Whether you are a social worker in a school, a youth centre or working on the streets, have you ever worried that running activities explicitly named as “mental health” might put young people off? You may also have tried interest‑based programmes that match their preferences, yet still felt unsure whether these interventions are really making an impact.
This seminar is designed to offer you evidence‑based support. In recent years, internationally renowned mental health scholar, Prof. Pim Cuijpers, has advocated “Indirect Treatment”, which addresses everyday issues such as insomnia, stress and perfectionism, to prevent emotional distress. Speakers will also share the experience of “Digital Intervention”, which weaves non‑labelling support naturally into young people’s lives with use of technology. Both open up new possibilities beyond traditional forms of intervention.
The seminar will also bring together local scholars and experienced social workers to explore how “Indirect Treatment” and “Digital Intervention” can be flexibly and organically integrated into the formulation and follow‑up of Individual Development Plans (IDPs) in Integrated Children and Youth Services Centres, thereby supporting young people’s growth and development.
✅ International Expert Keynote: The Evidence and Practice of “Indirect Treatment”
Learn how to use everyday difficulties as entry points to reduce young people’s resistance to “emotional problem” labels and to prevent the worsening of depression and anxiety.
✅ WHO’s Initiative: Lessons from the Step‑by‑Step “Digital Intervention”
Speakers will share how the World Health Organization’s Step‑by‑Step digital intervention model has been developed and used to provide online support that alleviates emotional distress.
✅ “Indirect Treatment” × “Individual Development Plan”: Strategizing Local Practice
Local scholar and experienced social workers will discuss how to embed elements of “Indirect Treatment” into the formulation of Individual Development Plans with young people, realizing non-labelling support through interventions for everyday difficulties.
Date:
12 March 2026 (Thu)
Time:
15:00-17:30 HKT
Format:
Online Zoom Meeting
Keynote Speaker:
Prof. Pim Cuijpers, Emeritus Professor of Clinical Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Guest Respondents:
- Lam Iok Fong Agnes, Associate Professor, Department of Communication & Director, Centre for Macau Studies, University of Macau
- Cheung Chun Sing Johnson, Senior Lecturer, Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong
- Ho Chung Ho, Service Supervisor (Youth, Family & Community Services), The Salvation Army
- Chui Yee Ting, Assistant Service Supervisor, Youth, Family and Community Services (Development Section), The Salvation Army
Language:
Keynote in English
Responses and discussion in Cantonese
Simultaneous English/Cantonese interpretation provided
Target Participants:
- Practitioners working in children and youth services
- Supervisors and frontline social workers of ICYSCs
- Related professionals
Registration:
Click here to register (deadline: 2 March 2026)
Enquiries:
2864 2958 (Ms. Leung)
