熱門

X

    #Hashtag Hong Kong

    簡介

    GIST

    Listen to #Hashtag Hong Kong every Sunday morning at 8.15

    Focussing on issues affecting civil society, we'll hear from representatives of NGOs, associations, statutory bodies, and non-profit groups.

    (Sundays 8.15am - 8.25am)



    最新

    LATEST
    24/03/2024
    相片集
    相片集

    Erica Lee, Director, The Hong Kong Down Syndrome Association

    Hello, I am Erica Lee, the director of the Hong Kong Down Syndrome Association, and thank you for tuning in today. It is truly a pleasure to have the opportunity to share with you on this significant occasion—World Down Syndrome Day 2024 on 21st March.

     

    As we gather here to celebrate WDSD, it is essential to reflect on the journey of individuals with Down syndrome and the challenges they face in our society today. Down syndrome, a genetic condition caused by the triplication of the 21st chromosome, presents a variety of abilities and challenges for those affected. Despite significant progress in raising awareness and promoting inclusion, people with Down syndrome continue to encounter barriers to full participation in society.

     

    Here in Hong Kong, based on the latest figures searched by the Hospital Authority, it is estimated that there are 2,900 – 3,000 persons with Down Syndrome in Hong Kong, by the end of 2021. In the case of the HKDSA serves around 1,000 members between 7 months to 63 years old. Only a few of the adult members are openly employed; the rest either work in sheltered workshops, are unemployed, or receive other kinds of day services. 

     

    The community has often underestimated the needs of minorities. In reality, not only do people with Down syndrome need support, but their families and caregivers also require help. Our mission is simple yet profound: to empower and uplift those affected by Down syndrome through integrated family support and vocational rehabilitation services, and comprehensive support networks from prenatal to newborn support.

     

    However, despite our commitment, the road ahead remains challenging. One of the most pressing issues faced by individuals with Down syndrome is limited job opportunities. Given their potential and willingness to contribute, many still face discrimination in the workplace, often from their colleagues rather than their employers, to our surprise. Many people with Down syndrome struggle to find long-term employment opportunities that match their abilities. This disparity not only affects their financial independence but also their sense of dignity and self-confidence.

     

    On the other hand, people with Down syndrome now live to the age of 60 or even 70s, which means that their parents are more often elderly causing the phenomenon of “Elderly doubletons families”. Although they have a longer life expectancy, it is common for them to experience “early ageing” starting at the age of early 30s, meaning that they experience certain conditions that are common to typically ageing adults, in the area of medical, physical and functionally. Early and doubled ageing will bring unexpected challenges for which adults with Down syndrome, their families and caregivers may not feel adequately prepared.

     

     

     

    Now, you may wonder whether the resources allocated to support people with Down syndrome are adequate. The reality is that while progress has been made, there is still much work to be done. Greater support in childhood education, healthcare, and social services is needed to ensure that people with Down syndrome have access to the resources and support they need to thrive. Additionally, specialized teaching techniques and professionals must be trained to address the learning difficulties faced by individuals with Down syndrome, yet this remains a challenge due to limited resources in Hong Kong.

     

    As we continue to advocate for the rights of people with Down syndrome, you may ask how we can make Hong Kong a better place for them. It starts with fostering a culture of inclusion and acceptance. We must challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about Down syndrome, promoting a society where diversity is celebrated, and everyone is valued for their unique contributions.

     

    Advocating for policies and initiatives that promote equal opportunities is crucial. This includes efforts to increase employment opportunities, improve healthcare services, and enhance educational support for children and adults with Down syndrome. Most importantly, we must listen to their voices and involve them in decision-making processes that affect their lives. They need our support to build an inclusive and equal society for all, accepting who they are and welcoming them as part of the community.

     

    End The Stereotypes - the theme of World Down Syndrome Day 2024, let us recommit ourselves to building a world where people with Down syndrome can live their lives to the fullest, free from discrimination and stereotypes. Regardless of ability, everyone has an opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential because everyone is unique and should be respected for who they are. I dedicate the song 'This is Me' (by Keala Settle) to all of you.

     

    Thank you for your attention and support.

     

    24/03/2024 - 足本 Full (HKT 08:15 - 08:30)

    24/03/2024 - Erica Lee, Director, The Hong Kong Down Syndrome Association

    重溫

    CATCHUP
    01 - 03
    2024
    香港電台第三台

    24/03/2024

    Erica Lee, Director, The Hong Kong Down Syndrome Association

    17/03/2024

    Christina Lee, Director of Wofoo Social Enterprises

    10/03/2024

    Joe Lo, Convenor of The Long Term Tobacco Policy Concern Group

    03/03/2024

    Fiona Nott, CEO of The Women's Foundation

    25/02/2024

    Innocent Mutanga, Founder and CEO of Africa Center Hong Kong

    18/02/2024

    Professor Edwin Ho, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) researcher in the School of Life Sciences at The Chinese University of Hong Kong.

    04/02/2024

    Bobo Choy, the curator of Kong Temporary Archive

    28/01/2024

    21/01/2024

    Dr. William Yu, Chief Executive Officer of World Green Organisation
    X

    Tiffany Leung, Registered Social Worker, Smoking Cessation Program in Workplace of The Lok Sin Tong Benevolent Society, Kowloon

    Quitting smoking is not an easy journey, smokers need continuous motivation and encouragement before the goal can be reached. Besides smoking cessation intervention by our counsellors, law and policy enacted by the Government are also crucial for the community smoke-free promotion. We welcome the Government’s decision to raise the tobacco tax by HK$0.6 per cigarette, i.e. 31.5% in the 2023-24 Budget. We believe this is a good start to the government's long absence of changes to tobacco tax. As we all know, Smoking can cause so many serious diseases, most commonly seen were Cancers, Cardiovascular Diseases, Respiratory Diseases and Gastric Ulcers etc.


    Smoking also produces second-hand and third-hand smoke, which seriously affects the health of others. The proportion of habitual daily smokers (aged 15 and above) in Hong Kong is around 9.5% in 2021, which is equivalent to about 581,500 people. According to previous local statistics on the effect of raising the tobacco tax on smoking prevalence, this time raising the tobacco tax will drive a considerable portion of smokers to immediately take action or plans to quit smoking, because the increase in cigarette prices by about $20 would be too burdensome for some smoker, especially those with financial difficulties, which they may not afford to continue their smoking behaviour.


     


    For smokers who originally planned to start quitting, the increase in tobacco tax will make them more willing to quit, and more easily succeed with this external factor. But smokers who are more addicted to cigarettes, they may rather choose to smoke less than quit smoking because even if the increase in tobacco tax increases their living costs, they still have room to maintain their smoking by reducing cigarettes. We estimate that around a quarter of current smokers who are currently receiving our smoking cessation services will plan to quit smoke after the tobacco tax increase.


     

    When asked if the government further increase the tobacco tax on top of $0.6, many working smokers that we interviewed expressed that they would consider quitting smoking. The amount of tobacco tax increase is directly proportional to the motivation of smokers to quit smoking. Now the tobacco tax per pack was adjusted upwards to around HK$50 which accounted for around 67.7% of the retail price.  


     


    However, it is still far below the World Health Organization’s recommendation of at least 75% of the retail price when compared to other countries. It can be seen that the government still has a lot of space in terms of adding tobacco tax. We suggest that the government shall continue to increase the amount of tobacco tax in near future, along with maximizing the Pictorial health warning and plain packaging, and reserving adequate resources for the provision of smoking cessation services, so that more smokers could seek support and be determined to quit smoking, and eventually reducing the smoking prevalence in Hong Kong to 7.8%. By then more citizens can avoid dying of diseases caused by smoking, and it can also prevent more innocent passive smokers from being exposed to second-hand and third-hand smoke.


     


     


    The Lok Sin Tong Benevolent Society, Kowloon, has launched the program named “Smoking Cessation Program in Workplace” (hereinafter SCPW) since 2013 under the subsidy of Tobacco and Alcohol Control office-Department of Health. The program aims at promoting a smoke-free workplace and providing outreach to smoking cessation services for working adults in partnership with corporates.


     


    We arrange a cross-professional team to assist corporates in setting up and implementing internal smoke-free policies; and designing and developing sustainable employee health programs for their staff. The program is outreach-based, our team would visit the workplace to provide health talks, workshops, basic health assessment and individual consultation sessions for the corporate staff, those who have smoking habits will be invited to join our One-Year Quitting Program, including Telephone and WhatsApp counselling service, SMS reminders and Quitting tips, Quit Smoke Apps, online educational videos, and exercise advice.


     


    SCPW will also provide Nicotine Replacement Therapy such as patches or gums to suitable users, depending on their preferences as well as the Registered Nurse/Registered Pharmacist’s advice. In the past 10 years, we have been serving over 3400 working smokers.


     


    It is always our wish that Hong Kong could become a real smoke-free city in the very near future.


     

    香港電台第三台

    12/03/2023 - 足本 Full (HKT 08:15 - 08:30)

    12/03/2023 - Tiffany Leung, Registered Social Worker, Smoking Cessation Program in Workplace of The Lok Sin Tong Benevolent Society, Kowloon