Within the Force, the PSG has also taken the initiative to consolidate its partnership with staff associations in the Force, particularly the JPOA and LIA. Representatives of the two staff associations visited the PSG last December and last month respectively.

On each occasion, the representatives were updated on the latest development of the PSG, and a better understanding of its service model was attained. Both staff associations expressed their support and confidence in PSG's in-house service model.

The issue of confidentiality was highlighted in the discussions, and views on the protection of clients' personal data were exchanged. It was noted that some Force members would actively seek advice from staff associations in face of difficulties, and through better understanding and promotion of partnership between professionals and staff associations.

Furthermore, the active involvement of supervisors in showing their concern and care to their subordinates in times of adversity was also considered important.

In fact, indications are that the PSG services are receiving increasing acceptance by Force members. The client satisfaction survey conducted by the PSG by the end of last year shows that its services are highly rated (refer to OffBeat issue 713 for summary of findings).

In addition to the continuous, substantial increase of new cases received by PSG over the past few years, a record high number of self-referral (through direct contact by officers with PSG) cases were received in the first quarter of 2002. Out of the 79 new cases received, 57 (72.2%) sought its assistance on a self-initiated basis. This shows that more Force members are willing to come forward to seek help.

Stress management workshops

The PSG will organise a series of stress management workshops to be conducted in Chinese.

Date (choose one):

(1) July 6 (2) September 14

Time: 8.45am - 12.30pm (Participants are requested to arrive 15 minutes early)

Venue: Police Sports and Recreation Club Sportsman Bar

Reservation: PSG (2866-6207)

Thirty places for each session will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Seek advice and help from the Psychological Services Group:

PHQ, Hong Kong Island and Marine: 2866-6206 (5/F, 111 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay); Kowloon and the New Territories: 2735-3739 (22/F, Ocean Building, 80 Shanghai Street, Kowloon).

PEN: psg@police.gov.hk