Seminar on “Volunteering – Brightening the Life of Older People”

Ms Evelyn O'LOUGHLIN

(CEO of Volunteering South Australia and Northern Territory, Australia)

The CEO of Volunteering South Australia and Northern Territory since 2008, Ms O'Loughlin leads the peak body for volunteering in South Australia and the Northern Territory. Volunteering SA&NT’s mission is to promote and celebrate volunteering and play a key leadership role in advancing volunteering by providing an extensive range of services, support and resources to some 600,000 volunteers and over 1,400 volunteer organisations. Ms O'Loughlin has 24 years’ experience in senior and executive management roles. Her career has spanned across corporates, government and business, both locally and internationally, however her keen interest in culture and community has led to a career in the not-for-profit sector. Her work was recognised in 2015 with a nomination to the South Australian Women's Honour Roll.

Abstract: Positive Ageing - Think Volunteering

Older people are an immense and too often untapped resource for family, community, our social and cultural fabric, and the economy. Out-dated paradigms of ageing need to be turned on their head, so that how we see ourselves and how we view ageing become far more positive and aspirational. We need to invest in our older citizens and expect and enable their continued reinvestment in their community’s future. An ageing population creates opportunities that human society has never before experienced that will require new roles, new attitudes and new vision. Systematically building human wellbeing and resilience is the logical next frontier in a modern society. Volunteering and active citizenship are an important step on that journey.

Professor John BACON-SHONE

(Director, Social Sciences Research Centre, University of Hong Kong)

Professor Bacon-Shone is Associate Dean (Knowledge Exchange) of Social Sciences, Director of the Social Sciences Research Centre and Professor at The University of Hong Kong. He was educated at the University of Birmingham (PhD), University College London (MSc) and the University of Durham (BSc). He was headhunted to be a full-time Member of the Central Policy Unit of the Hong Kong SAR Government from 1998 to 2001. His current research interests encompass a wide range of topics including compositional data, gambling, immigration and population policy, privacy policy and telephone survey methodology. He is currently a Governing Committee member of Hong Kong Institute of Volunteers.

Abstract: Volunteering of Older People in Hong Kong

According to the re-analysis of the data collected in the 2014 Hong Kong Altruism Index Survey, time older volunteers spent per year on volunteering increased with their education attainment - those with high levels of education spent twice as many hours as those with low education. It deserves our focus deliberation on how to provide an enabling environment and facilities to engage older volunteers from different background effectively. Hong Kong Institute of Volunteer commissioned the Social Sciences Research Centre of The University of Hong Kong in 2015 to conduct a study on volunteering of older people. Staff and older volunteers from NGOs in different fields were invited to participate in focus group discussions to identify their challenges and expectations regarding the recruitment, training, management and other aspects of volunteering of older people.

Session 1: Challenges and Opportunities for Volunteering of Older People

Dr LAM Ching Choi, BBS, JP

(Vice-chairman, Elderly Commission)

Dr Lam Ching-choi joined Haven of Hope Christian Service as the Medical Director in 1996, and was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer in 2005. Dr Lam is active in public services: he is the Vice-chairman of Elderly Commission, the Chairman of Advisory Committee of 'The Opportunities for the Elderly Project', etc. Dr Lam encourages elderly to participate actively in the community, mobilize them to utilize their strengths for the society as well as to pass on their valuable experience and insights to the younger generation, by which they become resourceful and joyful elderly. Dr Lam’s outstanding contribution towards the Hong Kong society is recognized through being appointed as Justice of the Peace and awarded the Bronze Bauhinia Star by the Hong Kong SAR Government in 2003 and 2008 respectively.

Abstract: Volunteering of Older People in Hong Kong

According to the re-analysis of the data collected in the 2014 Hong Kong Altruism Index Survey, time older volunteers spent per year on volunteering increased with their education attainment - those with high levels of education spent twice as many hours as those with low education. It deserves our focus deliberation on how to provide an enabling environment and facilities to engage older volunteers from different background effectively. Hong Kong Institute of Volunteer commissioned the Social Sciences Research Centre of The University of Hong Kong in 2015 to conduct a study on volunteering of older people. Staff and older volunteers from NGOs in different fields were invited to participate in focus group discussions to identify their challenges and expectations regarding the recruitment, training, management and other aspects of volunteering of older people.

Ms Crystal CHENG

(Business Director – Service Development, Hong Kong Council of Social Service)

Dr Cheng is the Business Director (Service Development) of The Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS), and is responsible for the development of social service policy, welfare planning and new initiatives for the sector. She has extensive management experience in pioneering the integrated services in Hong Kong including children, youth, family, elderly, women, employment, community development, social enterprise services, etc. She was appointed as the committee member of different advisory committees of the Hong Kong SAR Government, including Social Welfare Advisory Committee, Rehabilitation Advisory Committee, Elderly Service Programme Plan, Review Committee on Mental Health, etc. Besides, she was awarded the "Outstanding Social Worker Award" from the Hong Kong Social Workers Association.

Professor Raymond W SO, JP

(Professor of Finance & Dean, School of Business, Hang Seng Management College)

Professor So’s research interests include corporate governance, e-finance, international finance, global financial markets, and investment. The findings of his research have been presented at international academic conferences and published in reputable internationally refereed journals. Professor So is also the author of seven books. Apart from his academic endeavors, Professor So was also a member of the Examination Panel of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong and a consultant to the Financial Services and Treasury Bureau of the Hong Kong Government on corporate governance. His business views have been publicized in leading international mass media. Professor So also contributes to the society through his professional expertise, his current positions in public services include: Member of Housing Authority, Chairman of Finance Committee of Housing Authority, Chairman of Energy Advisory Committee of Environment Bureau, Member of Small and Medium Enterprise Committee of Trade and Industry Department, etc.

Abstract: Challenges and Opportunities for Volunteering Work of Older People

Aging is a widely recognized phenomenon in Hong Kong. However, this is also a potential source of volunteer workers. Some local studies demonstrate that the number of volunteer workers aged 65 or above increases sharply in recent years. A current study conducted by the Lingnan University reveals the profiles of the volunteer workers who aged 65 or above. Their profiles and rationale towards volunteer work give a better understanding of these important volunteer workers. Some interpretations and observations are made, as well as some personal recommendations are given.

Session 2: Effective Engagement of Older People in Volunteering – Innovation and Good Practice

Professor TSIEN Wong Bik-kwan, Teresa

(Professor of Practice - Gerontology, Department of Applied Social Sciences & Professional Consultant, Institute of Active Ageing, Hong Kong Polytechnic University)

Professor Tsien is the Professor of Practice - Gerontology, Department of Applied Social Sciences, and Professional Consultant, Institute of Active Ageing, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and a part-time lecturer for the MSc in Clinical Gerontology at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, at which she teaches Gerontology and Social Work subjects. She specializes her studies and research in active ageing, life-learning, dementia care, etc. She was a member of the Social Welfare Advisory Committee, and is now the President of the WINGS Hong Kong, Vice-Chairman of the Senior Citizen Home Safety Association, member of the Standing Committee on Service Development and Specialized Committee on Elderly Service of the Hong Kong Council of Social Service, Honorary Treasurer of the Hong Kong Alzhelmer’s Disease Association, and member of the Cheung Muk Tau Integrated Services Management Subcommittee of the Helping Hand.

Abstract: Volunteer Work Transferred From Research Findings

Volunteering and community service can bring not only practical aid to the needy or disadvantaged, but also meaning and joy to volunteers. The Institute of Active Ageing (IAA) of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University is a multi-disciplinary education, innovative research and evidence based practice centre which aims to optimize independent and joyous living, and continuous productive contribution by people who are aged 50 or above. This presentation will introduce a unique model on how the IAA transfers findings and knowledge from research into volunteer work. Three examples of how IAA train the trainers, collaborate with NGOs and conduct evidence based evaluation programme of the Sitting Tai-Chi (Rehabilitation Sciences), Pain Management (Nursing) and Intergenerational ESL ( Psychology) programmes will be discussed.

Ir Dr Michael LI

(Agency for Volunteer Service Leadership Bauhinia Volunteer Awardee & Adjunct Professor of City University of Hong Kong)

Dr Li is a Registered Professional Engineer and a joyous volunteer. He started his volunteering in the university’s social service group and has never stopped volunteering in the professional sector. Dr Li, after his retirement, participated in numerous and diversified volunteer services. The Olympic Equestrian Events in 2008 and the East Asian Games in 2009 stimulated his interest in volunteering even more and he joined the Volunteer Photographers Team, Volunteer Leaders Team, V-care Befrienders Team, Volunteer Trainer of the Agency for Volunteer Service, as well as the Hong Kong Pals Programme of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, etc. He also found the Institute of Systematic Innovation, Hong Kong, a non-profit organization, to promote innovation culture in Hong Kong. Dr Li received a lot of volunteering awards in the past years, such as the Outstanding Volunteer Award, Leadership Bauhinia Volunteer Award, Hong Kong Volunteer Award Certificate of Merit, etc.

Abstract: Volunteering "pathway" of older professionals

Exploring challenging volunteer work is always a tough mission. In order to fulfill numerous professional older volunteers’ expectation and implement the most effective volunteer service, it is necessary to complete this difficult mission. The speaker tries to analyze the Hong Kong professional older volunteers from the angle of systems engineering, so as to provide a simple and effective thinking method, the “Paradox”, for everyone’s reference.

Dr LEUNG Tsan Kuen

(Social Work Supervisor, Caritas District Elderly Centre - Yuen Long)

As a Doctor of Social Work, Dr Leung serves as the supervisor of the Caritas District Elderly Centre - Yuen Long and the Caritas “Hope” Navigation Scheme for Young Persons in Care Services. He manages the Strategy and Development Working Group - Engaging Involvement of Service Users, Caritas - Services for the Elderly. His duties include facilitating the third age people to participate in services and to build support network, as well as encouraging the elderly to learn, volunteer, and to care about community affairs and social welfare policy. Dr Leung is also in charge of the development of Caritas Federation for Senior Citizens.

Mr YIP Pang Wai

(Former Chairman, Caritas Federation of Senior Citizens)

Mr Yip is a retired civil servant and the recipient of Outstanding Third Age Citizens Award, Smart Elderly Recognition Scheme Diamond Award, Hong Kong ICT Awards Best Digital Inclusion (Outstanding Individual) Award and the University of 3rd Age “Outstanding Teacher” Award. 14 years ago, right after his retirement, Mr Yip participated in volunteer services like promoting the elderly to learn Information Technology and serve the community, supporting the development of the University of 3rd Age, and training for the Elder Academy, Shenzhen social workers/ volunteers and disabled volunteers. He also organized culture and ecology guide scheme for the elderly. He volunteers for over 700 hours every year.

Abstract: Factors Affecting Effective Engagement of Older People in Volunteering

Case Study: Caritas - Services for the Elderly integrated the concept of “5-Ring Diversified Participation” with their services, by which the service users could be engaged from different starting points. The service users may just enjoy the services such as recreational and learning activities. The workers in due course could build up relationship with the service users, as well as developing their potential, encouraging them to volunteer and care about the Society, enhancing their participation and contribution to the Society. Moreover, some service users may take part in the discussion of social policy to strive for the rights of the underprivileged.