AngelLine offers an inclusive platform of online mental health support for underprivileged youth in the Greater Bay Area (GBA). Aiming to alleviate heavy stigma against mental health, exacerbated by an underdeveloped culture of mental health issues in the GBA, the initiative presents a strategic opportunity for youth (Angels) to help similarly-affected youth with a non-traditional approach. Equipped with an ever-evolving manual derived from common knowledge and multidisciplinary professional research (psychotherapy, drama therapy, theatre), angels become trained listeners and can support empathetically the mentees. Summer 2020 objective is market testing, content curation, manual piloting and laying a foundation to systematize efforts.

Step 1: Under intensive research and reference of credible sources, the finished product of a manual of instructions and protocol is created (For the guidance of angels). The manual will undergo expert review. Step 2: Prior to the activity being undertaken, the recruitment of angels (close friends) and mentees will limit to 5-10 members (ranging from the age of 12-18). Step 3: A consent and ethics form will be signed to confirm participation. Additionally, the project supervisor will clearly communicate expectations, expected results to both angels and mentees. Step 4: Training- Orientation sessions for angels are mandatory and will be held on the “Zoom” application due to COVID safety measures. Training sessions include shadowing, answering concerns and questions by angels, and allowing all angels to receive sufficient person-to-person training. Step 5: Pilot of caregiving - Mentees will be partnered with an angel according to a holistic evaluation of fit (including interests, passions, past experiences), the partnered angel would connect the mentee through an online communication app at a scheduled time convenient to you. Prior to the beginning of the program, both mentees and angels will complete a diagnosis depression test. There will be a minimum of 2 online sessions every week over a period of 2 weeks. The first session will be 45minutes to an hour-long, involving introduction and answering questions regarding the mentee and their mental health; sessions after are 15-30 minutes long. Angels will assign at-home self-help strategies and exercises according to the peer mentee’s needs and manual. All conversations are documented for research purposes. they will also complete a progress form after every meeting for an update. Angels are also open to asking for support and any questions depending on the individual case. Step 6: Report and Evaluation - After 2 weeks, both angels and mentees will complete a diagnosis depression form (to measure change, quantitative). Manual - Develop the feedback and evolution process for manual - this is the first iteration of the manual development cycle, which is continuously updated. Open Forum - A scheduled event for the mentees allows both angels and mentees to exchange ideas and develop friendships, also encouraging those who received care from AngelLine to “pay it forward” by volunteering as an angel of the ecosystem.

The macro-objective aims to specifically address a marginalized community of youth that receive minimum to none mental health support and resources in Hong Kong. Through initiating the two developmental stages (scaled test marketing, broadened the proof-of-concept), the wider initiative focuses on the creation of an ecosystem of support consisting of peer crisis intervention experts and mentees. A priority is the focus of direction in the aspect of service development through research and development. After sufficient test marking and assessment, partnerships with potential strategic partners can utilize the rewrite of an updated procedure manual. Furthermore, the process will be digitized into a maximum accessible form- a mobile app where there is an “all in one” functionality of offering a platform to recruit angels in the GBA, connecting teens in need with an angel for peer support. Hence, all aspects of training and feedback can be engaged online. Another prominent objective is the increase of targeted, strategic marketing- obtaining an increase of public exposure through mass media promotion, aiming to reach the specific mentees in critical need of the support service. \\\\\\\\r\\\\\\\\n\\\\\\\\r\\\\\\\\nA long-term objective would also be the consideration of reaching other target segments (increase different streams of revenue, selling b2b) or establishing Angeline as an MNC to offer support to youth in the Greater Asia region under careful planning. Ultimately, user friendliness, open access and resources consolidation will need to be ensured to encourage ongoing conversation and development.

Overall, there is an expectation of thoughtful evaluation and development process by replicating the user experience of AngelLine for 10 beneficiaries and angels, laying a foundation to systematize and synchronize efforts to scale up in the future. The coordination mechanisms are implemented thoroughly in the emphasis on the following aspects. Throughout the coordination process, there are two primary parties involved - Angels ( Peer Crisis Intervention Specialist), and Mentees (Peer Client in need of mental health support). Angels play a vital role in peer support and outreach of the initiative, working directly under the founder as ambassadors of the program. Effective coordination is achieved through one, signing of a specific commitment that documents clear clarification of expected results, and the specifying of work content and protocols including the number of service hours/ reporting and support system/ ethical protocol, which is mandatory for Angels that offer mental health support. Furthermore, prior to test marketing, orientation and training sessions are made required and are led by the founder - including shadowing, home preparation, and a Manual Test to certify that they are trained sufficiently and are able to offer support of controlled quality. Angels will also undergo a matching process with their mentees. During test marketing, both parties will communicate and conduct scheduled meetings per week through an online platform. Progress report submission and consistent report of progress are required after every session. After 14 days, angels will submit a final report, and report to a compulsory focus group interview. Mentees are peer clients in a controlled environment. Prior to the test marketing, they are required to submit a signed consent form, consisting of a declaration of prior medical diagnosis, traumatic topics. Under the guidance of the project supervisor, they will be shortly matched with a peer expert and communicate the expected results during the course of this program. During the program, mentees will receive scheduled peer support by Angels (Peer Crisis Intervention Specialist). After 14 days, mentees will submit a final questionnaire and a compulsory focus group interview is required. Both parties, under the legal protection of the consent form, are able to remove themselves from the interview at any point in test marketing.

ITS Education, Global Citizen Capital and Better Together Foundation