It is not uncommon to hear people say that support and care are only secondary to some tangible assistance. Some people may even doubt if the so-called emotional support can provide any help to people in need. Nevertheless, our clinical experience shows that emotional support and care are at least as important as tangible assistance, if not more so. A PSG client suffering from a work-related stress problem mentioned in a counselling session that: "I feel much relieved now because my boss took the time to talk to me after work the other day. He recognised my effort at work and told me to relax." There was another client who was a victim of a traumatic incident. She had very intense, mixed feelings of loss and frustration at the time the incident happened. After several months of counselling, she became more settled but she still recalls very vividly that her supervisor at that time answered her telephone calls at very late hours of the day just to show his care! The supervisors of these cases may even have done more than reported here, but the most valuable kindness in these cases is the time and attitude they offered.

In fact, being a supervisor, your concern can help your subordinates settle better during a crisis. It can also help boost their morale and to enhance the team spirit. The experience of the recent SARS situation also showed the importance of 'buddiness' or peer support at times of crisis or major life difficulties. Little acts like a pat on the shoulder, a warm telephone call, an e-mail, or a few minutes of talk can show others how much you care.

It's a privilege to be able to offer help. Your handy assistance may serve as a precious gift to another person and so help them overcome difficulties or rise above an emotional trough. Don't hesitate to start offering whatever you are comfortable with - assistance, support or care. Your smiles also count!

Stress management workshops

The PSG is organising a series of stress management workshops to be conducted in Chinese. The next one is at the Police Sports & Recreation Club Sportsman Bar on September 20 from 8.45 am to 12.30 pm. Participants are requested to arrive 15 minutes before the programme starts. Thirty places for each session will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. To make a reservation contact PSG at 2866-6207.

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