Contact number: 2521 3457

The Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council - B Square Outreach Team for Ethnic Minorities

• Service boundaries: Wan Chai, Central and Western, Islands, Southern, and Kwun Tong Eastern.
• Website: https://www.naac.org.hk/otem?lang=en
• Contact number: 3500 7184

While navigating support services may seem challenging, remember that you're not alone on this caregiving journey. The organizations listed above are dedicated to supporting both carers and older adults from diverse backgrounds. Taking the first step to reach out may open doors to resources you didn't know existed, ultimately enhancing both your caregiving experience and your loved one's quality of life.