To-gather Parents Resource Centre

Introduction

HKCS's first To-gather Parents Resource Centre (PRC), subsidised by the Social Welfare Department (SWD), has been launched since March 2019. Now we operate 2 PRCs for the provision of transdisciplinary and diversified supportive services for people with special needs and their respective parents or caretakers in Kwun Tong and Shamshuipo district respectively. PRC (Kwun Tong) includes a specialised ethnic minority (EM) unit, providing tailored services for the needy EM families in Kwun Tong, Wong Tai Sin, Sai Kung and Shatin districts.

With the emphasis of family-centred, strength-based and positive meaning-making approaches, our centre provides a platform for parents or caretakers of people with special needs to gather, share and exchange their unique experiences. This aims to break through their limitations, build positive self-image and promote acceptance towards people with special needs to foster their integration into the society.

Purposes

• Enhance the wellness of parents/ caretakers and their ability to manage emotional stress
• Enhance the caretaking capacity of parents/ caretakers for their family members with special needs 
• Facilitate positive interaction among family members
• Facilitate the parents/ caretakers to identify their strength and regain self-mastery in daily life
• Develop community support network for mutual-aid
• Enhance public awareness and acceptance towards people with special needs

Target Service Users

Parents, relatives and carers of persons with disabilities/special educational needs.

Application Procedures

Applicants can obtain the membership application form from our website or our centre in person. Please complete and return the form with a crossed cheque (payable to "Hong Kong Christian Service") to our centre. Copy of supporting documents will be destroyed after registration.

Withdrawal Procedures

• Members who want to withdraw from the service must notify the centre in writing.
• Upon receiving the withdrawal notice, our centre will immediately terminate the membership status, while the membership fee is non-refundable.
• Members who do not renew their membership on or before expiration will be considered leaving the service voluntarily. 

Service Contents

Holistic care and Timely support to Family

• Consultation and provision of information
• Referral to suitable community resources
• Personal or family counselling
• Professional therapeutic groups
• Body-Mind-Spirit holistic well-being support

Identify Strength and Enjoying Quality Time with Family

• Social and recreational groups
• Educational and developmental activities
• Quality family activities
• Resources lending service (Toys/ Books/ Audio)

Mobilise Community to build a Mutual Aid and Inclusive society

• Companion scheme and mutual aid network
• Volunteers and mentorship scheme
• Community education (Talk/ Exhibition/ Seminar)

Value-Added Service

• Chih Ai Parents' Association
• Professional consultation team
• Occasional child care service on long school holidays 

Fees

• Membership dues are paid on a per family basis. All family members could enjoy the facilities in the centre after registration.
• Membership fee is $21 per year. Membership will be valid until 31 March of each year.