The government on Wednesday launched a new hotline it said would "provide one-stop, round-the-clock support for people with mental health needs".

Officials said the hotline co-ordinates existing counselling services provided by the government and non-governmental organisations, allowing those in need to obtain assistance through calling the easy-to-recall phone number 18111.

"This is a 24-hour, real-time, person-to-person response to any call," said Health Secretary Lo Chung-mau.

"We have at least six staff online at any time. And if there is any increase in demand, any surge in demand at any particular time, there will be on-call service for that," he said.

"Should any of your family members or friends have mental health needs, please encourage them to call the Mental Health Support Hotline. The carers themselves can also make use of this hotline to seek timely support. We stand ready to chat and we are all ears."

Wong Yan-lung, a former chairman of the Advisory Committee on Mental Health, urged people to make use of the new hotline.

He stressed, however, that outreach work is also important.

"The hotline is only one of the many measures to be taken... For those who are more reluctant, like carers, because of the issues they're suffering, they're reluctant to seek help. I think we have to reach out to them proactively," he said.