HKMU launched the first round of the 12-hour mental health first aid (MHFA) course last September. Up to March this year, over 2,000 HKMU students have completed the training and obtained the internationally recognised certification. Post-course evaluations yielded encouraging results: 94% of participants reported enhanced ability to identify mental health risks, 93% gained confidence in supporting others, and 68% even expressed interest in participating in community service to promote mental well-being. To strengthen campus support networks, the University has also trained 13 staff members and two counsellors as MHFA instructors, embodying the “train-the-trainer” philosophy.
Accredited by the Mental Health Association of Hong Kong, the MHFA course is a cornerstone of HKMU's three-year university-wide student mental health promotion scheme launched last year, which is compulsory for all year-one face-to-face undergraduate students. The course covers identification of common mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, and application of mental health first aid principles. Director of Student Affairs Ms Adele Wan Tik-lam points out, “The course has helped reduce stigma around mental illness and encouraged students to actively seek information and assistance. The University has accordingly enhanced its related service and resources to provide appropriate support, hoping to walk alongside students through difficulties.”
Prof. Ricky Kwok Yu-kwong, Vice President (Research and Institutional Advancement), emphasises the initiative's goal in fostering a supportive and caring campus. “We hope to achieve a butterfly effect, equipping young people to help themselves and others,” he says. “The University will offer 20 additional MHFA classes this summer, while a research team from the School of Nursing and Health Sciences will study the course's long-term impact.”
From self-help to helping others
Yali Lam Nga-lee
Bachelor of Education with Honours (Chinese Language Teaching) and Bachelor of Language Studies with Honours (Applied Chinese Language Studies)
Grappling with grief following her great-grandmother's passing, Yali experienced an epiphany during the course. “It was like a light bulb went off in my head — I realised I needed to talk to someone.” The course became her “self-rescue guide”, motivating her to seek counseling and gradually recover. She now applies what she has learnt to support her friends, recognising that a simple hug can convey care and support.
The power of companionship
Ivy Kwok Yuen-ming
Senior Lecturer, School of Nursing and Health Sciences
Through various experiential activities and case studies, course instructor Ivy helps students understand the feelings of those affected by emotional and mental health issues. She explains, “Mental health is like a spectrum; everyone experiences fluctuations due to different circumstances. The most important thing is to prevent problems from arising and to seek help in good time.” She hopes that students will apply what they have learnt in class to support those around them. “Sometimes simply being there to listen, offering companionship, is already a big help.”
Turning pressure into purpose
Shirley Chen Suet-kam
Bachelor of Education with Honours (Putonghua and Chinese Language Education) and Bachelor of Language Studies with Honours (Chinese Linguistic Studies)
As the eldest daughter facing the pressures of a family member's illness and financial struggles, Shirley deeply understands the pain of having no one to turn to when in difficulties. Amid juggling her demanding studies and part-time work, she proactively volunteers at a social welfare organisation to help Primary Six students cope with the pressures of transitioning to secondary school, applying the knowledge she gained from the course. “Helping others feels like healing myself,” Shirley says candidly.
