Key facts
- Minal Mahtani, founder of OCD & Anxiety Support Hong Kong, received a Spirit of Hong Kong Award.
- The awards celebrate individuals demonstrating charity, civic awareness, and goodwill.
- Mahtani advocates for better community mental health services and referrals.
- She believes community groups should play a larger role in mental health support.
- The Spirit of Hong Kong Awards were established in 2013.
Mental health advocate Minal Mahtani has been honored with a Spirit of Hong Kong Award for her dedication to supporting individuals struggling with severe mental health problems. Mahtani, who founded OCD & Anxiety Support Hong Kong, believes that community groups should play a more significant role in providing support before individuals reach a crisis point.
She highlighted that many Hongkongers face severe mental health challenges but may not be considered urgent cases within the formal healthcare system. Mahtani advocates for improved referral systems connecting hospitals, community mental health services, and specialist charities to ensure timely support for those awaiting formal treatment.
The Spirit of Hong Kong Awards, established in 2013 by the South China Morning Post, aim to shine a light on ordinary citizens who embody charity, civic awareness, and goodwill. The awards celebrate individuals who overcome personal challenges, contribute to their communities, and demonstrate acts of self-sacrifice, innovation, and tenacity, inspiring others with their actions.