Since October 2010, Integrated Community Centres for Mental Wellness (ICCMWs) have been providing one-stop, district-based community support services for discharged mental health patients, persons with suspected mental health problems, their family and carers, as well as residents in the respective districts. Owing to negative perceptions of persons with mental illness and fear of possible disturbances caused by service users, however, the setting up of ICCMWs has met with opposition from local communities from time to time, resulting in delays or even withdrawal of siting plans.

To evaluate different consultation mechanisms and pin down the factors that facilitate siting of ICCMWs, the EOC commissioned the Department of Applied Social Sciences of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University to conduct a study entitled “Identifying Effective Approaches to Reduce Public Opposition in the Siting of Integrated ICCMWs and Other Mental Health Facilities”.

Findings of the study were released on 29 May 2019. Based on a review of local and overseas literature about the siting of mental health facilities, the study also consisted of interviews with key stakeholders, including officials from the Social Welfare Department and Housing Department, ICCMW operators and service users, legislators, district councillors, and chairpersons of mutual aid committees and owners’ incorporations.

Besides proposing a three-stage protocol with specific time-frames and guidelines for public consultation and engagement activities, the report recommends that the classification of ICCMWs under Group B of “sensitive community facilities” in the Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines be removed, as it does not apply to facilities serving persons with other disabilities. By singling out persons affected by mental health problems, the classification may reinforce stigmatisation and discriminatory attitudes.

To read the full report, please click the link below.

• Read the press release
• Read the study report
• Read related news