The Regional Missing Persons Unit Hong Kong Island (RMPU HKI) has initiated a project known as "SOLACE" for expanding the existing community networks, strengthening community support and co-operation, engaging the community, and enhancing the Region's ability to reduce missing person cases, particularly those involving the very young and old.  

 

For the project, wide-ranging outreach programmes have been developed in close collaboration with government departments and Non-government Organisations. In addition, there are other initiatives such as a Blessing Card for elders and those suffering from dementia, and seminars in secondary schools to disseminate messages on preventing elders from reported missing.  

 

Blessing Card: During the last Lunar New Year, RMPU HKI visited the elderly living in public housing estates and distributed the blessing cards. The visits not only engaged the community by delivering good wishes but also encouraged the families of elders suffering from dementia to take good care of and prevent their loved ones from missing from home.

 

School Seminar: As part of an ongoing initiative, the school seminar sought to raise the younger generation's awareness of the symptoms of elderly dementia. With many elders living with their children and grand children, early identification of potential dementia symptoms would be essential for seeking early medical treatment.

 

Dementia Forum: In January, RMPU HKI participated in a Dementia Forum held by the Hong Kong Council of Social Services.

 

Invited as a speaker, Senior Inspector (SIP) Cheuk Yuet-ching, Officer-in-Charge of RMPU HKI, spoke on cases involving missing persons suffering from dementia.  

 

"During the forum, we exchanged views with many different stakeholders. We also introduced project 'SOLACE' during both formal and informal interactions. It's this kind of community engagement that can help reduce missing person cases as well as the related emotional trauma," said SIP Cheuk.