EOC urges public to embrace Integrated Community Centres for Mental Wellness
The EOC issued a statement on 2 May to express concern about the opposition of a number of residents to the plan of New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association to set up an Integrated Community Centre for Mental Wellness (ICCMW) at Mei Lam Estate in Shatin. Addressing their worries that the service users of the ICCMW would affect the safety of the neighbourhood and cause great disturbance, the EOC urges members of the community to accept ICCMWs and drop their “not in my backyard” (NIMBY) mentality.
Offering one-stop, comprehensive and recovery-oriented community services, ICCMWs are a major source of support for former mental illness patients, people troubled with mental health problems, as well as their families and carers. They are established within the community to empower service users to reintegrate into society and lead a quality life. Yet, there have been cases where residents and district councillors, in opposing the construction of an ICCMW amid housing estates in their neighbourhood, put up banners and posters claiming that persons with mental illness pose a threat to public order. The EOC wishes to remind members of the public that such acts may violate the Disability Discrimination Ordinance (DDO), under which vilification against persons with disabilities – defined as an activity in public which incites hatred, serious contempt or severe ridicule – is unlawful.
“Drawing a link between mental illness and a propensity for violence distorts the truth and reinforces stigma,” said Prof Alfred CHAN Cheung-ming, Chairperson of the EOC. “Psychiatrists have pointed out that the majority of persons with mental health problems are not prone to violence. And those who are – accounting for a mere five per cent – developed a tendency for violent behaviour mostly because they did not have access to appropriate and timely treatment. We should all rid ourselves of our NIMBY attitude and play our part in creating an inclusive society, where everyone can gain access to treatment and build a healthy, fulfilling life.”