The Horizon Group organised a seminar on End of Life Care with members of the local Sikh community.

As part of Dying Matters Week (which encourages open discussion and planning around death) CHFT colleagues joined with Locala and both Hospices to offer information and advice on the nature of palliative care and support services available.

From CHFT Drs Tim Jackson and Steve Oxberry, together with Andrea Vickerman and Gillian Sykes attended. Zeenat Hussain (Muslim chaplain) did a huge amount of translating, and Harbinder Singh our honorary Sikh chaplain, co-ordinated planning with the Temple. Representatives from Kirklees Register Office spoke on the legalities of registration.

The event, which was held at the Fartown Sikh Temple, Huddersfield, was held in English and Punjabi. The talks generated much interest from those attending, with questions ranging from assisted dying, when to attempt resuscitation, to early release of the body for cremation.

Our Chaplain George Spencer, said: " “The interest and participation from the community was great and we hope the message filters through that there are many ways in which those with life-limiting illness can be supported. Thanks to all who helped."  

** Every year in May, Dying Matters and its coalition members host an Awareness Week. This gives an unparalleled opportunity to place the importance of talking about dying, death and bereavement firmly on the national agenda