Training Opportunities
Honest, Open, Proud (HOP) Taster Session
Stigma surrounding mental illness often leads to a fear of disclosing one's condition, resulting in missed opportunities for education, work, and independent living. To combat this, one approach is selective disclosure, which involves sharing personal journey with mental illness from an empowering perspective while respecting autonomy and dignity. The Honest, Open, Proud (HOP) program, created by individuals with lived experience in the United States, promotes selective disclosure through a three-session process. This two-hour HOP taster workshop aims to introduce the concepts of selective disclosure and foster empathy among Peer Supporters.
By the end of this interactive workshop, Peer Supporters will be able to:
• Understand the struggles involved in disclosing mental health conditions
• Acknowledge the purpose and considerations of self-disclosure
• Develop openness and perspective-taking mindset through a taste of analysis and decision making process
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Date: 24 September 2024 (Tuesday)
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Venue: FSC1A03
Pre-requisite requirement: Completed the core training package in the Mental Health Stream.​​​​​
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Workshop on Addressing Difficulties in Learning Foreign Languages
This workshop is designed specifically for Peer Supporters who are interested in helping their peers in cultural integration and university adjustment from a language aspect. By understanding the common challenges faced by foreign language learners, Peer Supporters will gain valuable insights and learn practical techniques to provide tailored guidance, offer constructive feedback, and create a supportive atmosphere to make a positive impact on the language learning experience of their peers.
By the end of this workshop, Peer Supporters will be able to:
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Identify common difficulties in learning a foreign language
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Apply practical skills in establishing a secure environment for dialogue
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Adopt effective techniques in recasting errors without undermining their peers’ confidence
About the Trainer
Ms. Imogen Dean, a member of the Hong Kong Institute of Speech Therapists, graduated from the University of Newcastle, Australia, with first class honours. She has experience working with adults includes accent and intelligibility coaching for English as a Second Language (ESL) learners and actors. She also has experience working with children and teenagers in both school and clinic settings. Imogen believes that every person deserves individualised support to achieve their communication, social, and academic goals.
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Date: 26 September 2024 (Thursday)
Time: 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Venue: KKLG110
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Inclusive Training
This training provides a comprehensive understanding of Special Educational Needs (SEN) and equips attendees with practical strategies to support individuals with SEN. Participants will learn about the different types of SEN, their impact on learning and development, and how to create an inclusive environment that fosters inclusion and respect for all individuals.
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By the end of this training, Peer Supporters will be able to:
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Explain the key principles outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and their relevance to individuals with SEN
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Understand the types, challenges and support strategies of students with SEN in university setting
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Gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with physical disabilities through experiential activities on campus
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Learn more about the real-life experiences of individuals with disabilities from experience sharing and life stories of the trainers
About the Trainer:
PHAB Institute, HK PHAB Association
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Date: 21 September 2024 (Saturday)
Time: 12:00 noon - 5:00 pm
Venue: PHAB Institue, HK PHAB Association
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Workshop on Hong Kong Sign Language and
Sign Interpretation
This workshop aims to equip Peer Supporters with effective communication strategies when interacting with individuals who have Hearing Impairment (HI). Peer supporters will have the opportunity to learn and practice some common phrases in Hong Kong Sign Language for daily conversation. They will also gain a better understanding on the challenges that students with HI may face in their daily life and learning through interactive group discussion and sharing.
By the end of the workshop, Peer Supporters will be able to:
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Understand the uniqueness of the Deaf community in terms of language and culture;
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Learn more about sign interpretation
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Explore various communicative accommodations for interacting with deaf people and hard-of-hearing people in the future
About the Trainer
Trainers are sign language instructor and interpreter from the SLCO Community Resources Limited. SLCO Community Resources Limited is a non-profit charitable organization that aims at promoting sign bilingualism in communication, education and social inclusion; to create a diversified community without communication barrier.
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Date: 7 October 2024 (Monday)
Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Venue: MB122
Workshop on Microaggression and
Inclusive Language
The workshop aims at raising awareness about microaggression in our daily life and their impact on individuals. It will provide Peer Supporters with the tools and strategies to promote inclusive language and create a more inclusive and respectful environment at HKU. By identifying microaggressions in everyday context and understanding the importance of inclusive language, Peer Supporters will be equipped with practical skills to communicate sensitively and respectfully.
By the end of this workshop, Peer Supporters will be able to:
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Understand the concept of microaggression and its impact on individuals and communities
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Recognise different forms of microaggression and their underlying messages
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Respond effectively to instances of microaggression and address them in a constructive manner
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Apply strategies for promoting inclusive language in daily communication
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About the Trainer
StoryTaler is a social enterprise aiming to promote mental health and reduce psychiatric stigma. They are a team of people with lived experience, clinical psychologists, people with psychology training, and the general public who have shared values and vision.
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Date: 9 October 2024 (Wednesday)
Time: 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Venue: MB113G
Building Stronger Connections with
Non-judgmental Communication
This workshop provides Peer Supporters with necessary skills to communicate in a non-judgmental manner, fostering understanding, empathy, and building stronger connections with others. By exploring the principles and techniques of non-judgmental communication, Peer Supporters will enhance their ability to listen, understand, and respond effectively when connecting with peers.
By the end of this workshop, Peer Supporters will be able to:
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Understand the concept of non-judgmental communication and its importance in building strong connections.
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Develop skills on active listening skills to better understand others without jumping to conclusions
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Utilise non-judgmental language and non-verbal cues to create a safe and inclusive communication environment.
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Apply non-judgmental communication techniques in approaching/responding to peers in need
About the Trainer
StoryTaler is a social enterprise aiming to promote mental health and reduce psychiatric stigma. They are a team of people with lived experience, clinical psychologists, people with psychology training, and the general public who have shared values and vision.
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Date: 22 October 2024 (Tuesday)
Time: 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Venue: LE8
Communication with People with SEN
This workshop aims to equip Peer Supporters with effective communication strategies when interacting with individuals who have Special Educational Needs (SEN). Peer supporters will learn about how to adapt their communication styles to meet the unique needs of individuals with different needs. They will also gain insights into fostering inclusive and respectful communication, promoting understanding, and building meaningful connections with people with SEN.
By the end of the workshop, Peer Supporters will be able to:
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Gain an understanding of various types of SEN and their impact on communication
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Apply effective communication strategies when interacting with individuals with SEN
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Adapt appropriate communication styles to meet the unique needs of individuals with SEN
About the Trainer
Trainer is the Educational Psychologist from the Heep Hong Society. Heep Hong Society is a leading education and rehabilitation organisation offering professional assessment, guidance, training and family support services for children and young people of different abilities.
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Date: 1 November 2024 (Friday)
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Venue: LE4
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