Moon and Star
Companion Programme
One to One Companion Matching
Incorporated in the UK by a few enthusiastic HongKongers in June 2021, HKG International aims to connect like-minded people of Hong Kong. Through the launch of the "Star and Moon" Companion Program, we provide one-on-one matching services to advocate the spirit of mutual assistance.
HongKongers who have settled in the UK for more than four months will act as guides and companions ("Moon"), and provide three months support for newcomers in the same district ("Stars"), helping them to establish social circles and adapt to local culture. "Stars" will become "Moons" after the programme and help the next batch of HongKongers, ensuing the continuity and sustainability of the endeavor.
The Service
"Moon" will act as the guide and companions of "Star", assisting them in ways including but not limited to:
-
Q&A for "Star", including application of BNO visa, local news and transports;
-
Face-to-face Meeting with "Star", at least one physical meeting (lunch, coffee etc.) for an in depth understanding and bonding;
-
Physical assistance to "Star", can be a lift to shopping, apartment or car viewing, house furnishing etc.
The Process
APPLICATION
As "Star"
Newcomers to the UK for less than 4 months; or planning to move to the UK in the coming 4 months
As "Moon"
Individuals who settled in the UK for over 4 months; patient and compassionate; needs to be referred by one existing "Moon"
LOCAL MATCHING
The team will conduct matching based on location and demand from "Star" (eg. house rental, obtaining car license, opening bank accounts, children schooling etc.) and recommend a "Moon" with corresponding experience.
Pairing and subsequent communication will be established upon mutual consent.
John Jue
3-MONTHS SUPPORT
Matching period is 3-months, "Star" can decide the starting date (before or after arrival in the UK). Within the matching period, "Moon need to answer, meet and assist the "Star" whenever possible. The team will conduct monthly follow up to ensure active communication.
"Stars" are suggested to commence the pairing period within 2 months prior to departure from HK, so the face-to-face meeting with "Moon" can be made possible.
CONTINUITY
"Star" will become "Moon" after the programme, the spirit will sustain and inherit to the next batch of arriving HongKongers.
When I first arrived in the UK there were a lot to handle including buying a car, opening bank account, getting acquainted with the locals.. Thanks to the "Moon and Star" programme who provided me with assistance and information, that helped my family to adapt quickly to our new lives. Such timely help is vital to all newcomers like ourselves!
- Ms. Ng (Birmingham)
Fee
"Star" will need to pay £100 upon application (ie. £33 per month).
Within which £50 is granted to "Moon" as travel subsidy, we anticipate the "Moons" will do their utmost in helping.
The other £50 will be reserved in subsidising students, underage and individuals with financial needs to join the programme, also to offset certain cost and administrative expenses.
Fee Waiver
Students, underage, asylum seeks, disabled and individuals with financial needs can apply to waive the application fees.
Service Guarantee
If appropriate "Moon" cannot be matched to "Star"; or that "Moon" cannot fulfil expected responsibility, upon confirmation the "Star" shall receive full refund.
Charity Donations
Part of the income will be donated for charity purpose after offsetting the operational expenses.