Kids talk: Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food Dr York Chow talked to a group of children during his visit to Tin Shui Wai.

Strong mutual help networks provide the basic and essential protective elements of a safe, supportive and socially inclusive society, Secretary for Health, Welfare and Food Dr York Chow says.

"We will continue to enhance public awareness of the need to strengthen families and combat domestic violence to members of the public through public education," he said.

During a tour to a number of welfare and health facilities in Tin Shui Wai today, Dr Chow said Social Welfare Department and non-governmental organisations have all along been providing a series of preventive, supportive and remedial services to strengthen the function of families as well as to render necessary assistance to families in need.

"We have adopted a cross-sectoral and multi-disciplinary approach to tackle the problem of domestic violence," he said, adding enhanced training for frontline staff is also in place.

The purpose of Dr Chow's tour is to observe the mode of service delivery in Tin Shui Wai and listen to views of the public and frontline staff on service improvements.

He inspected the operation of family services at the Tin Shui Wai (North) Integrated Family Service Centre where he is briefed on how services are provided to help-seekers with family problems, and listens to their views and concerns of frontline social workers.

At the "Tin Yuet Youth Space for Participation, Opportunity and Training" youth centre, Dr Chow talks to service users including school children, young people and parents.

During his visit to Pok Oi Hospital Mrs Chu Kwok King Memorial Day Nursery, Dr Chow is glad to see a social inclusion project funded by the Community Investment and Inclusion Fund has started to bear fruit where local and new arrival families are building up strong mutual help networks around their estate.

He inspected a community hairdressing class organised under this project to promote family cohesion and a more vibrant community life.

Dr Chow then visited the Tin Shui Wai Health Centre to inspect the service delivery of the general out-patient clinic, nurse-led clinic and specialist support session.