ENG-1977 — Page 168

SOCIAL WELFARE

Research and Evaluation

115

During the year, a number of research studies were undertaken by the Social Welfare Department's Research and Evaluation Unit. The major projects were an investiga- tion into the potential demand for public assistance and other allowances under the social security scheme, and a study of cases handled by the Family Services Division. A joint venture, undertaken by the unit with the Hong Kong Council of Social Service, studied the social service needs of the elderly.

In the voluntary sector, studies were made of the school social work programme and subvented nurseries.

Community Advice Bureau

Since the end of 1974, a special voluntary body - the Community Advice Bureau - has offered help and advice to English-speaking newcomers to Hong Kong. There has been a rapid growth in demand for its services and, in 1977, it helped nearly 5,000 people - more than double the previous year's figure.

The bureau has built up a comprehensive range of information during its three years of operations, and prides itself on being able to give a quick response to virtually any question. During the year, it expanded its role to provide a special information service on summer holiday activities for children and young people. This met with such a warm response that it will become a regular part of the bureau's services. The bureau, which also runs a popular 'Discovering Hong Kong' course twice a year, operates five days a week throughout the year from an office near St John's Cathedral.

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