ICPA2024 PID073 Wing Tung Chan and Lau Ka Lok

Enabling Desistance through Community Engagement and Peer Support: The "Buddies" Project

This presentation showcases the impactful work of SideBySide in enabling desistance among ex-offenders through community engagement and inclusion. The "Buddies" project has successfully facilitated a shift in participants' self-identity from drug users to drug users volunteers and peer supporters, leading to increased social connections and improved well-being. The project's Social Return on Investment ratio of 2.20:1 underscores its significant non-financial benefits. Transitioning into its second phase, the project aims to further develop peer supporters and implement innovative programs like the Territory-wide Pilot Peer-in-a-Team initiative. Challenges such as specialized care for unstable participants and enhanced training for peer supporters are being addressed to ensure sustained success. Despite these challenges, the project has shown promising results in enhancing treatment motivation, reducing drug usage, and fostering community acceptance of rehabilitated individuals. The abstract highlights the project's commitment to fostering desistance and successful reintegration, setting the stage for continued progress in the upcoming phase.

Authors

Wing Tung Josephine Chan

Administrative Supervisor, SideBySide

Josephine, a social worker at SideBySide, leverages 5 years of experience working with ex-offenders and hidden drug-users, guiding them through rehabilitation with a belief in their inherent strengths and transformational potential. Her approach is marked by genuine care and empathy towards clients. Josephine holds a Master of Social Work from The Chinese University of Hong Kong and a Bachelor of Social Science in Psychology from the University of Leicester. Her academic background, coupled with her practical experience, enables her to provide compassionate and comprehensive support, instilling hope and empowerment in those she serves.

Ka Lok Edison Lau

Senior Manager, SideBySide

Edison Lau is an accomplished service provider and social researcher with over eight years of innovative experience spanning academic research and social welfare sectors. He boasts an impressive educational background, including a Bachelor of Science (Advanced) with a major in Psychology, a Master of Social Sciences in Counseling Psychology, a Master of Social Sciences in Criminology with Distinction, and an Advanced Diploma in Big Data Analytics and Applications. Beyond his academic achievements, he has amassed significant experience in the social welfare field, holding various impactful positions such as social service senior manager, counseling psychologist and researcher. His passion lies in leveraging social service and research to improve the lives of disadvantaged communities.

In his quest to make a meaningful impact, Edison has contributed to pivotal projects at the SideBySide. His work has focused on social service and social research and evaluation, emphasizing social impact assessment (SIA) and social return on investment (SROI) to drive development and innovation in social services. Additionally, Edison has applied his expertise in Big Data to enhance Business Intelligence within the social welfare domain. From 2017 to 2022, Edison has played a crucial role as the editor-in-chief of Sracpology, an influential annual research bulletin that highlights significant advancements and insights in the social welfare landscape. His dedication and contributions are helping to shape a more inclusive and equitable world.

ICPA2024 PID073 Wing Tung Chan and Lau Ka Lok

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