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[PRESS RELEASE] “Hey, what’s cooking?” Mind HK Annual Mental Health Food Week 2024 returns for its third year this October! Get ready for a flavourful journey with the city’s most beloved eateries and cultivate social connections for mental wellbeing

09/09/2024
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(9 September 2024 – Hong Kong) – In honour of World Mental Health Month this October, local mental health charity Mind HK is organising its third annual fundraising campaign Mental Health Food Week 2024 from 4 – 20 October 2024 to continue promoting the crucial bond between social connections and mental health.

 

Themed “Hey, what’s cooking?”, Food Week features over 50 of the city’s most popular restaurants, along with bakeries, bars, and cafés to raise funds and awareness for mental health. Despite the challenging landscape facing the F&B sector in Hong Kong this year, they shine as a beacon of resilience, teaming up with Mind HK to prioritise mental health as a paramount concern in the community and demonstrating unwavering commitment to the field.
 

Dr Candice Powell, CEO of Mind HK said, “Food is about far more than just fuel for survival, it’s a cornerstone of our wellbeing. This special week is dedicated to raising awareness of the profound connection between what we eat and our mental health.”

 

According to a Mind HK survey in 2023, 62% of individuals diagnosed with a mental health condition in Hong Kong did not disclose their condition to anyone else. But the fact is that spending time with others, especially when dining, can positively influence our happiness and life satisfaction. To this end, Mind HK is inviting everyone to join Food Week, discover new culinary delights, and enjoy precious moments and conversations with loved ones at the dining table.  

 

As part of Food Week, Mind HK is also hosting its first fundraising silent auction and raffle campaign on Galabid. Participants can place bids, or purchase raffle tickets online for a chance to win exclusive prizes such as a swimming workshop with former Olympic swimmer Yvette Kong, dining vouchers at Michelin-starred restaurants, and staycation packages. Participants can not only win these exciting rewards but also contribute significantly to improving Hong Kong’s mental health landscape. Details for the raffle campaign will be announced on Mind HK’s Mental Health Food Week official website in October. Stay tuned!

 

Another exciting part of the Food Week festivities is the Pici Pasta Run 2024 on 20 October 2024. This event invites participants to join in a lively run while supporting a worthy charity in pasta style. Everyone who finishes will get exclusive Pici gift bags to commemorate the experience and enjoy an authentic handmade pasta feast after the race at Pici. To register, please visit the website here.

 

All proceeds from these initiatives will go to further the mission of Mind HK to ensure that no one in Hong Kong has to face a mental health problem alone, including free psychological support service from Improving Access to Community Therapies (iACT®). 

 

Among the many eateries supporting the Food Week are returning supporters like Salisterra, and The Continental at The Upper House, Matchali, Blue Supreme, Yung Kee and the ZS Hospitality Group, plus a variety of new eateries including, but certainly not limited to, Maison Kayser, Emmer Pizzeria, Fuel Espresso and Wingman. (For restaurants offers, please refer to Appendix 2.)


Ricardo Chaneton, Chef at Salisterra, said, “Mental health in this industry is extremely important and must be prioritised. We are in the business of entertaining and hosting, so we need to be hospitable and welcoming, and remember that the happiest moments in life take place around the table. Even the word ‘restaurant’ is derived from the French word to ‘restore’, and that’s exactly what we do. We help to restore people through dining together and we find enormous joy in doing so.”

 

Warren Yu, Manager at Blue Supreme, said, “As a deeply rooted restaurant and bar in Hong Kong founded seven years ago, we are only as well as the health of the community we operate in. So, we are committed to the mental wellness of our team and hope to bring more awareness across the broader F&B industry through our partnership with Mind HK.”

 

Dr Powell invites you to, “take some time during Mind HK’s Mental Health Food Week to dine out with friends and family, foster new connections and create more beautiful moments to cherish. By doing this, you can help us to promote mental wellness, raise funds for mental health initiatives, and bring people together through the transformative power of food – one delicious bite at a time.”

 

Check out the full list of participating F&B outlets and their offers at www.mind.org.hk/mentalhealthfoodweek2024/. Spark meaningful conversations with your loved ones over food, to support your own and others’ mental health, and generously, the work of Mind HK this October! 

 

 

High-Resolution Images to Download:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/6hj5qpdqflfj6xewmijw3/AHT_ZiBySkAXoAa0XJ4VrQU?rlkey=o27061erb2m07glh77ujaveb8&st=due8phql&dl=0

Appendix (1) – List of Silent Auction Items and Raffle Prizes:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TfEHx2JeMVJOnfO03gjhW6sjEdLA9uKg/view?usp=sharing  

 

Appendix (2) – Mind HK Mental Health Food Week 2024 – Full list of restaurant offerings:
https://www.mind.org.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Mind-HK-Mental-Health-Food-Week_List-of-Participating-Restaurants-1.pdf

 

Press Enquiries:

Chance Communications

Mandy Chan / Jeff Chan
E: [email protected] / [email protected]

T: +852 2509 3308

 

Mind HK

Clara Kwok, Acting Head of Communications, Mind HK
E: [email protected] 

 

About Mind HK
Mind HK is a mental health charity (S88 registered – 91/16471) here to ensure no one in Hong Kong has to face a mental health problem alone. Through our work, we hope to improve awareness of mental health and mental health conditions, remove the associated stigma, and provide accessible psychological support with the aim of achieving the best mental health for all in Hong Kong. Together with the existing collaboration and research efforts, we are here to support Hong Kong in becoming a global leader and regional model for public mental health.


Mind HK’s Social Media Platforms: 

Mind HK’s Facebook: @hongkongmind /Mind HK’s Instagram: @mindhongkong / More Than A Label Instagram: @morethanalabelhk

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What is iACT Service?

Improving Access to Community Therapies (iACT®) is one of the services from Mind HK. Trained Wellbeing Practitioners will offer initial assessment and early intervention for people dealing with mild to moderate symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other emotional difficulties.

 

The service includes 6-8 sessions of low-intensity psychological support, the flexibility of the service allows individuals to receive free and timely support when needed.

If you’re aged between 18 – 65 and are facing some emotional challenges, we would like to invite you to take an online assessment for us to gain a better understanding of your current emotional struggle.

 

If you’re eligible, we’ll get you connected with a Wellbeing Practitioner within two weeks to sort out the next steps.

The service runs for about 3 months and includes 6-8 support sessions, tailored to your needs.

 

We encourage you to attend all sessions and actively practice the tips and exercises provided by your Wellbeing Practitioner.

We take your privacy seriously. Your chats with the Wellbeing Practitioner are confidential.

 

We won’t share any of your info unless you’ve provided consent or if there are risks detected.

This programme isn’t suitable for people facing emergencies, major setbacks, or those diagnosed with serious or complex mental health conditions.

 

If you’re having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, this programme might not meet your needs, so please seek help right away. You can check out Mind HK’s “Find Help Now” page for immediate information and services.

Most of our Wellbeing Practitioners have backgrounds in psychology or counselling and are passionate about mental health. They’ve gone through about 140 hours of intensive training and completed at least 120 hours of supervised clinical practice over 9 months to ensure the quality of service.

 

They’re trained by accredited local experts in the mental health field, including clinical psychologists, counselling psychologists, counsellors, and psychiatrists. Plus, we regularly check how effective our services are. All service outputs and performances are subject to consistent monitoring.

Who is suitable for participating in this programme?

This programme welcomes anyone between the ages of 18 and 65 who may be feeling lost or facing emotional difficulties. Please note that this programme is not suitable for individuals diagnosed with severe or complex mental health conditions.

This programme is not suitable for individuals diagnosed with severe or complex mental health conditions, but suitable for those who experience mild to severe moderate anxiety, mild to moderate depression, or other emotional challenges. If you are currently experiencing a major setback or even having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please visit the “Find Help Now” page on our Mind HK’s website for immediate information and services.

After signing up, our Wellbeing Practitioner will contact you within two weeks to schedule a convenient time for a 45-minute conversation, either via video or phone call, according to your preference. During the conversation, the Wellbeing Practitioner will understand your current situation and help you gain a better understanding of your emotional state based on the questionnaire you filled out during application. Additionally, they will provide recommendations for appropriate community resources based on your needs, helping you take an important first step in taking care of your mental health.

Although the intervention procedure is mostly standardised, Wellbeing Practitioners will work flexibly with clients to address individual presenting problems and unique characteristics.

Our Wellbeing Practitioners are trained to support people who experience mild to moderate mental health difficulties primarily. This programme is not suitable for the situations mentioned above. If you are currently experiencing a major setback or even having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please visit the “Find Help Now” page on our Mind HK’s website for immediate information and services.

Your conversations with the Wellbeing Practitioner are absolutely confidential. Any information about you will not be shared with anyone without your consent unless you or others are at immediate risk or the Wellbeing Practitioner has reason to believe that you may be in imminent danger.
Supervisors will monitor trainees’ development throughout the placement to ensure that they are meeting the required level of competency to pass the training course at the end of the placement.

Yes, it is necessary to book an appointment in advance by filling out the form. Additionally, you can select one of the five stores yourself. We will allocate clients to different Wellbeing Practitioners based on their chosen location.

Before having the conversation, we will ask you to fill out a basic questionnaire for preliminary screening assessment. This screening process aims to ensure that the training received by the Wellbeing Practitioners is sufficient to meet the needs of the individuals receiving the service. If it is determined after the screening assessment that the service is not suitable for you, Mind HK will provide alternative recommendations to ensure your safety and support.

For adults who are suitable for this service, all Wellbeing Practitioners have received training on how to identify and respond to safety and risk issues. If you have any concerns about the support process, the Wellbeing Practitioners have appropriate measures in place and will develop response plans based on the urgency of the situation. They can also access support from clinical practitioners from Mind HK or participating organisations.

What private training does Mind HK provide?

Mind HK provides 4 themes of mental health training, including: Supporting Self, Supporting Others, Family Wellbeing and DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion).

 

Check out the brochure here for more information.

Mind HK provides a wide range of standardised mental health training, which can be tailored to different circumstances. Chat with our team to explore more! 

Our trainers come from a diverse, accredited pool of clinically experienced professionals. Check out our trainers’ biographies here.

Yes, the Mental Health First Aid class of Mind HK is internationally accredited by the MHFA International. The content and certification is delivered by trainers certified from the Mental Health Association of Hong Kong. You can find out our trainers accreditation here.

We are here to support your mental health education journey! Reach out to us and chat with our team.

[PRESS RELEASE] “Hey, what’s cooking?” Mind HK Annual Mental Health Food Week 2024 returns for its third year this October! Get ready for a flavourful journey with the city’s most beloved eateries and cultivate social connections for mental wellbeing

 

(9 September 2024 – Hong Kong) – In honour of World Mental Health Month this October, local mental health charity Mind HK is organising its third annual fundraising campaign Mental Health Food Week 2024 from 4 – 20 October 2024 to continue promoting the crucial bond between social connections and mental health.

 

Themed “Hey, what’s cooking?”, Food Week features over 50 of the city’s most popular restaurants, along with bakeries, bars, and cafés to raise funds and awareness for mental health. Despite the challenging landscape facing the F&B sector in Hong Kong this year, they shine as a beacon of resilience, teaming up with Mind HK to prioritise mental health as a paramount concern in the community and demonstrating unwavering commitment to the field.
 

Dr Candice Powell, CEO of Mind HK said, “Food is about far more than just fuel for survival, it’s a cornerstone of our wellbeing. This special week is dedicated to raising awareness of the profound connection between what we eat and our mental health.”

 

According to a Mind HK survey in 2023, 62% of individuals diagnosed with a mental health condition in Hong Kong did not disclose their condition to anyone else. But the fact is that spending time with others, especially when dining, can positively influence our happiness and life satisfaction. To this end, Mind HK is inviting everyone to join Food Week, discover new culinary delights, and enjoy precious moments and conversations with loved ones at the dining table.  

 

As part of Food Week, Mind HK is also hosting its first fundraising silent auction and raffle campaign on Galabid. Participants can place bids, or purchase raffle tickets online for a chance to win exclusive prizes such as a swimming workshop with former Olympic swimmer Yvette Kong, dining vouchers at Michelin-starred restaurants, and staycation packages. Participants can not only win these exciting rewards but also contribute significantly to improving Hong Kong's mental health landscape. Details for the raffle campaign will be announced on Mind HK’s Mental Health Food Week official website in October. Stay tuned!

 

Another exciting part of the Food Week festivities is the Pici Pasta Run 2024 on 20 October 2024. This event invites participants to join in a lively run while supporting a worthy charity in pasta style. Everyone who finishes will get exclusive Pici gift bags to commemorate the experience and enjoy an authentic handmade pasta feast after the race at Pici. To register, please visit the website here.

 

All proceeds from these initiatives will go to further the mission of Mind HK to ensure that no one in Hong Kong has to face a mental health problem alone, including free psychological support service from Improving Access to Community Therapies (iACT®). 

 

Among the many eateries supporting the Food Week are returning supporters like Salisterra, and The Continental at The Upper House, Matchali, Blue Supreme, Yung Kee and the ZS Hospitality Group, plus a variety of new eateries including, but certainly not limited to, Maison Kayser, Emmer Pizzeria, Fuel Espresso and Wingman. (For restaurants offers, please refer to Appendix 2.)


Ricardo Chaneton, Chef at Salisterra, said, “Mental health in this industry is extremely important and must be prioritised. We are in the business of entertaining and hosting, so we need to be hospitable and welcoming, and remember that the happiest moments in life take place around the table. Even the word ‘restaurant’ is derived from the French word to ‘restore’, and that’s exactly what we do. We help to restore people through dining together and we find enormous joy in doing so.”

 

Warren Yu, Manager at Blue Supreme, said, “As a deeply rooted restaurant and bar in Hong Kong founded seven years ago, we are only as well as the health of the community we operate in. So, we are committed to the mental wellness of our team and hope to bring more awareness across the broader F&B industry through our partnership with Mind HK.”

 

Dr Powell invites you to, “take some time during Mind HK’s Mental Health Food Week to dine out with friends and family, foster new connections and create more beautiful moments to cherish. By doing this, you can help us to promote mental wellness, raise funds for mental health initiatives, and bring people together through the transformative power of food - one delicious bite at a time.”

 

Check out the full list of participating F&B outlets and their offers at www.mind.org.hk/mentalhealthfoodweek2024/. Spark meaningful conversations with your loved ones over food, to support your own and others’ mental health, and generously, the work of Mind HK this October! 

 

 

High-Resolution Images to Download:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/6hj5qpdqflfj6xewmijw3/AHT_ZiBySkAXoAa0XJ4VrQU?rlkey=o27061erb2m07glh77ujaveb8&st=due8phql&dl=0

Appendix (1) – List of Silent Auction Items and Raffle Prizes:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TfEHx2JeMVJOnfO03gjhW6sjEdLA9uKg/view?usp=sharing  

 

Appendix (2) - Mind HK Mental Health Food Week 2024 – Full list of restaurant offerings:
https://www.mind.org.hk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Mind-HK-Mental-Health-Food-Week_List-of-Participating-Restaurants-1.pdf

 

Press Enquiries:

Chance Communications

Mandy Chan / Jeff Chan
E: [email protected] / [email protected]

T: +852 2509 3308

 

Mind HK

Clara Kwok, Acting Head of Communications, Mind HK
E: [email protected] 

 

About Mind HK
Mind HK is a mental health charity (S88 registered – 91/16471) here to ensure no one in Hong Kong has to face a mental health problem alone. Through our work, we hope to improve awareness of mental health and mental health conditions, remove the associated stigma, and provide accessible psychological support with the aim of achieving the best mental health for all in Hong Kong. Together with the existing collaboration and research efforts, we are here to support Hong Kong in becoming a global leader and regional model for public mental health.


Mind HK’s Social Media Platforms: 

Mind HK’s Facebook: @hongkongmind /Mind HK’s Instagram: @mindhongkong / More Than A Label Instagram: @morethanalabelhk