Growing up is often associated with joy and possibilities, yet it also comes with emotional struggles, mental distress, and, at times, even risks to life itself. The D. H. Chen Foundation believes that overcoming these challenges requires more than professional intervention – it demands collective engagement from students, teachers, families, and peers.

In 2024, the Foundation partnered with Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Service of the Hong Kong Red Cross to launch Supportive Net Weaver, an initiative dedicated to rebuilding support networks for young people in Hong Kong and nurturing compassion within our community. The programme adopts the Psychological First Aid (PFA) approach, emphasising coping strategies for stressful events to foster long-term resilience in individuals and communities, distinguising it from Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) which focuses on recognising symptoms of mental health concerns.

The initiative empowers young people to take an active role in safeguarding their own wellbeing, rather than relying solely on mental health specialists. Students not only gain knowledge, but also develop skills and confidence to support both themselves and those around them. By fostering healthy identities, inner resilience, and psychosocial capacity, the programme lays the foundation for open dialogue, mutual care, and supportive environment that transcend conventional barriers.

The key components of the programme include:

Orientation on Psychological First Aid: Through innovative eLearning platforms, secondary school students across Hong Kong are introduced PFA principles, in partnership with the 4Rs Mental Health Charter led by the Education Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; the programme also collaborates with Teach For Hong Kong to offer guided learning opportunities for under-resourced students, empowering them to develop their self-care journeys.

Compassionate Hero Programme: In partnership with secondary schools, 20 Compassionate Heroes practise self-compassion while showing empathy for others. They are trained to build safe and caring networks within their school communities, and they lead peer-focused wellness workshops before examination periods, providing tangible support and fostering a sense of community among their peers.

“Feel the Heart” Workshops: Youth workers are also trained to help weave a dynamic network of peer support, understanding, and trust. Over 80 youth workers have participated in psychoeducation workshops, gaining a deeper understanding of mental health, emotional wellbeing, and compassionate communication.

Through this integrated model, the initiative engaged more than 5,500 young people and youth workers in the past 12 months. The Foundation believes that community support will become more accessible, meaningful, and enduring as these bonds strengthen, laying the groundwork for a more compassionate society.