"Ho Sum Ching" - Free Mental Health Peer Support Group (Cantonese)

Introduction: You are cordially invited to join us, share experiences, find comfort, and collectively harness the power of community to create a more inclusive society! About the event: This peer support group is designed to support you through mental health challenges. Language plays a vital role in communication and sharing, and we understand that accessing psychological support and related resources in Hong Kong can be difficult. Therefore, we strongly believe it is essential to provide support in Cantonese. Through this group, we hope to offer you the support and assistance you need! Themes: Peer Support: Share personal stories, challenges faced, and ways of overcoming difficulties openly within an inclusive, non-judgmental environment, while gaining inspiration from others' experiences. Community Inclusion: We aim to build a strong support network for you, connecting you with like-minded individuals to expand your social circle and journey forward together. Self-Care: Learn effective self-care techniques and draw insights from others' experiences. Who should attend: Our free support group welcomes any Cantonese speaker seeking support, understanding, and community. Whether you are facing mental health challenges, experiencing grief or loss, or simply wish to enhance your self-care skills, you are welcome to join the "Ho Sum Ching" journey! We look forward to meeting you at "Ho Sum Ching"! Event Details The peer support group is a space where participants gather to share stories and support one another. The session will be facilitated by two trained volunteers who have walked similar emotional journeys as you. It is normal to feel nervous during your first session—we understand that sharing your story requires courage. But please believe that you deserve care and support. Feel free to join us, even if you just want to listen quietly. At the beginning of the session, the facilitators will give a brief introduction and invite you to introduce yourself and share why you've joined. After that, there is no pressure to speak. Our facilitators will guide the discussion. Here, you can: Share your story freely and talk about how these experiences have affected your life Honestly express your feelings and emotions Discuss how to navigate the ups and downs of emotional well-being Group Sharing Guidelines To ensure this group is inclusive for everyone, we have established some basic sharing principles for all to follow: Confidentiality: All content shared in the group is confidential. Please do not discuss specific details outside the group, and recording is strictly prohibited. Genuine Sharing: This is a space for honestly sharing experiences without judgment or right/wrong distinctions. Freedom to Speak: If you do not wish to speak, you are completely welcome to simply observe and listen. Focused Listening: Please give full attention to the speaker; others should remain quiet when someone is sharing. Guided Conversation: If facilitators need to redirect topics or manage time, please don't interpret this as interrupting you. Mutual Kindness: Be kind to yourself and others. Empathy: Listen to others with compassion. Respect for Experiences: We do not compare experiences—everyone's journey deserves respect. Please Note This peer support group is intended for sharing personal difficulties and mutual support. Participants may come to listen, but this is not a space for observation. You should participate in peer support, not conduct research as a student, clinical observation, or media reporting, unless you have obtained our written consent. About The New Normal Charity We are a Hong Kong S88-registered charity organization, hosting free peer support groups in Hong Kong since 2022. These groups are volunteer-led. While our facilitators are trained, they are not mental health professionals. We do not provide advice to participants, but rather offer a space for sharing, connection, and support. We believe no one needs to feel alone—there is always someone who can understand your story. If you are in a mental health crisis and cannot guarantee your own safety, please seek immediate help: Samaritans: 2341 7227 (until 10pm), 2389 2222 (24-hour) Caritas: 18288 Suicide Prevention Hotline: 2382 0000 For more information, please visit our website: www.thenewnormalcharityhk.org One-minute walk from Prince Edward Station: Exit D, turn right and walk straight along Portland Street; the building is on the right-hand side. HQ Unit B, C, 14/F, HQ Building, 450-454 Portland Street, Prince Edward, Yau Tsim Mong, Kowloon D’hub