The D. H. Chen Foundation envisions a compassionate society where young people thrive holistically. In response to rising emotional challenges, sleep difficulties and social disconnection among Hong Kong’s youth, the Foundation partnered with Evangelical Lutheran Church Social Service – Hong Kong to support Embrace Your Heart Pilot Programme in 2022. This initiative significantly improved sleep quality and reduced depression, anxiety, and stress through personalised Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interventions.

Building on the success of the pilot, the Foundation continues its support through Embrace Your Heart 2.0, a community-based mental health initiative grounded in evidence and thoughtful care for young people in Hong Kong. Central to this effort is the belief that nurturing meaningful social connections plays a vital role in fostering holistic wellbeing, helping young people reconnect with themselves, their families, and the wider community incrementally.

Embrace Your Heart 2.0 uses the recognised Traditional Chinese Medicine Psychological Support (TCMPS) Model to empower 50 young people aged 12 to 24 over 14 months through a comprehensive framework of personalised TCM interventions, ME² Programmes (Mindfulness, Expressive Arts, and Exercise), and self-understanding workshops. Meanwhile, families participate in Parental Education Groups, aiming to enhance their communication with young people and promote their own holistic wellbeing. Dedicated case counselling is available to ensure individualised care throughout.

The programme also encourages sustainable community support networks through alumni gatherings. To inspire empathy among the general public, interactive community education booths are installed to turn lived experiences into impactful real-life narratives. As for ongoing training, professional development workshops are organised for TCM practitioners, teachers, and social workers, promoting early intervention and long-term capacity building.

This initiative stands out for its commitment to evidence-based practice, integrating comprehensive evaluation, and ongoing research at every stage. Real-time data collection helps refine the programme, enabling youth to move from disconnection to meaningful reconnection with themselves and others.

Through Embrace Your Heart 2.0, the Foundation focuses on fostering lasting wellbeing among the youths and their support network. These deepened connections – both personal and social – encourage compassion and cohesion within the community at large, advancing the vision of the Foundation.