Dear Staff and Students,

Regarding the fire incident in Tai Po yesterday, we express our deepest sympathy and solidarity with everyone affected.

If you are affected by the incident, or if online videos or photos trigger feelings of anxiety, sadness, panic, headache, rapid heartbeat, or shortness of breath, these are normal stress responses. You may try the following methods to calm yourself:

• Pause viewing distressing footage, social media or news for a while — give yourself permission to step away from upsetting information.
• Talk to and stay connected with trusted friends or family.
• Look after your body and mind — try deep breathing, listening to soothing music, or enjoying a warm drink.
• Practise diaphragmatic breathing and progressive muscle relaxation to ease tension.
• Maintain your daily routine as much as possible — regular meals, moderate exercise, and time with loved ones all help.
• Allow yourself to feel and express emotions — acute stress reactions are natural, not a sign of weakness.
• Avoid using smoking or alcohol to numb feelings.
• If discomfort persists, please reach out for professional support without hesitation.

We understand that the incident may affect everyone’s emotions. The Student Affairs Office has therefore made the following special temporary counselling arrangements:

1. You may walk-in emotional support at the Student Affairs Office (Room 105, 1/F) – no appointment required. Period: 

Effective immediately until 5 December 2025 (Next Friday)

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 5:45 p.m.

2. You may chat with a counsellor via WhatsApp (+852) 6995 5004 or WeChat (HKCHC_SAO).

Period: Effective immediately until 30 November 2025 (Next Sunday)

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

For non-urgent counselling or other support, you may also contact the Student Affairs Office through the following channels.     

Email: counselling@chuhai.edu.hk     

Phone: 2972 7366 / 2972 7454 (Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:45 p.m.)

24-hour Emotional Support Hotlines Hospital

Authority Mental Health Helpline: 2466 7350

Social Welfare Department Hotline: 2343 2255

The Samaritans Befrienders Hong Kong: 2389 2222

The Samaritans - 24-hour Multi-lingual Suicide Prevention Services: 2896 0000

 Suicide Prevention Services: 2382 0000

Caritas Family Crisis Support Hotline: 18288

Open Up (WhatsApp / SMS): 9101 2012

We sincerely hope that everyone stays safe and unharmed during this time.

Student Wellness and Development

Section Student Affairs Office

HONG KONG CHU HAI COLLEGE