Acknowledgement
Our Centre gratefully acknowledges the generous sponsorship of the Simon K.Y. Lee Foundation, whose sustained support since 2019 has enabled the development, validation, and large‑scale dissemination of evidence‑based caregiver support services in Hong Kong.
From CSP 1.0 to CSP 2.0
The original Caregiver Support Project (CSP 1.0, 2019–2023) established and tested two strength‑based, research‑validated service models—the Caregiver Support Model (CSM) and the Psycho‑education Programme on Empowerment (PP‑E)—to support family caregivers of frail older adults. Building on the positive evaluation outcome of CSP 1.0, Caregiver Support Project 2.0 (CSP 2.0, June 2023–January 2026) was launched to refine these models (CSM 2.0 and PP‑E 2.0) and embed them into routine practice across the social welfare sector.
Research team and partners
CSP 2.0 was led by a multidisciplinary team from Saint Francis University and City University of Hong Kong. Team members included Prof. CHONG Ming‑lin, Alice (PI, SFU); Prof. LO Tit‑wing (Project Coordinator, SFU); Prof. LI Kin‑kit, Ben (PI, CityU); Prof. YEUNG Yuen‑lan, Dannii (Co‑PI, CityU); and Prof. CHIU Yu‑lung, Marcus (Co‑PI, SFU). The project is implemented in close collaboration with nine NGOs in Hong Kong (Baptist Oi Kwan Social Service, Caritas Hong Kong, Christian Family Service Centre, Hong Kong Christian Service, Hong Kong Family Welfare Society, Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Council Limited, Methodist Centre, Po Leung Kuk, and The Salvation Army).
Core interventions and tools
CSM 2.0 dissemination involves training front‑line social workers to deliver a structured, CNRA‑driven case‑management model, supported by clear practice guidelines. An integrated online Case Management Platform and Resources Database consolidates community resources, provides secure electronic case forms, generates spider‑web visualizations of caregiver needs and resources, and embeds operational manuals and real‑time resource‑matching functions. In parallel, PP‑E 2.0 dissemination uses a co‑creation approach, preparing social workers and caregiver leaders as co‑facilitators through structured training and practicums.
How impact is measured
Impact is assessed multiple timepoints for both social workers and caregivers. For CSM 2.0, social workers complete pre‑, post‑training, and post‑practicum assessments (T1–T3) of their willingness, attractiveness, and confidence in using CSM, while caregivers are evaluated at intake, mid‑term (3–4 months), and case closure on multiple need and resource domains using the validated Caregiver Needs and Resources Assessment (CNRA). For PP‑E 2.0, pre-training, post-training and post-practicum measures (T1-T3) of empowerment, caregiving perceptions, and attitudes toward helping others are combined with data on social workers' confidence and role transition among caregiver leaders.
Impacts of CSM 2.0
A total of 46 social workers from nine NGOs completed a 48‑hour training and supervised practicum pathway, and 578 caregivers received CSM 2.0‑based support during the project period. Social workers reported increased attractiveness, willingness, and confidence in implementing CSM across the three evaluation timepoints, and highlighted the CNRA and spider‑web charts as useful tools for engaging caregivers and prioritising interventions. Caregivers showed significant reductions in unmet needs across physiological, role‑conflict, care‑recipient, psychological, and social domains, with notable gains in healthy lifestyles and family support resources; compared with CSM 1.0, CSM 2.0 produced more rapid and pronounced improvements in several areas.
Figure 1. Group photos of trained social workers and trainers in CSM training
Figure 2. Operational manual of CSM
Figure 3. The user interface of online case management system
Impacts of PP‑E 2.0
CSP 2.0 developed a pool of 24 PP‑E seed trainers (12 social workers and 12 caregiver leaders) through 40 hours of basic training, supervised and non‑supervised practicums, and consolidation workshops. Across 31 PP‑E groups (eight sessions each) involving 241 caregivers, evaluation findings indicate small‑to‑moderate improvements in caregiver empowerment, caregiving perceptions, and willingness to help others. Social workers and caregiver leaders reported sustained increases in willingness and confidence to implement PP‑E, with supervised practice facilitating the successful transition of caregiver leaders into co‑facilitator roles and strengthening reflective, empowerment‑focused practice in the field.
Figure 4. Group photos of trained social workers, carers and trainers in PP-E training
The seminar held on 19 September, 2025, attracted 13 educators from 7 universities/higher education institutions, 2 charity foundation members, 2 NGO colleagues, and 2 social workers to learn about this validated service model and explore its application in social work classrooms/field.
Figure 5. Educators receiving an introduction to the CSM and PP-E frameworks
The Symposium held on 5 November, 2025, attracted over 300 guests from the government as well as the welfare, academia and health care sectors, including senior representatives from all 9 collaborating NGOs. The key officiating guests included Mr. Chris Sun, JP, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, and Dr. LAM Ching choi, GBS, JP. Executive Council member.
Figure 6. Group photos on the Symposium
Figure 7. Milestone card about CSP 2.0
To access the milestone card in a higher resolution, please CLICK HERE.