Creative writers need a lot of skills in their toolkit – captivation with clarity is one of them. A skill I believe Dr Jenny Hui has mastered. Her initial email to us is what has me so convinced:

In Hong Kong, the majority of persons with disabilities are still put into institutions when their families can no longer care for them.

We are very eager to learn from you, how to run community support to facilitate members to live in the community.

Jenny asked us to teach them about United Response’s person-centred approach, so that they can implement this at the three learning disability organisations they were representing – Fu Hong Society, The Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council and Hope Worldwide.

Showing, not telling

Keen to help, we decided to show our guests what our kind of support looks like in action. First I sent blogs, local press coverage and our Richmond e-newsletter– all of which had different, positive feedback from people we support, the staff team, parents and the local community.

When I met Jenny at the station, she introduced me to Ron, Eva, Maggie and Rex and we instantly connected.

Our hearts and minds are interwoven with positivity and creativity, wanting to make a difference in the lives of people we support.

From left – Ron, Nora and Dr Jenny at the train station

On the way to The Enterprise, Jenny asked me to tell my story and how I attained the knowledge to devise and deliver activities to people we support. I spoke about learning from everyone and how Matthew (Campbell) and I embrace a “no them, only us” mindset at The Enterprise.

When I meet someone, I’m meeting them. I want to know about their likes, dislikes and dreams – not their disability.

Dynamic energy and enthusiasm are also at the core of what we do at The Enterprise… and that was very evident to our visitors when Matt warmly welcomed them at the door.

From left: Ron and Matt chatting; a thank you card from our visitors

Games night

Josh, who hosts our Games Night, greeted our guests and introduced his gamers Siobhan, Kayleigh and Rachel. Rex set up his camera while Jenny, Ron, Maggie and Eva joined in. We all shared fruit, biscuits and lots of laughter.

Josh told our guests how United Response had changed his life. He talked about his anxiety levels before coming to The Enterprise, explained how his confidence has grown and said he ‘feels like a new person’ now.

From left: Kayleigh and Dr Jenny; Eva, Siobhan and Josh playing games

Siobhan, Kayleigh and Rachel also spoke about their personal journeys and the progress they felt they’d made from attending activities at The Enterprise.

Siobhan said:

I’m so grateful that the Enterprise welcomed me, and all of us, with open arms. I can be myself here with no judgement. I love all the activities and get a lot from them.

She then showed the group how to sign to the Beatles song ‘Here Comes The Sun!’

Then the exchange of gifts began and Games Night turned into an awards ceremony.

The Enterprise crew proudly presented some United Response wellbeing gifts to our guests. Ron thanked Matthew and I for our hospitality and gave us beautiful artwork and silk banners from The Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council. Jenny lavished us with t-shirts, a tin of confectionery and silk banners from the Hope Worldwide and the Fu Hong Society.

Gifts and lots of smiles

Out in the community

We then made our way to one of our local supported living services. Support Worker and culinary genius Iza had just prepared dinner with Jack. Their culinary skills definitely won the crowd over!

Iza said:

I enjoyed meeting our visitors from Hong Kong. I was able to share my knowledge about the people I support, and then listen to their stories in return, to hear how differently the social care system operates overseas.

Let’s hope the opportunity we had will open up the bridges and create some friendships for the future!

Our guests commented on how spacious the house was and said it really felt like home. They spoke to the Practice Manager, David, and were grateful for his insight into running a Supported Living service.

Meeting housemates and their support workers

Jenny gifted housemates Sam, Jack and Kayleigh with a box of chocolates – which were gratefully received!

No-one wanted to leave, but the taxi to take our guests back to the train station was waiting. I politely asked if they wouldn’t mind giving us some feedback for the purposes of this blog.

Here are their comments:

Today’s visit to United Response gave me a deep understanding of how the organisation implements the concept of equality and inclusiveness. I totally admire and appreciate it very much.

Eva Choi
Service Co-ordinator – The Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council

United Response inspired me with their support for people with disabilities to live the life they choose. It was incredible to hear about the important work you do and how you empower individuals by understanding their needs, goals and aspirations, tailor their individual support and truly respect people to integrate into the community.

Thanks Nora, Matthew and your teams today for sharing. I felt your passion, commitment and dedication to your work and I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from you.

The visit left a lasting impact on me and hope both our organisations can start this beautiful relationship which we can have more sharing and exchange later on.

Ron Chau
Service Supervisor – The Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council

I’m so impressed that all the staff have a person-centred approach and service users are communicating so well. They can express themselves without any boundaries. They enjoy society independently and they go to the pub! I want to go with them too!

Thank you, Nora, Matthew and the team!

Maggie Lok
Marketing and Communications Executive – The Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council

United Response is extraordinarily person-centred for people with disabilities. Everyone is valued and respected to lead a life of quality, doing meaningful things that they enjoy.

We are inspired and hope that we can continue the exchange. The dedication and commitment of Nora, Matthew and staff of the residence is deeply appreciated!

Dr Jenny Hui
Visiting Lecturer of HK PolyU and Clinical consultant, HOPE Worldwide HK Board member, Fu Hong Society HK

We feel blessed to have met our Hong Kong visitors, who are now our treasured friends.

  • Nora Kerezovic is Team Leader at United Response’s Teddington hub, The Enterprise.