Eastern District receives acknowledgement
The work of the Eastern District Prevention of Deliberate Self-Harm Working Group (PDSHWG), a multi-agency programme aimed at helping reduce suicides within the community, was acknowledged as a good practice at the 3rd Asia Pacific Regional Conference of International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre between October 31 and November 3.
The conference, hosted by the Hong Kong University Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention and co-sponsored by the World Health Organisation, took place for the first time in the Asia Pacific Region, attracting speakers and delegates from all over the world.
Speaking on behalf of PDSHWG at the conference, Eastern District Commander Peter Morgan, who is Chairman of PDSHWG, made a presentation on the many successful initiatives undertaken by the Working Group, generating keen interest among delegates to the conference.
At a Gala Dinner on November 2, PDSHWG was one of six award recipients for good practices of suicide prevention in the Asia Pacific Region and Mr Morgan, again on behalf of PDSHWG, received a certificate acknowledging PDSHWG's good work, presented by Mr Peter K K Lee from the Care for Life Foundation Ltd.
PDSGWH comprises representatives from the Eastern District, Social Welfare Department, Housing Authority, Caritas, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital and the University of Hong Kong. It adopts a community-based approach to prevention of deliberate self-harm (DSH) by forming a multi-agency working group to streamline referral procedures, enhance training of police in dealing with DSH, raise public awareness, and foster community support.
Mr Morgan receives the certificate acknowledging the good work of PDSHWG