The Aberdeen Kai-fong Welfare Association (AKA), a non-governmental organisation, has been rooted in the community for nearly 75 years, serving residents of the Southern and Central & Western Districts. Over twenty years ago, AKA joined hands with the Housing Society within Yue Kwong Chuen to promote “Community Mutual Care”. In 2008, with support from the Community Investment and Inclusion Fund (CIIF), they jointly launched the Caring Estates in Southern District Scheme, piloting a system of Block Representatives and Floor Representatives, and establishing the Yue Kwong Mutual Help Network Centre. This Centre not only provides support for daily life but serves as a gathering point for neighbours. While AKA mobilises residents and social workers to offer various services, the Housing Society provides resources such as venues. This tripartite cooperation allows the spirit of mutual aid among neighbours to flourish fully.

AKA social worker Ken Wong was entrusted with the important task of serving Yue Kwong Chuen. He has witnessed how, under the joint support of AKA and the Housing Society, residents have gradually built a network of mutual trust. “Sometimes when the TV signal is lost or a circuit breaker trips, residents come to the Centre for help.” Ken describes that in the early years, the Centre sold groceries and daily necessities, acting like a mini-supermarket to assist elderly residents with mobility issues. Today, it has transformed into a social hub where residents chat and play board games, knitting the community bonds even tighter.

AKA social workers regularly conduct home visits to the elderly and host monthly tea gatherings. With the redevelopment plan now unfolding, and commissioned by the Housing Society, they have established a dedicated service team to provide relocation support, such as organising “Decluttering Workshops” to assist the elderly in sorting out their homes. “AKA and the Housing Society have always worked closely together, partnering up to respond to residents’ needs,” says Ken. Behind the spirit of mutual aid in a housing estate lies this essential cross-sector collaboration, weaving a warm and resilient community network.