City launches caring initiatives

The Shenzhen Municipal Civil Affairs Bureau recently released an action plan outlining 10 initiatives aimed at ensuring the elderly and children's well-being, particularly those in the city's social welfare institutions, the bureau said in a press release yesterday.

The 10 initiatives include a call for solicitude for the elderly and children, a special service hotline, themed posters, brochures and short videos, improved services for the group and material donations, a literary and artistic works competition, and an anti-COVID short video competition.

The initiatives aim to encourage everyone in society to pay due attention to and provide scientific care for the elderly and children, the bureau said.

The initiatives also intend to show concern for the physical and mental health, as well as the living needs of senior citizens and children in nursing homes and child welfare institutions that are still under closed-off management since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the bureau, all of the city's civil affairs departments are urged to conduct one-on-one phone surveys on registered elderly and children who are undergoing difficulties, and to alleviate their difficulties in a timely manner.

The bureau will also fully leverage charitable resources, mobilize social organizations and businesses to donate funds and materials, and provide professional sports, health care and psychological comfort services for senior citizens and children.