Despite Mr Lau's disabilities (a limited use of his right arm) and twelve years working in a variety of sheltered workshops for low pay, he now seems to have found his place in the world of washing and waxing.

"I started working in Tsui Ping Workshop in 1985," recalled Lau Yat-chor. "I've never earned more than a few hundred dollars a month. Although washing cars for the police is hard, I feel happy about it. Indeed, if you don't work hard, you will not earn a living. I can now make about $2,000 per month. Adding that to my disabled allowance of $1,200 from the Social Welfare Department, I now feel financially independent. It's enough for me. Besides, working in the police station compound is safe and more comfortable, and the officers treat us very kindly - sometimes giving us tips for good service."

Lau Yat-chor is in charge of a 10-member team of car washers and waxers from the Mental Health Association of Hong Kong's Kwun Tong Sheltered Workshop which is sponsored by the Government. The workshop provides employment opportunities for ex-mentally ill and mentally challenged adults who are unable to obtain employment in the competitive labour market.

The team was formed about two years ago providing their service in parking lots of the United Hospital, the Housing Department, KMB depots, some public and private housing estates and public libraries.

Members of the sheltered workshop team are all trained as car cleaners who, as part of their training programme, were required to deliver promotional leaflets of their wash and wax services to the public in MTR stations. "That was very useful for building up our confidence. After handing out the leaflets all day, we lost our fear of meeting new people," said Mr Lau, who prides himself on his ability to type Chinese characters. In fact, all the check lists for the car washing service at the police station are typed by him.

Officers at the Kwun Tong Police Station saw the workshop's advertisement and employed the car wash team in mid-1996. At present, over 30 officers at the station have their cars washed and waxed on a monthly basis by the team, with many other officers bringing their vehicles in to be cleaned regularly.

"We are very satisfied with their service, and I highly recommend colleagues to also use it," said DVC Kwun Tong Ko Chi-ming. "Besides getting your car cleaned, there's also the sense of satisfaction that you're giving employment opportunities to people with disabilities."

Said Wu Shing-choy, manager of the workshop: "The benefit for these adults from the sheltered workshop programme is much more than just monetary. It provides a chance for them to come into contact with the community again, and become part of things. There's also their sense of pride working for the police whom they respect."