Carelinkers care and share
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The Carelinkers took the initiative to care and share with their fellow Force members in a variety of ways in the past year. Some of their activities are highlighted below.
They have been running "Self-Development Groups" for new Recruit Police Constables (RPCs) at the Police College since last September. The RPCs met in small groups and shared their ideals and worries about starting a police career. They were also helped to prepare for the challenges in police work and develop positive life values to cope with the challenges. Tips on self-care and the importance of mutual support and seeking help when problems arise were also brought home to the groups. The RPCs were impressed by the valuable experiences that their "big brothers or sisters" shared with them.
After books on "Positive Living" were introduced by the Carelinkers in the Offbeat early this year, a "Library Reference Corner" was set up in the Force Library in April to promote positive mental health among Force members through reading. The "corner" has turned out to be a very popular place to visit in PHQ, and efforts are being made to acquire more books on this theme for borrowing by Force members.
The Carelinks Cadre set up a "Carelinks Kiosk" at PSRC every Sunday afternoon in late April and May this year. Some of the books from the Library Reference Corner were on display at the Kiosk, and bookmarks and pamphlets were distributed to introduce the Cadre. The Kiosk was also the venue where Force members could have a casual chat with the Carelinkers, enabling many Force members to come to know the Cadre better through interpersonal contacts. The Carelinkers hope to strengthen such contacts in the future.
In the next issue, we will report on the Carelinkers' other caring and sharing activities, and on how they continuously enhanced their interpersonal sensitivity and helping skills in the past year, as well as the upcoming peer counselling training programme.
Seek advice and help from the Psychological Services Group: 2866-6206 (5th floor, 111 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay). PEN: psg@police.gov.hk.
(All cases will be kept in strict confidence.)
The setting up of the Carelinks Cadre in July, last year was an essential component of the "Balances and Wisdom Campaign" launched by the Psychological Services Group to promulgate positive living and work-life balance among Force members. Comprising a Steering Group chaired by Chief Inspector Wong Kwong-hing and 50 Carelinkers, who are all volunteers from both disciplinary and civilian staffs of different ranks, the Cadre aims at promoting a care culture and peer support within the Force.
Carelinkers strengthen contacts with officers at the Carelinks Kiosk