Health Bureau marks World Mental Health Day with 'Mind Refill Station' for inclusive community
The Department of Health launched a three-day 'Mind Refill Station' event to mark World Mental Health Day, promoting inclusive communities and encouraging people to listen to those with mental health struggles. The initiative aligns with government plans to strengthen community mental health support
The Department of Health has set up a special 'Mind Refill Station' (心靈補給站) in response to World Mental Health Day 2026, which falls on 10 October. The World Federation for Mental Health has designated this year's theme as 'Listen to lived experiences: real voices for real change', highlighting the importance of attentively listening to the personal experiences and needs of people facing emotional or mental health challenges.
Dr Lam Man-kin, Director of Health, said mental health is a vital part of overall wellbeing. He noted that the Chief Executive's recently announced First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development (2026-2030) and the 2026 Policy Address clearly emphasise strengthening community psychological and mental health support, with 11 measures to promote mental health to be implemented. 'We will fully implement these goals and efforts to continuously raise public awareness and standards of mental health,' he said.
Dr Lam stressed that everyone may face stress, mood swings or mental distress at different life stages. He encouraged citizens to treat mental health with the same importance as physical health, urging them to adopt healthy habits, manage emotions positively, and show care for those around them. 'If you notice family, friends, colleagues or classmates persistently troubled by emotional distress, take the initiative to show concern, listen patiently, avoid criticism, denial or stigmatising remarks, and encourage them to seek professional help early, such as through the 'EmoCare' 18111 mental health support hotline,' he added.
The government launched the 'EmoCare' 18111 hotline in December 2023, providing round-the-clock one-stop emotional and mental health support and referral services. In November 2025, four new features were added, including WhatsApp online support, multilingual assistance, scheduled callbacks and other optional services. As of 30 September 2026, professionals had provided immediate support to nearly 352,900 calls and 6,250 WhatsApp messages.
The 'Shall We Talk' public education programme, jointly run by the Department of Health and the Mental Health Advisory Committee, has seen over 4.4 million page views on its dedicated website and reached more than 100,000 students through school and tertiary activities. The government also promotes workplace mental health through the Mental Health Workplace Charter, fostering supportive listening cultures and inclusive environments for employees with mental distress.
Since August 2024, the 'Healthy Mind Pilot Programme' has offered free preliminary mental health assessments at community level, providing evidence-based psychological support for mild to moderate emotional distress. High-risk cases are referred to regional professional partners for comprehensive care. The 'Mind Refill Station' runs from today until 11 October, from noon to 8pm daily, with more details available on the 'Shall We Talk' website.
