In recent years, the demand for mental health and emotional support services has become increasingly pressing. The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has supported various online and offline emotional support initiatives. This includes funding the renovation of Suicide Prevention Services’ Ping Shek service centre. The upgraded facility expands its service capacity and enables the provision of more comprehensive support for vulnerable individuals, those at imminent risk and their families. The Suicide Prevention Services Jockey Club Ping Shek Service Centre was officially reopened today (11 July).
Officiating at the opening ceremony of the Suicide Prevention Services Jockey Club Ping Shek Service Centre were Chris Sun, Secretary for Labour and Welfare of the Hong Kong SAR Government; Ann Kung, Steward of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Mrs Wendy Kwok, Honorary Patron and Chairperson of Suicide Prevention Services; and Mrs Linda Lau, Honorary Patron and Executive Committee Member of the Suicide Prevention Services.
Speaking at the ceremony, Club Steward Ann Kung said that the Club recognises that mental health is the foundation of a happy life and an essential element of sustainable social development. The Club is committed to promoting and protecting the mental well-being of the community through a multi-faceted approach, supporting a wide range of emotional support services through cross-sector collaboration. Looking ahead, the Club will continue to work hand in hand with partners across the community to support public mental health on multiple fronts — from schools to neighbourhoods, from the healthcare system to both online and offline platforms — providing comprehensive and coordinated support for those in need.
For over three decades, the Club has been a steadfast supporter of Suicide Prevention Services in providing assistance to people experiencing emotional distress, with approved donations totaling over HK$100 million. In addition to funding the renovation of the Suicide Prevention Services Jockey Club Ping Shek Service Centre, the Club has in recent years supported several of its initiatives, including Jockey Club Outreach and Counselling Services for Carers, which provides assistance to caregivers at risk of emotional crisis, and Jockey Club Project BLESS, which offers support to the families and friends of individuals who have passed away unexpectedly.
Since its establishment in 2009, the Ping Shek service centre has been Suicide Prevention Services’ headquarters and principal service base. The renovation project reconfigured approximately 256 square metres of space to improve operational efficiency and enhance the user experience. Counselling rooms and activity areas have been redesigned to provide a safer and more comfortable setting for counselling sessions and group activities. Barrier-free facilities and an accessible toilet have also been added to better meet the needs of a diverse range of service users.
The centre is also an important hub for volunteer training. As part of the upgrade, a range of new facilities and technologies has been introduced to strengthen support for volunteers and front-line services. These include a hands-free, noise-cancelling hotline system to improve call quality, as well as an emergency support alert system that enables staff to provide immediate assistance when required.
With its upgraded facilities, Suicide Prevention Services expects to further expand its service capacity. The number of trained volunteers is projected to increase by approximately 25% to serve an estimated 20% more individuals seeking help. These enhancements will strengthen Suicide Prevention Services’ comprehensive range of support services, including its 24-hour hotline, crisis intervention, bereavement counselling and community outreach programmes.
The Club’s support for the Suicide Prevention Services Jockey Club Service Centre, like all its charity and community donations, is made possible by its unique integrated business model through which racing and responsible sports wagering generate substantial tax contributions, charity support and employment opportunities for Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is a world-class sports and entertainment organisation that acts continuously for the betterment of our society. The Club has a unique integrated business model, comprising racing and racecourse entertainment, a membership club, responsible sports wagering and lottery, and charities and community contribution. Through this model, the Club generates economic and social value for the community and supports the HKSAR Government in combatting illegal gambling. In 2024/25, the Club returned a total of HK$39.1 billion to the community. This included HK$30.1 billion to the HKSAR Government in duty, profits tax and Lotteries Fund contributions and HK$9.0 billion in approved charity donations. The Club is Hong Kong’s largest single taxpayer and one of the city’s major employers. Its Charities Trust is one of the world’s leading charity donors.
