Empowering individuals with the knowledge and resources to manage their own health is fundamental to building healthier, more resilient communities.

In 2022, The D. H. Chen Foundation supported Health In Action (HIA) in implementing the Healthy Compassionate Community initiative in Kwong Fai Circuit (KFC), a vibrant neighbourhood in the Kwai Tsing district that is home to over 6,400 residents, predominantly low-income families living in subdivided housing. By fostering a culture of mutual care and shared responsibility, the programme has encouraged neighbours to prioritise health and look out for one another. This collaborative approach effectively addresses the challenges posed by crowded living conditions and their impact on various social determinants of health, ultimately strengthening community wellbeing and resilience.

During the initial phases, HIA fostered strong connections among the Kaifongs (街坊 meaning people from the same neighbourhood in Cantonese), and raised their awareness of self-management practices by engaging local volunteers and businesses to lead various co-created activities, such as the Community Torch event and Dragon Dance. These events promoted the concept of a compassionate community, which not only strengthened social bonds but also encouraged neighbours to collaborate on health initiatives.

Workshops were also organised by HIA to enhance the Kaifongs’ health literacy, equipping them with practical knowledge and skills to better understand health information, and make informed decisions about their wellbeing. This combination of community engagement and education was particularly crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic, as it helped rebuild disrupted support networks and strengthened community resilience.

Building on these insights, the Foundation has continued its support through Phase 2.0 since 2024. This phase has leveraged the strengths of the Kaifongs and empowered local stakeholders – residents, businesses, and institutions – to become active community assets. By enhancing health literacy and fostering cohesion through an Asset-Based Community Development approach, which emphasises the existing strengths and resources of diverse stakeholders, the programme seeks to create a resilient, and self-sustaining, and healthy community.

Key initiatives include mobilising the neighbours as Guardians of KFC and Community Mappers, as well as gathering local small businesses into a Store Alliance. These efforts aim to promote wellness and embed health-conscious practices throughout the community. HIA will also compile and share insights and outcomes of this social innovation journey, disseminating recommendations to interested stakeholders and practitioners in the sector to encourage potential model replication of this community model.

This proactive approach not only enhances individual wellbeing but also fosters a more compassionate community. The Foundation hopes that this initiative will lay the groundwork for a resilient and supportive environment. Moreover, the insights and outcomes gathered through this journey aim to inspire other communities to adopt and adapt similar models as we move forward.