WHAT WE DO

Lighthouse Association stands as the inaugural and sole non-governmental organization in Hong Kong dedicated to supporting unpaid caregivers. Our primary focus is on those caring for individuals with mental health issues like depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, as well as those tending to patients with chronic illnesses such as cancer and diabetes. The responsibilities of these caregivers expose them to constant and overwhelming stress. Unfortunately, they frequently lack adequate outlets to alleviate this stress, which can escalate to the point of unbearable strain, leading to acute depression or even instances of domestic violence.

We aim to equip caregivers with the essential resources, education, and support required for their caregiving journey. Furthermore, we aspire to create an environment where they can maintain their individuality, addressing their specific needs and desires.

建希社是香港首間只關注非受薪「照顧者」的非牟利機構。我們的目標是照顧照顧者的身心健康。很多時候照顧者需要護理長期病患者如:癌症、糖尿病等病人,或長期受精神和情緒困擾的患者如:抑鬱症、焦慮症、自閉症等狀況。這些照顧者每天都承受著巨大的壓力,往往缺乏一個適當的渠道來釋放應有的情緒。有時候壓力變得無法忍受,導致嚴重抑鬱甚至演變成家庭暴力。

Our WORK: THE ABCD Programme

1. AA – Advocacy Allies

Raising Awareness

We support caregivers and aim to increase awareness of the significant stress they experience. Our advocacy campaigns aim to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote understanding of mental health and long-term illnesses.

2. BB – Balance & Bliss

Self-care Programmes

We aim to provide activities that help caregivers relax and prioritise their mental health. This includes meditation, yoga, and art therapy. We will also organise outdoor events to encourage caregivers to take a break from their caregiving responsibilities and enjoy life as individuals.

3. CC – Care Connect

Support Groups

We aim to help caregivers by giving them a supportive network and a community to belong to. Support groups will be organised based on different concerns, and they will meet regularly to create a safe and non-judgmental space where caretakers can feel understood.

Why are support groups important?
  • Emotional Support: Caregivers often feel a mix of emotions, such as stress, worry, guilt, and frustration. Joining a support group gives them a chance to share these feelings in a safe and supportive space. Connecting with others who understand their experiences helps validate their emotions and brings a sense of comfort and reassurance.
  • Peer Learning and Guidance: Support groups provide a space for caregivers to share their experiences, exchange helpful tips, and learn effective caregiving methods. Hearing about the successes and challenges faced by others in similar situations can offer valuable guidance and insights for caregivers on their own caregiving journey.
  • Reduction of Isolation: Caring for a loved one with a mental health condition or long-term illness can be lonely. Caregivers may feel alone in their struggles and find it hard to talk about their challenges with friends or family who may not fully understand their situation. In a support group, caregivers can connect with others who are going through similar experiences. This helps them feel like they belong and reduces feelings of being alone.
  • Validation and Empathy: Support groups are places where caregivers can talk about their worries, problems, and accomplishments without being judged. Being with people who understand their struggles can make caregivers feel accepted and understood. This understanding helps caregivers feel listened to and supported, which can make them feel better emotionally and be more resilient.
  • Access to Information and Resources: Support groups can offer valuable information, resources, and referrals to other support services. Caregivers can learn about community resources, educational materials, workshops, and professional services to improve their caregiving skills and knowledge.
  • Long-Term Relationships: Support groups can help caregivers form lasting relationships with each other. These connections go beyond just the meetings and provide ongoing support and friendship. Caregivers can create a network of people who truly understand their experiences and can offer support during challenging times.

Overall, support groups play a vital role in the well-being of caregivers. They provide a safe space for emotional expression, peer learning, and the development of a supportive community. By participating in a support group, caretakers can gain the necessary tools, knowledge, and emotional support to navigate the challenges of caregiving more effectively.

4. DD – Due Diligence

Educational Workshops

We aim to organise regular workshops to help caregivers learn more about specific health concerns and improve their knowledge and skills.

我們的工作

我們的工作可大致分為以下 4 個部分:

1. 連繫照顧者

建希社旨在通過定期舉辦互助小組會議,為這些照顧者提供支持,創造一個安全非偏見的環境,讓他們感到被理解和建立有歸屬感的社交圈。

2. 照顧照顧者

照顧者常常優先考慮他人的需求,結果忽略了自己的需求和心理健康。我們的照顧者計劃旨在幫助照顧者減壓和提升他們對個人心理健康的關注,活動包括:冥想、瑜伽、藝術治療等;並定期舉辦戶外活動,鼓勵他們放下照顧者的角色,以個人健康為主來體驗生活。

3. 技能解鎖

我們會定期舉辦教育工作坊,專注為照顧者在特定健康問題上提升他們的知識和技能;讓他們能夠有效地擔當照顧者的角色。

4. 為照顧者發聲

建希社旨在喚起社區對照顧者角色的認知和關注。我們定期舉辦活動提升社會關注,爭取更多資源,例如開設更多日托中心,提供可負擔的家庭護理服務。