Breaking Down Cultural Barriers: Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Partners with Dr Kershaw's Hospice

Strategic Insights -

The Shree Swaminarayan Mandir in Oldham has been at the heart of the town's social and spiritual life for the local Hindu population. As part of its community service, the temple has partnered with Dr Kershaw's Hospice to address the low use of hospice care among South Asian families in the UK. This partnership aims to open minds and hearts to the benefits of hospice care, challenging cultural expectations around caring for elders at home.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Shree Swaminarayan Mandir has a long history of community service, including food drives, mental health workshops, and charity partnerships.
  • The partnership with Dr Kershaw's Hospice addresses the low use of hospice care among South Asian families in the UK, who often view caring for loved ones at home as a duty and source of pride.
  • Temple committee member Anil Kara stated that the aim is to show the community that hospice care can offer invaluable support while not replacing love and duty.
  • Last year, the temple collected over 176kg of essentials for BAME women affected by domestic abuse in partnership with Manchester charity Saheli.
  • The current partnership will include educational workshops, awareness sessions, and fundraisers to encourage people to discuss end-of-life wishes.
  • Families will be able to meet hospice staff in informal settings at the temple, to break down cultural barriers and promote understanding of hospice care.
  • Temple member Vilas Bhudia's personal experience with hospice care through his son Sanjay's treatment highlights the dignity, comfort, and love provided by Dr Kershaw's staff.
  • The temple aims to raise crucial funds for the hospice to support its specialist services through various fundraising events.

Statistics:

  • Over 176kg of food, clothing, toys, and appliances were donated and distributed by the temple in a charity partnership with Manchester charity Saheli last year.
  • The temple had donations of over £2,000 in a single day, with more fundraising events planned.
  • Diwali celebrations at the temple last year drew over 1500 people, with a variety of food and activities on display.

Sources:

  • Kate Dening, Shree Swaminarayan Mandir has long been at the heart of the town's social and spiritual life for the local Hindu population.
  • Anil Kara, committee member at Shree Swaminarayan Mandir, stating that the aim is to show the community that hospice care can offer invaluable support while not replacing love and duty.
  • Vilas Bhudia, temple member, sharing his personal experience with hospice care through his son Sanjay's treatment.
  • Lindsey Harper, Director of Clinical Services at Dr Kershaw's Hospice, highlighting the hospice's values of inclusiveness, compassion, dignity, and respect.