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Nothing is more important than achieving holistic well-being to city dwellers. If you are feeling suffocated and stressed by work and other problems, how about paying a visit to the “330 goodie” concept store inside Link Sustainability Lab, which provides ways to heal your body and mind?
There is a general belief that holistic well-being is too abstract to be expressed in words – that is until you come to “330 goodie”.
The layout of the store is based around four themes mirroring four states of being: relaxed, energetic, joyful and calm. These concepts are specifically designed for the store and are meant to be easily comprehensible to visitors, explained Chris Wong, Supervisor at New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association. The store also offers goodie packs that are made by people in mental recovery and contain items such as aroma stones and botanical soaps. All proceeds, after covering costs, go to New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association’s vocational rehabilitation services. “Through offering this merchandise, we hope to help the public connect more with their own emotions,” said Chris. “At the same time, this is also a kind act that can help others and build an inclusive community.”
At “330 goodie”, a little-known side of people in mental recovery immediately becomes clear: their artistic creativity highlights the importance of mental and physical health and showcases their passion for life. In fact, the store is a valuable platform for them to showcase their talent and to gain self-confidence. At the same time, it also serves as a reminder to visitors to Link Sustainability Lab to pay attention to their own emotions. Much of the merchandise in the store is based on the various drawings’ themes.
“People in mental recovery are actually not that different than you and I,” said Chris. “It’s just that they don’t have as many opportunities to be in contact with society. For example, if you or I wanted to tell others about a good meal we ate, we would probably post the experience on social media. In contrast, people in mental recovery may prefer using drawing to convey their emotions. Sometimes, they even use different foods as metaphors to represent what they are going through in life.”
More importantly, “330 goodie” also provides employment and training opportunities for people in mental recovery, an important step in their return to society. Some of them are now participating in store operations. “Our goal is simple,” said Chris. “We want to use this platform to allow them more contact with the public and to build self-confidence. A smile or a few words of encouragement would mean so much to them.”
People in mental recovery who work at the store have all undergone a period of training. Some of them even came with prior retail experience. “I was a bit shy before and didn’t know how to communicate with people,” said Hei Lam, one of the staff at “330 goodie” who has taken on multiple responsibilities, including cashier and customer service. “I’m really happy that I can apply what I learned from training to my job.”
Hei Lam said she is enjoying her experience at “330 goodie” and also appreciates the overall atmosphere of Link Sustainability Lab. “The visitors are all friendly and that makes me feel comfortable. I hope that through my hard work, I can show the public that people in mental recovery can perform well at work as long as the positions match their talents. It would be great if my sharing encourages more people to accept those from different backgrounds. This would help me and others like me to regain our physical and mental well-being.”
Since its opening at Lok Fu Place, the store’s biggest achievement has been the connections it has built with people from different walks of life, backgrounds and age groups. Chris said she hopes more people in the community take the time to visit the store and chat with the staff. “My new year’s wish is that more people can find time to understand their emotions, and pay regular attention to their physical and mental well-being.”
