As the new school year begins, we want to focus on the mental health challenges young people in Hong Kong face as they go back to school, and how KELY’s program are creating spaces where youth feel heard, supported, and empowered.

Mental health among youth is a pressing social issue here. According to our findings, 60% of youth in Hong Kong don’t seek professional help when they’re struggling. Many feel isolated, overwhelmed, or unsure where to turn. Yet, 62% of youth aged 14 to 24 prefer confiding in peers- which is why KELY developed Talk2Me, the Peer Supporter Training Certificate Programme.

Launched in 2014, Talk2Me trains young people to support one another through a 10-hour interactive course grounded in empathy and active listening. Participants learn to recognise mental health challenges, practice healthy coping strategies, and navigate difficult conversations—all in a safe, non-judgmental environment. Through role-playing, group discussions, and real-life scenarios, they build skills to listen without judgment, spot signs of distress, and guide peers toward professional help when needed.

The impact speaks for itself: 98% of students trained are now better understand the importance of all emotions, while 95% have adopted healthier ways to manage stress. Most importantly, they leave with the confidence to reach out and the tools to respond - so no one has to struggle alone.

Apart from Talk2Me, KELY also collaborates with local schools to deliver our Social Emotional Learning curriculum, equipping students with skills like self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. At KELY, we’ve developed a SEL curriculum adapted for Hong Kong secondary school students across different age groups. Over the course of multiple modules, students learn about topics like growth mindset, thinking traps, goal setting, and effective communication—all critical skills for navigating the challenges of adolescence.

Together, Talk2Me and SEL reflect KELY’s holistic approach to youth mental health, addressing emotional education, social connections, and practical skills all at once. Our mission is simple but powerful: to ensure no young people in Hong Kong have to struggle alone or feel unheard as they embark on this new academic journey.

As we kick off the school year, we invite you to deepen your commitment to youth wellbeing. Parents, teachers, and peers alike all play a vital role in recognising the signs of distress and encouraging help-seeking behaviors to support students during this transition.

If you or someone you know would like to learn more about the Talk2Me Peer Supporter Training Certificate Programme or the Social Emotional Learning curriculum, please reach out to KELY!

Together, we can build a stronger, more supportive environment for our youth. Thank you for listening, and remember: Mental Health Matters, and seeking support is a strength—not a weakness. I’d like to delicate this song Count on Me by Bruno Mars to all of you, enjoy!