Oldham Temple and Hospice Unite to Combat End-of-Life Care Stigma

A new partnership between the Shree Swaminarayan Mandir and Dr Kershaw’s Hospice was officially launched on October 22, 2023, during the temple’s Diwali celebrations. This collaboration aims to challenge the stigma surrounding hospice care, particularly within South Asian families in the UK, who often prioritize caring for relatives at home as both a duty and a source of pride.

The temple, a vital center for Oldham’s Hindu community, has a longstanding tradition of intertwining worship with community service, previously engaging in initiatives such as food drives and mental health workshops. The partnership with the hospice seeks to address the low uptake of hospice services among these families, where misconceptions about care can hinder access to essential support.

Anil Kara, a committee member of the temple, emphasized the importance of this collaboration. “At Shree Swaminarayan Mandir, we believe caring for our elders and vulnerable is sacred,” he stated. “But we also recognize that hospice care can offer invaluable support at times when families feel most vulnerable. Our aim is to open hearts and minds and show our community that support does not replace love and duty; it enhances it.”

The temple has a history of supporting local causes, including a successful initiative last year with Manchester charity Saheli, which collected over 176 kg of food, clothing, toys, and appliances for vulnerable women affected by domestic abuse.

Educational Initiatives and Community Engagement

As part of this new partnership, the temple and hospice plan to conduct educational workshops and awareness sessions. These initiatives aim to foster open discussions around end-of-life care and to alleviate fears associated with hospice services. Informal meetings will also be arranged, allowing families to connect with hospice staff in a comfortable setting.

Lindsey Harper, the Director of Clinical Services at Dr Kershaw’s Hospice, remarked on the significance of this collaboration. “It is a privilege to partner with the temple to reach communities where hospice care can often be misunderstood,” she said. “Together, we strive to ensure that families know the hospice is a compassionate partner in care and not something to be feared.”

The hospice’s core values include inclusiveness, compassion, dignity, and respect, reflecting its commitment to serve people from all backgrounds and beliefs. “Dr Kershaw’s is dedicated to ensuring that end-of-life care aligns with the values and beliefs of each person we care for,” Harper added.

Personal Stories Highlighting Hospice Care Benefits

For some members of the temple, the benefits of hospice care are personal. Vilas Bhudia shared his family’s experience, highlighting how his son Sanjay spent his final weeks at Dr Kershaw’s. “Our family always believed it was our duty to look after Sanjay at home, and we did everything we could,” Bhudia recalled. “But when they needed specialist care, the hospice staff treated him like family. They gave him dignity, comfort, and love, and they supported us too. The help they gave him and myself I cannot describe in words.”

During this year’s Diwali celebrations, the temple welcomed over 1,500 visitors, raising more than £2,000 on the launch day of the partnership. Manisha Kalyan, a lead member of the events and charity committee, mentioned that numerous local and international activities are planned to further raise funds and awareness about the charity’s impactful work.

Both the Shree Swaminarayan Mandir and Dr Kershaw’s Hospice are optimistic that this initiative will bridge the gap between cultural traditions and professional care. They aim to emphasize that seeking help is not a sign of neglect, but rather an expression of love and commitment to family.