- 7 - 28 March 2026
In March 2026, 22 postgraduate students from The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong (HSUHK) completed a 14-hour in-person Mental Health First Aid Certificate Course (Youth Version) at The Create, M+ Building. Jointly organised by the HSUHK Graduate School and the Student Affairs Office, the programme required participants to attend all sessions and pass a final assessment to be awarded an internationally recognised Mental Health First Aid Certificate. Now equipped with specialised mental health knowledge and intervention skills, these students are prepared to support their peers and the wider community, embodying the HIGH Programme’s goal to foster a culture of “Care for learning, learning to care”.
In an era where mental health challenges among young people are increasingly prevalent, the course equipped participants with the awareness, knowledge, and practical tools to recognise early warning signs and respond with care and confidence. Guided by professional instructors, students explored a wide spectrum of youth mental health issues — from anxiety and depression to self-harm — learning to identify symptoms and understand the emotional experiences behind them.
Central to the curriculum was the internationally recognised ALGEE action plan, a five-step framework that gives participants a clear, structured approach to providing mental health first aid. Through interactive discussions, role-play exercises, and real-life case studies, students practised applying this framework in authentic scenarios, building not only their competence but also their compassion.
The course also introduced participants to the landscape of community mental health resources available in Hong Kong, empowering them to guide those in need toward appropriate professional support. By weaving together knowledge, skills, and empathy, the programme helped students emerge as more thoughtful and capable members of their communities.
“Before this course, I wasn’t sure how to approach a friend who seemed to be struggling. Now I feel much more confident — I know what to look for and what to say.”
“The ALGEE framework was really practical. It gave me a clear way to think about how to help someone, rather than feeling helpless or unsure.”
“The class was highly engaged and thoughtful. The participants showed genuine care for youth mental health and were ready to put their skills into practice. It was a pleasure to teach them.”
The HSUHK Graduate School is proud to see its postgraduate students extend their learning beyond the classroom, embracing opportunities that strengthen both their professional profiles and their humanity. The HIGH Programme will continue to offer enriching experiences that nurture well-rounded individuals ready to contribute meaningfully to society.
Centered on the "H-I-G-H" philosophy, the Graduate School of HSUHK launched the HIGH Programme to provide postgraduate students with immersive growth support. Driven by both academic research and social practice, the programme aims to achieve the goal of "Research with Impact, Impact with Care."