(25 May 2014, Hong Kong) NWS Holdings Limited (“NWS Holdings” or the “Group”; Hong Kong stock code: 659) has joined hands with New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association (“NLPRA”) to launch the Light UP Programme. Sponsored by NWS Holdings Charities Foundations and supported by corporate volunteers, the one-year scheme aims to help over 90 psychiatric rehabilitants who are living in Joyous Place, a supported hostel operated by NLPRA, to build their confidence and integrate into the community.
According to the statistics published by the Census and Statistics Department last year, nearly 80,000 people in Hong Kong suffered from mental illness or mood disorders. NLPRA is currently serving over 12,500 psychiatric rehabilitants. Commenced operations in 2013, Joyous Place is located at Shatin Hospital and provides accommodation for 92 rehabilitants. Currently, it has the largest residential capacity of rehabilitants in Hong Kong. To promote integration into the community and increase residents’ work readiness, the Light UP Programme offers a variety of activities, including art workshops, a food-making class, an open-deck bus tour and festive gatherings. The courses and events, which are designed to help unleash hidden talents and foster community links, are assisted by around 50 members of NWS Volunteer Alliance, the corporate volunteer team of NWS Holdings. The volunteers will also team up with the volunteer team of NLPRA to participate in community service.
Sheila Tang, General Manager of Corporate Communication of NWS Holdings, emphasised the importance of a helping hand for those in need. “Continuous care and support to people in recovery of mental illness are essential for their recovery process. The Group hopes its passion for social service and the effort from our corporate volunteers can help the rehabilitants connect with the community.”
Wong Yan Kuen, Officer-in-charge of Joyous Place, expressed thanks to NWS Holdings. “We appreciate the valuable community activities brought by NWS Holdings and we hope such partnership with corporates can step up the recovery of rehabilitants.”
The NWS Volunteer Alliance, which comprises staff from all member companies of the Group, has accumulated more than 110,000 hours of community service since its inception in 2001. Interest groups offer a range of volunteering services in areas as diverse as hairdressing, clown performances, balloon modelling, dancing and handcrafting. The Alliance this year won the Gold Award in the volunteer team category at the Hong Kong Corporate Citizenship Programme for the third consecutive year.
NWS Holdings Charities Foundation has contributed over HK$14 million to support worthy causes such as community welfare, environmental protection, education and health care since its establishment in 2006, marked a milestone of the Group's caring heritage.
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This press release is also available on the Group’s website ( www.nws.com.hk).
NWS Holdings Limited (“NWS Holdings”, Hong Kong stock code: 659), the infrastructure and service flagship of New World Development Company Limited (Hong Kong stock code: 17), operates businesses in Hong Kong, Mainland China and Macau. Its Infrastructure portfolio includes Roads, Energy, Water and Ports & Logistics projects. Its Services portfolio comprises Facilities Management (the management of Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and Free Duty), Construction & Transport (construction, bus and ferry services) and Strategic Investments.
Established in 1965, New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association is a leading non-governmental organisation specialising in mental health. We aim to make a positive difference by advocating for equal opportunities for people in recovery of mental illness, enhancing their quality of life and moving towards an inclusive society through direct services, social enterprises, mutual aid and family support. We currently operate 35 service units and 20 social enterprises serving over 12,500 people in recovery every year. We are committed to the principles of recovery that value strength-based self-management, empowerment, mutual support, as well as human rights and respect for our service users. We also strive for raising awareness of mental health and acceptance of people in recovery in the community through mental health campaigning and education.
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NWS Holdings Limited
