We have partnered with Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Oldham to help highlight the benefits of hospice care within the South Asian community.
Dr Kershaw’s joins Hindu temple to tackle stigma
Highlighting hospice care in diverse communities
As part of our mission to highlight accessible palliative care within diverse communities, Dr Kershaw’s Hospice has joined forces with a local Hindu temple.
Shree Swaminarayan Mandir is central to Oldham’s Hindu population, providing a wide range of worship, learning and wellbeing support. By partnering with the temple, we hope to tackle stigma around end-of-life care in the South Asian community and empower families to decide what is right for their loved ones.
Video: how hospice care has helped South Asian families
Tackling stigma
Caring for elders is considered sacred in the Hindu faith and this can sometimes lead to apprehension about approaching external services.
Adele Doherty, CEO of Dr Kershaw’s Hospice, said: “As a hospice, we are acutely aware that people from diverse ethnic groups may find it more difficult to access specialist palliative care services.
“This could be due to generational differences, language barriers, a lack of awareness about resources, or previous experiences with healthcare professionals. We want to change this, and our message is very simple: everyone deserves to die with dignity.
“Our friendly nurses, doctors and healthcare assistants work alongside families to deliver free compassionate care that aligns with beliefs and ways of living.”
Anil Kara, a trustee at Shree Swaminarayan Mandir, said: “Within South Asian communities, it can be difficult to ask for help. We wanted to work with a charity that has supported the community, and we have people in our congregation who have used Dr Kershaw’s’ services.
“Dr Kershaw’s Hospice provides more than people think, and there is no shame in needing help or accessing services.”
Giving families a choice
Alongside its 12-bed inpatient unit, Dr Kershaw’s Hospice offers at-home care via its Caring Hands and Hospice at Home services. This way, families can access additional support while looking after their loved ones.
Other services include counselling, complementary therapies, and Chemo Closer to Home.
To find out more about the services we provide, visit our services page.
Within South Asian communities, it can be difficult to ask for help. There is no shame in needing help or accessing services.
Anil Kara
Trustee at Shree Swaminarayan Mandir