“Walk with You” Suicide Prevention Campaign

As part of the “Walk with You” Suicide Prevention Campaign, the Wellness and Counselling Centre (WACC) of the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) is offering the

QPR Gatekeeper Training for Suicide Prevention—a globally recognized, certified program developed by the QPR Institute.

QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer — the 3 simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. A gatekeeper is anyone who can recognize a crisis and identify the warning signs that someone may be contemplating suicide. Everyone can have the power to save a life by acting as a gatekeeper – including YOU.

This 2-hour training will equip participants with essential skills to support others in times of crisis. Participants will learn how to:

– Question individuals who may be struggling

– Persuade them to seek help

– Refer them to appropriate support services

– Recognize warning signs of suicide

– Understand common causes of suicidal behavior

Upon completion, participants will become a certified QPR Gatekeeper and receive a certificate issued by the QPR Institute. Led by certified instructors from WACC, this training is a meaningful opportunity to gain life-saving knowledge and contribute to a more caring and resilient CUHK community.

Upcoming Activities

– 27 Mar 2026 – Certified QPR Gatekeeper Training for Suicide Prevention (Cantonese)

Past Activities

– 6 Aug 2025 – Certified QPR Gatekeeper Training for Suicide Prevention (Cantonese)

– 29 Aug 2025 – Certified QPR Gatekeeper Training for Suicide Prevention (English)

– 25 Sep 2025 – Certified QPR Gatekeeper Training for Suicide Prevention (English)

– 14 Oct 2025 – Certified QPR Gatekeeper Training for Suicide Prevention (Cantonese)

– 6 Feb 2026 – Certified QPR Gatekeeper Training for Suicide Prevention (English)

Mental Health First Aid is a 12-hours training that teaches MHFAiders how to recognize mental health issues in those around them, how to initiate the ALGEE intervention process, and how to assist individuals in accessing community resources. The course is taught by our counsellors who are certified instructors of Mental Health First Aid authorized by the Mental Health Association of Hong Kong.

Learning objectives

Using a practical, evidence-based action plan, course participants will learn skills in:

– Identifying the signs and symptoms of common mental health issues and crisis

– Providing appropriate initiate help and support before the situation get worse

– Assisting individuals in needs to seek for appropriate professional services or appropriate social resources

Modules

The course consists of 4 modules:

-What is Mental Health First Aid?

-Interventions for depressive disorders

-Anxiety and Substance Abuse

-What is psychosis?

Certification

Participants who complete the 12-hour MHFA Course with 100% attendance will receive a certificate for the “Standard Mental Health First Aid Course”, the certificate is jointly issued by OSA of CUHK and The Mental Health Association of Hong Kong, and acknowledged by the Mental Health First Aid International.

For more details on Mental Health First Aid, please refer to https://www.mhfa.org.hk/en-us

To join our latest course, please check our events page

At different stages of life, challenges and difficulties are inevitable. University students, who are in a critical period of growth and transition, face unique pressures—including academic stress, identity development, changes in interpersonal relationships, and sometimes the loss of loved ones.

To meet these needs, the Life Education and Bereavement Care Groups aim to promote students’ overall mental health and resilience through experiential learning, peer support, and reflective practice.

Past Activities

– 3, 10, 17, 24 Oct 2025 – Growing with Care – Self-Compassion and Horticultural Therapy Group (Cantonese)

– 16, 13 Jan & 6, 13 Feb 2026 – In Loving Memory – Grief and Bereavement Care Therapeutic Group (Cantonese)

The group provides a creative space where images are understood not merely as records but as pathways to healing. Through photography, participants are invited to explore their inner experiences, connect with others who share similar journeys, and rediscover warmth and meaning in the interplay of light and shadow as they retell the stories of themselves, others, and the wider world.

Upcoming Activity

–  26 Feb & 12, 19, 26 Mar 2026 –  Connected Through the Lens – Phototherapy Support Group (Cantonese)

The workshop supports participants in healing through connection and creative expression, offering an environment where difficult feelings can be explored without the need for words. Through expressive arts, participants can reconnect with their inner experiences, engage with others in a safe and supportive setting, rediscover personal strength, and explore emotions through colours, shapes, and textures.

Upcoming Activity

– 27 Feb & 13, 27 Mar & 10 Apr 2026 – Healing Encounters – Expressive Arts Therapy Group (Cantonese)

What Is Self-soothing?

Self-soothing is a simple to help yourself feel calmer when you feel stressed. It involves using your five senses — sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell — to ground yourself and create a sense of comfort.

How It Helps

When your emotions feel more intense, it’s easy to become caught in worry or tension. Engaging your senses can gently shift your attention, helping you relax and regain a sense of control. Even small actions — listening to a calming sound, touching something soft, or taking in a pleasant scent — can make a meaningful difference.

Finding What Works for You

Everyone is unique, and different sensory experiences bring comfort to different people. Some students may feel soothed by looking at calming images or colors, while others may prefer the taste of a favorite snack or the feeling of a warm drink in their hands.

Feel free to experiment with different activities to find the one(s) that work best for you.

Sight

– Find pictures on the Internet of places that you find soothing to look at. It can be different cities, nature, animals or artistic pictures.

– Look at the beautiful way the sky, the trees, the grass, and the plants around

– Watch a movie that is famous for its beautiful cinematography. Make sure that its story won’t make you stressed

– Go to a museum or gallery and enjoy the artwork

– Start a collection of pleasurable pictures and look at them when needed.

Hearing

– Enjoy your favorite song

– Listen to calming music or nature sounds

– Tune into an audio book, a podcast, or a show that you enjoy

– Practice with a guided mediation

– Talk to a person that you like

Taste

– Enjoy a cup of coffee, herbal tea, cocoa or other drinks that you enjoy

– Refresh yourself with a glass of water

– Have a comforting snack (e.g., candy, nuts, fruit, chocolate)

– Eat a fresh piece of fruit

– Savor your favorite meal slowly and savor its taste

Touch

– Hold something soft, warm, or textured (e.g., blanket, cushion plush toy, stress ball)

– Offer yourself a gentle squeeze on your arm or feet

– Doing a craft activity like knitting or crochet

– Take a warm shower or bubble

– Wear comfortable clothes and enjoy how it feels on your skin.

Smell

– Smell something comforting, like your favorite lotion or perfume

– Notice natural scents around you

– Buy some flowers or indoor plants that you would enjoy smelling.

– Using a room diffuser with your favorite essential oil

– Cook a meal that smells delicious to you.

Reference: https://dialecticalbehaviortherapy.com