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The Social Welfare Department (SWD) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are ready to render assistance to the disadvantaged as winter is just around the corner.
Joining the outreaching visit of an Integrated Services Team (IST) for Street Sleepers tonight (December 3), the Director of Social Welfare, Mr Patrick Nip, said that SWD and other government departments would maintain close liaison with the Hong Kong Observatory over the weather conditions, especially in the winter season.
"In case of an approaching cold spell, SWD will mobilise social workers, volunteers and local organisations to reach out to frail and single elderly people to offer them advice on precautionary measures as well as items to keep them warm, where appropriate.
"At the same time, the three ISTs, which provide support services for street sleepers in Hong Kong and outlying islands, Kowloon and the New Territories respectively, will also step up their outreaching effort in rendering accommodation and tangible assistance as required to street sleepers.
"We have got ready 2,400 blankets for those in need in the cold weather. Additional provision will be made should there be further need," he added.
SWD also appealed to the public to show concern and care for their relatives, friends and neighbours during the cold weather, particularly those living alone. People in need may call the SWD hotline at 2343 2255 for assistance.
Tonight Mr Nip visited the Sai On Centre, the office of an IST operated by St James Settlement with SWD's subvention. He also joined social workers and volunteers to reach out to some street sleepers in the Eastern and Wan Chai District, attending to their needs.
Over the past year, SWD has provided additional resources for ISTs and increased the number of hostel places for street sleepers. As of October 2010, the number of street sleepers registered by SWD and NGO service units was 385, a drop from the 428 registered in the same month last year.
Ends/Friday, December 3, 2010
Issued at HKT 20:09
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