Post-Summit Workshops

Post-Summit Workshop 1

Multi-site Implementation Research and Practice in Supporting Informal Caregivers: A Comprehensive Workshop

Date: 30 December 2024 (Monday)

Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 nn

Location: Classroom at The University of Hong Kong (exact room no. will be provided in due course)

Brief Description: The rapidly aging global population has led to an increased demand for informal caregiving, placing considerable strain on caregivers and emphasizing the need for effective support systems. This three-hour workshop, titled "Multi-site Implementation Research and Practice in Supporting Informal Caregivers," aims to provide conference participants from Hong Kong and abroad with valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in implementation science as it pertains to caregiver support.
Trainer: Professor LOU Vivian W. Q. is the Director of Sau Po Centre on Ageing, and Professor at Department of Social Work & Social Administration at The University of Hong Kong. Her research interests focus on family gerontology, in particular family caregiving for dementia, stroke, end-of-life older adults, and social adaptation and mental health of Chinese older adults and family caregivers. She has committed to cross-sector collaboration with community partners, social enterprises, and the market. Prof. Lou has been appointed as a member of Statistics Advisory Board, Community Investment and Inclusion Fund, Senior Police Call Central Advisory Board, and Elderly Academy Development Foundation of the HKSAR Government. She is a fellow of the Gerontological Society of America, and a Council member of Hong Kong Association of Gerontology and Consortium of Institutes on Family in the Asian Region (CIFA). Professor Lou is recognized as Healthy Ageing 50 leaders transforming the world to be a better place in which to grow older in 2022, Woman Change Maker in STEM in 2023, Ageing Asia Global Ageing Influencer 2024, and Golden Age Foundation Smart Ageing Champion – Academia 2024. My name is Iris Xiaoyu RUAN and I am a registered social worker based in in Hong Kong. I currently work as a Senior Research Assistant at the Sau Po Centre on Ageing, where I contribute to the Jockey Club Carer Space Project. This initiative is dedicated to advancing carer support and services. My passion lies in gerontology research, particularly in developing evidence-based interventions and community-based services that enhance the quality of life for the elderly and their families. Dr. Linda Wang is a dedicated researcher with a diverse background in clinical medicine, public health, and aging research. She has interdisciplinary research experiences utilizing both qualitative and quantitative research methods, with a particular focus on applying sociological research methods to the field of health. With a deep understanding of the challenges encountered by informal caregivers and the significance of evidence-based interventions in this domain, Dr. Wang currently holds the position of Research Assistant Professor and serves as the project leader for the Jockey Club "Stand-by U" Caregivers Community Support Project at the Sau Po Centre on Aging, HKU.
Agenda: The workshop will commence with a comprehensive overview of the current landscape of informal caregiving, highlighting the unique challenges faced by caregivers and the importance of evidence-based interventions. Participants will be introduced to the fundamentals of implementation science and its role in enhancing the support provided to informal caregivers. The second part of the workshop will focus on good practices in research and practice collaboration in caregiver support. Through case studies and interactive discussions, attendees will learn about successful multi-site collaborations that have led to improved caregiver outcomes. The workshop will explore the critical factors that contribute to effective partnerships and provide participants with strategies for fostering collaboration in their own organizations. In the final segment of the workshop, participants will be introduced to a practical caregiver need screening tool designed to guide service implementation. Attendees will learn how to utilize this tool to identify the specific needs of caregivers, enabling them to develop tailored support services. The session will include hands-on exercises to ensure participants gain a thorough understanding of the screening tool's application in real-world settings. This workshop is targeted at conference attendees from diverse backgrounds, including researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and service providers working in the field of informal caregiving. By the end of the session, participants will have a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in implementation science, good practices in research and practice collaboration, and the application of a caregiver need screening tool to guide service implementation. Join us for this informative and engaging workshop to enhance your knowledge and skills in supporting informal caregivers effectively.

Post-Summit Workshop 2

An Integrative Body-Mind-Spirit Approach to Support Families: Finding Balance and Cultivating Compassion in Caregiving

Date: 30 December 2024 (Monday)

Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 nn

Location: Classroom at The University of Hong Kong (exact room no. will be provided in due course)

Brief Description: Cultivating resilience and compassion are essential to effective family-based intervention and other psychotherapies. Resilient practitioners embody the psychological flexibility and resources that help to buffer against professional burnout, while compassionate practitioners offer their clients their presence in their clinical encounters, which is instrumental to effective therapeutic relationships and successful treatment outcomes. The workshop is designed to support professionals in their caregiving journey through a holistic, integrated body-mind-spirit approach. The workshop introduces the concept of holistic healthcare and its benefits for caregivers. Participants will experience easy-to-learn, evidence-based holistic healthcare practices and practical tips and resources on integrating these practices into daily life and creating a personalised holistic healthcare plan. The workshop aims to empower participants with the knowledge and valuable tools to support themselves, their families, and their service users in the context of family-focused helping service.
Trainer: Dr. Adrian WAN is a researcher and practitioner in holistic healthcare and mindfulness and compassion-informed intervention. He is a Certified Mindful Self-Compassion Teacher and a Certified Self-Compassion-Inspired Psychotherapist. His research interests lie in psycho-oncology, caregiver support, holistic practices, and the applications of mindfulness and self-compassion in psychotherapy to improve the well-being of laypersons and those struggling with chronic physical conditions. Professor Cecilia CHAN is an Emeritus Professor in the Department of Social Work and Social Administration at the University of Hong Kong. She is the founder of Integrative Body-Mind-Spirit Social Practice and a prolific scholar in the field. Prof. CHAN founded the Centre on Behavioral Health, a multidisciplinary centre fostering interdisciplinary knowledge exchange, education, research, and practice to promote well-being in the local context.
Agenda: The workshop will provide a professional overview of the transdiagnostic and transtheoretical integrative body-mind-spirit approach to wellness. It will delve into the underlying principles, philosophical underpinnings, and evidence-based benefits for families, enhancing participants' knowledge competency. By the end of the workshop, participants will have a clear understanding of the integrative body-mind-spirit healthcare approach and its relevance to families, thereby enhancing their ability to provide effective care. Moreover, the workshop will equip participants with practical skills in holistic wellness. It will cover core skills adopted from the disciplines of Traditional Chinese Medicine, mindfulness-based interventions, compassion-inspired contemplative practices, and other traditional forms of soothing and self-care techniques such as acupuncture, massage, and therapeutic journaling. Through experiential learning opportunities, participants will gain first-hand experiences in these techniques, enabling them to integrate these skill sets into their clinical practices and cultivate their therapeutic presence.

Post-Summit Workshop 3

Enhancing Couples Relationship for Family Wellbeing

Date: 30 December 2024 (Monday)

Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 nn

Location: Classroom at The University of Hong Kong (exact room no. will be provided in due course)

Brief Description: The "Enhancing Couples Relationship for Family Wellbeing" workshop is a dynamic 3-hour session designed to empower couples with the tools they need to strengthen their relationships, ultimately fostering a healthier and happier family environment. Tailored specifically for couples, counsellors, family therapists, and community leaders, this workshop delves into the core aspects of relationship dynamics, communication strategies, conflict resolution, and emotional intimacy. Through a mix of mini-lectures, interactive activities, and group discussions, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the essential elements that contribute to a thriving relationship. Recognizing that each couple's journey is unique, the workshop is customized to address common challenges and provide practical solutions relevant to the audience's experiences. Participants will engage in hands-on exercises, such as role-playing and skill practice, allowing them to apply new skills in real-time. The workshop also encourages open dialogue, enabling participants to share insights and learn from one another in a supportive environment. By the end of the session, audience may leave with a clearer vision of their relationship goals, equipped with effective strategies to enhance their connection and contribute to their family's overall wellbeing.
Trainer: Bawany CHINAPAN is a distinguished leader in the field of counseling and family therapy in Malaysia, whose expertise and accomplishments have left an indelible mark on the profession. Bawany CHINAPAN served as the Program Chair of the Counseling Unit, showcasing her commitment to academic excellence and program development. She was an instructor of Marital and Family Counseling module at the Masters in Counseling program. A registered licensed counselor and certified supervisor accredited by the regulatory body Lembaga Kaunselor Malaysia (LKM), her role includes providing comprehensive supervision for both trainees and seasoned practitioners, contributing significantly to the growth of the counseling community. Bawany CHINAPAN's passion for her work is evident in her specialization on couples and family functioning. She pursued training and supervision under the esteemed Master Family Therapist, Professor Maurizio Andolfi, and holds certification in Multigenerational Family Therapy. Her practice spans individual, couples, and family therapy, through a multigenerational approach. Recognized for her expertise and contribution, Bawany CHINAPAN was appointed by the Minister under the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development as a Member of the Counselling Advisory Board Malaysia, a position she continues to hold with distinction. She currently serves as the Vice-President of the Malaysian Marriage and Family Therapy Association (MyMFT) and Vice-Chairperson of CIFA (Malaysia & Singapore).
Agenda: The workshop aims to enhance couples' relationships, emphasizing their importance for family wellbeing. It begins with a 15-minute introduction where participants share their backgrounds and discuss the significance of healthy relationships. Following this, a 40-minute session delves into understanding relationship dynamics, focusing on essential elements like communication, trust, and emotional support. Participants engage in discussions to identify crucial factors in their relationships. Next, the workshop covers effective communication strategies, where attendees learn techniques such as active listening and empathy through role-playing scenarios. This is followed by a session on conflict management, equipping couples with tools to manage conflict constructively, including speaker-listener technique as a tool to manage misunderstandings. The workshop then highlights the significance of emotional intimacy, offering guided exercises to strengthen connections and discussing its impact on family wellbeing. Finally, a 15-minute Q&A session allows participants to address any lingering questions, followed by a summary of key takeaways and resources for further support. Overall, the workshop provides practical strategies and insights to foster healthier relationships, ultimately contributing to improved family dynamics.

Post-Summit Workshop 4

Introducing Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and its role in supporting family well-being

Date: 30 December 2024 (Monday)

Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 nn

Location: Classroom at The University of Hong Kong (exact room no. will be provided in due course)

Brief Description: Navigating family dynamics can be challenging, often filled with complex emotions and interactions. This workshop aims to provide participants with a deeper understanding of how Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can enhance family harmony and emotional well-being. The session will begin with an overview of TCM principles and the concept of constitution care, focusing on how different body types can influence health and relationships. Participants will engage in an interactive self-assessment to better understand their own constitutions and how to support them through dietary and herbal remedies. A significant portion of the workshop will focus on emotional well-being, exploring how emotions are perceived in TCM and their impact on physical health. Participants will learn techniques for cultivating emotional balance, including mindfulness and breathing exercises. The workshop will also feature a demonstration of acupressure techniques aimed at promoting health and relieving stress, followed by a hands-on activity where attendees create herbal sachets, harnessing the therapeutic properties of various herbs. Tailored for a diverse audience, this workshop combines practical skills with TCM insights, empowering participants to foster family harmony and holistic wellness in their lives.
Trainer: Ms. TAM Yi Shun is a registered Chinese Medicine Practitioner with a Master of Chinese Medicine specializing in Acupuncture and Moxibustion from the University of Hong Kong (HKU). Currently, she works at The Hong Kong Tuberculosis Association—The University of Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Clinic cum Training and Research Centre, where she has gained valuable clinical experience treating a variety of conditions, with a focus on chronic pain and stress-related disorders. TAM employs a holistic approach, integrating acupuncture, herbal remedies, and lifestyle modifications tailored to each patient's needs. She is passionate about patient education, helping individuals understand their health conditions and the benefits of Chinese medicine in their recovery. In addition to her clinical practice, TAM actively engages with the community by giving talks and workshops, aiming to raise awareness about preventive care and the principles of Chinese medicine. She also serves as an instructor for a Chinese Medicine course for nursing students at a university, where she enjoys sharing her knowledge and experiences with aspiring healthcare professionals. Through her work, TAM is dedicated to promoting a deeper understanding of Chinese medicine and its role in holistic health and well-being. Ms. Mavis TSE is a registered Chinese Medicine Practitioner with a deep-rooted passion for holistic healing and women's wellness. Driven to further her expertise, she pursued a Master's degree in Chinese Medicine (Gynaecology) from The University of Hong Kong. This specialized training equipped her with an in-depth understanding of women's health issues from a TCM perspective. Recognizing the importance of integrative healthcare, Mavis complemented her TCM knowledge with a Postgraduate Diploma in Pain Management. This additional qualification allows her to bridge the gap between traditional and modern approaches to pain relief, offering her patients a comprehensive range of options tailored to their individual needs. Currently, Mavis practices at The Hong Kong Tuberculosis Association—The University of Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Clinic cum Training and Research Centre, where she provides personalized consultations and treatments to her patients. She is committed to integrating TCM's holistic philosophy into her practice, considering not only the physical symptoms but also the emotional and mental well-being of each individual. Beyond her clinical work, Mavis is a frequent speaker at workshops and seminars, sharing on a variety of TCM topics with the public. She has also contributed to research project focused on the application of acupressure for stress relief in family caregivers, highlighting the potential of TCM in supporting those facing caregiving challenges.
Agenda: The workshop begins with an introduction to the objectives, schedule, Chinese Medicine Service of Hong Kong Tuberculosis, Chest and Heart Diseases Association, and the speakers. It delves into Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles, focusing on holistic wellness and body constitutions like Yin Deficiency and Qi Stagnation. Participants learn about factors affecting constitutions, such as lifestyle and diet, and explore TCM approaches through dietary and herbal recommendations. An interactive session includes a self-assessment questionnaire and a Q&A. The discussion on emotional well-being covers the TCM perspective on emotions and their impact on health, offering strategies like mindfulness and meditation to cultivate balance. The workshop includes a practical acupressure demonstration for stress relief and concludes with a hands-on activity where participants create herbal sachets, learning about the therapeutic benefits of various herbs and flowers