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SPEAD 2026
Brain Support Workshop
SPEAD 援腦教育工作坊 2026
SPEAD – Brain Support Workshop 2026, organized by the Department of Public Health, HKSAN, is a unique program designed to educate secondary school students about five critical neurological and mental health conditions: Stroke, Parkinson’s Disease, Epilepsy, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Depression. Together, these initials form SPEAD (pronounced speed), symbolizing the importance of speedy recognition and support in managing these conditions.
Through a series of lectures, participants will gain essential knowledge about the causes, symptoms, immediate supportive measures, and treatments of these disorders. The goal is to empower students to identify early signs in people around them and to act quickly to reduce risks and injuries.
Beyond lectures, students will engage in one of four experiential workshops: Mindfulness & Meditation, Animal-Assisted Therapy, Music Therapy, or Life and Death Education. These interactive sessions provide hands-on exposure to therapeutic practices that promote mental wellbeing and highlight the importance of caring for one’s own mental health.
To deepen understanding, patients with lived experience of these conditions will share their stories. Participants will have the chance to interview patients directly, fostering empathy and reflection on their potential future roles as healthcare professionals.
Finally, the workshop will feature a career sharing session with a neurosurgeon, offering students valuable insights into the career path, challenges, and rewards of working in neuroscience.
By joining SPEAD 2026, students will not only expand their knowledge of brain health, but also experience diverse therapies, connect with real patients and professionals, and explore exciting career opportunities in healthcare.
In SPEAD, there are...
Sharing from neuroscience-related professionals
Healthcare professionals working in neuroscience-related domains will share their experiences during their career and personal development. You can interact with them and know more about your aspiring career.
Deep dive lectures
Deep dive lectures on stroke, epilepsy, and autism spectrum disoder will be delivered. Sharing from peer support worker will also be held for depression such that you learn how to effectively support a friend showing mood disturbances.
Patient Interaction & Brain Therapies workshop
You may interact with patients with lived experience of Parkinson's Disease. You also get the chance to experience one of the many therapeutic approaches in treating brain conditions, including music therapy, animal assisted therapy, etc..
Campus exploration
You would be exploring the campuses of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) and the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), led by current students at the universities.
Undergraduates' sharing
Undergraduates who are now studying medicine, biomedical sciences or psychology will share their lives as a university student.
Like-minded individuals
SPEAD converges secondary school students who share similar interests and aspirations. You can make friends with those who are also interested in medicine, psychology or neuroscience!
Rundown
Day 1: CUHK Campus (7th February 2026)
