[Highlights] JC LevelMind Fest 2025: Rediscover the Path Within

JC LevelMind, created and funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, successfully organised an annual event “JC LevelMind Fest 2025”, on August 30 at PMQ in Central. Centered around the theme “Rediscover the Path Within”, the event focused on building resilience and growth mindset, and attracted over 1,000 participants, creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere. This annual event brought together people from various sectors and young people to explore how reconnecting with inner needs can help cultivate psychological resilience in ways that suit individuals, empowering young people to face different challenges.

Opening Ceremony and Student Wellness Clubs Award Presentation

The opening ceremony was officiated by Dr. Sze Chun Fai, JP, Under Secretary for Education (second from right), Dr. Lam Ching-choi, GBS, JP, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Mental Health (second from left), Ms. Chow Yan Wai, Convenor of JC LevelMind Advisory Committee (first from right) and Ms. Ying Fung Sau, Head of Charities (Education & Youth Cluster) of The Hong Kong Jockey Club (first from left).

Dr. Sze (first from right) presented awards to 42 representatives of the Student Wellness Clubs from participating schools, recognising the efforts and contributions made by the committee members over the past year in creating a mental health-friendly campus.

Main Plenary

Sharing challenges on mental well-being with each other, exploring ways to build resilience

The event invited students to have a deep conversation with Dr. Lam Ching-choi to share the difficulties they face in their mental, emotional, and physical health. Drawing from Dr. Lam’s experiences and insights, they explored how to turn hardships into resilience and inner strength.

Expanding youth–adult partnerships to promote mental well-being in schools

The event invited teacher and student representatives from schools participating in the JC LevelMind@School to share their experiences. They explored how teacher-student partnerships can create a school environment that encourages open discussions about mental well-being, supporting young people in navigating various challenges.

Celebrity dialogue with youth, encouraging them to build inner strength

Hins Cheung, a famous singer, was invited to the event for an inspiring dialogue, encouraging youth to build resilience. Drawing from his experiences, he shared how he faced setbacks and challenges throughout his journey, transforming stress into motivation.

KOL family shared on parent-child communication, encouraging open and honest conversation

The event also featured YouTube creator Hanna Vanharanta and her parents, who explored topics of family communication and mental well-being within a cross-cultural context. Hanna shared how her family’s open and non-judgmental approach to communication—along with their respect for her autonomy—encouraged her to share challenges and difficulties with them. This approach also removed the stigma around mental health discussions, fostering a supportive family relationship.

Youth-led Activities

Youth co-creation photo exhibition

The special school campaign “From Hearts to Lens” invited secondary school students to capture ordinary yet meaningful moments of daily life using film cameras, encouraging them to savor life through the lens. At this exhibition, a series of postcards were also available, along with a "Future Mailbox". Visitors were invited to write down their reflections and feelings in the moment and send them to themselves or someone important, as a gentle reminder to cherish life.

Recharging activity booths hosted by LevelMind youths

Project partners hosted a series of recharging and interactive activities. For instance, the “Replenishment Station” by Hong Kong Children and Youth Services, featured a “Worry-Free Gashapon Machine”. Participants could turn the machine to receive a capsule containing heartfelt messages left by others, offering a moment of warmth and support.

Youth-led docent tours and wellness activities

Youth-led docent tours took participants through various corners of the event, highlighting key areas, including the "Chill Bar"—one of the school wellness activities organised by the JC LevelMind@School Student Wellness Clubs.

Wellness+ Self-management workshop led by trained student mentors

Wellness+ Self-management workshop, led by professionally trained student mentors, guided participants in crafting unique embroidered patches inspired by various wellness tools. The workshop helped participants develop emotional awareness skills and create personalised well-being action plans, while also serving as a constant reminder to address and respond to their well-being needs.

JC LevelMind Truck imitated the coziness of JC LevelMind Hub

JC LevelMind Truck is back, imitating the cozy space of JC LevelMind Hub. With a designed immersive environment, participants were allowed to explore their ‘inner-forest’ amidst the hustle and bustle, and experience the importance of place-making in improving mental well-being.

Cheered each other up in the Encouragement Forest

Encouragement Forest allowed everyone to write down some encouraging sentences, post them on the sharing board, and cheer each other up!