21 Aug 2024 Community

The Kirkwood engage with diverse community groups

In a heartwarming initiative, The Kirkwood recently welcomed a group of Muslim women from the Birkby Library Community Group to learn more about the hospice, its services, and the support it provides for people with life-limiting illnesses across Kirklees. The visit formed part of an ongoing campaign involving the Community Champions project which has been created with health professionals and charities coming together to see how we can widen our scope within different diverse groups. The Community Champions programme is aimed at raising awareness about life-limiting conditions and the services available to those affected while fostering connections with diverse communities in the region.

Over the course of the campaign, more than 600 conversations were held with individuals and groups, resulting in 100 people being directly signposted to The Kirkwood, and a further 46 people being directed to relevant support services. The campaign’s goals centred around enhancing understanding of life-limiting conditions, improving knowledge about available support options, and addressing barriers different communities face in accessing services or discussing what can often be considered a taboo subject. The Community Champions campaign ran for around 6 weeks, with the aim of raising awareness about life-limiting conditions and the services available to those affected, while fostering connections with diverse communities in the region.

During the visit, the group engaged in an open discussion with The Kirkwood’s team, led by Sadaf Adnan, Services Development and Partnerships Manager, who noted: “It was such a joyful, uplifting morning welcoming the ladies of the Birkby Library Community Group to The Kirkwood. We had a great discussion about all the support we can offer, gently challenging assumptions that people may make about hospice care. It was interesting that some of the common myths we hear all the time are consistent across different cultures and groups.”

The group explored The Kirkwood’s In-Patient Unit, which many remarked felt more like a “five-star hotel” than a clinical environment. The visitors appreciated the calm, welcoming atmosphere, with several members commenting on the peaceful surroundings and the warm reception from the staff. A visit to the multi-faith room and a chance to enjoy some delicious filled dates prepared by The Kirkwood’s chef were among the highlights of the day.

Reflecting on the significance of the visit, Sadaf added: “What stood out to me was watching the group enjoy the gardens, chatting to other visitors and staff, and taking in the surroundings. You could tell they felt comfortable and welcomed, and for me, that’s what it’s all about. As a Muslim woman working for The Kirkwood, it feels more important than ever to showcase how we are here for everyone.”

The visit also served to dispel some of the common misconceptions surrounding hospice care. Zeenat Hussain, one of the attendees, remarked: “It’s been absolutely fantastic. The feedback I’m getting from the women is that they’ve never seen anything like this. One of them said, ‘I can see that once my life comes to an end, I would like to be here.’ They now know what a hospice is it’s not just a place where people die; it’s a place to be cared for in comfort.”

For many in the group, this was their first time visiting The Kirkwood, and the experience left a lasting impression. Shagufta Bano, another visitor, shared: “It is my first time visiting The Kirkwood. I have heard about the hospice, but I didn’t know how many facilities the charity had. I think most people don’t know what a hospice is, but after visiting, everything is clear. It’s not a hospital, it’s a place where you can receive care and still live comfortably, just like at home.”

The success of this initiative highlights the importance of engaging with communities to break down barriers and build trust. With 395 people now reporting an improved understanding of what a life-limiting condition is, and 436 people knowing how to access support, the campaign is making significant strides in ensuring that more people across Kirklees are aware of the help available to them.

As the day concluded, the women expressed their intention to continue supporting The Kirkwood, from organizing sponsored tea mornings to donating during special occasions such as Ramadan. Sadaf extended her gratitude to the group, saying: “We would like to extend our thanks to the group for a genuinely uplifting morning and for thought-provoking discussions, and also extend an invite to other groups to come and visit and meet us.”

This visit, which bridged cultural gaps and fostered mutual understanding, marks a vital step forward in The Kirkwood’s mission to ensure that everyone, regardless of background or belief, feels welcomed and supported in accessing hospice care when they need it most.