I was fortunate enough to have recently visited Hong Kong.  Whilst there I caught up with some people from Jardine Matheson - one of Hong Kong’s oldest and largest companies. Like a lot of organisations, that had found that their charitable contributions in the past had been quite haphazard.

The launch of Mindset

After some research, they decided to focus their attention on the area of mental health and launched Mindset in 2002. Mindset’s objectives are to change people’s attitudes by raising awareness and understanding of mental health issues, and to provide direct assistance to individuals, families, and organisations in need of help.

Involving some high achievers

Each year 50 Ambassadors are chosen from across the Jardine Companies, who are able to take time out from their normal roles to guide Mindset activities. This group contributed 30,000 hours and are  typically aged 25-30 and are regarded as future leaders within the group.

Mindset Initiatives

Current initiatives include:

1. Education and prevention in schools through the “Health in Mind” program.
2. Re-intergrations - supporting mental health agencies through patient support activities and the promotion of a job training program within the Jardine Matheson Group companies.
3. Financial Support - to fund direct services for the mentally ill such as case managers etc.
4. Community Awareness - to undertake a range of initiatives that enhance awareness of mental health related issues.

Two of the most notable community initiatives are the “Mindset Ratrace” - a community fun run around downtown Hong Kong and “Walk up Jardine House” which both served to raise funds for activities.

Highlights

• More than 25,000 school students reached by the “Health in Mind” program.
• 135 training and placement opportunities offered to ex mentally ill in Group businesses.
• The funding of six programs in support of carers and families and direct services for the mentally ill.
• 19 patient support actvities organized.
• $5HKmillion ($A1 million) Cash contributed
• 30,000 hours by 50 Jardine Ambassadors

It was interesting hearing their experiences in job placement. They initially sought openings in their group and then tried to place appropriate people. Eventually they found that they were best off starting with the candidate and then determining what type of role would suit. The referrals for these candidates come from community mental health organisations.

The company employs a part time administrator whose role it is to co-ordinate activities.

About half the people who have gone through Jardine’s re-integration initiatives remain in full time employment.

Jardine’s are to be applauded for pioneering help in an area of community need that has typically been overlooked by most of the corporate world.

If you have any questions or comments about this initiative I would love to hear them.

Kind Regards

Graeme

Tags: anxiety, charity, depression, mental health, work