Thought Leadership

A recent survey found that about one in seven people in Hong Kong aged 16 to 75 experience anxiety, depression, or other common mood disorders. In response to this societal need, The Hong Kong Jockey Club has committed HK$678 million through its Charities’ Trust to support JC JoyAge – Jockey Club Holistic Support Project for Elderly Mental Wellness (JC JoyAge), a project run with The University of Hong Kong and 18 partner organisations that provide mental health and elderly services.

Launched on 27 May 2025, JC JoyAge aims to expand community-based mental health support to reach more people, including those aged 45 and above. The project works closely with local community centers and health clinics to offer timely help for those at risk of depression or experiencing symptoms.

Key features of the new phase include:

• Working with District Health Centres to create “Jockey Club JoyAge Hubs” where people can access mental health support alongside primary healthcare;
• Extending services from people aged 60+ to those aged 45 and above; and
• Improving referral systems so patients waiting for psychiatric care can receive support in the community.

Since its start in 2016, JC JoyAge has built a network connecting community centers and trained social workers and volunteers to provide support and raise awareness about elderly mental health. The project now covers over 70% of relevant service units in Hong Kong.

This new phase aims to help over 13,000 middle-aged and elderly people at risk of depression, train more than 70 social workers, and engage over 480 volunteers to provide support and run over 1,500 public education programmes to enhance mental health literacy, thereby building a healthier community.

Details: here