“One Community-Cultural Awareness Day: Bridging Cultures at St Helena Hospice”

On Monday, October 30, 2023, St Helena Hospice in Colchester, UK, welcomed a diverse array of communities for a special event called "One Community-Cultural Awareness Day." The event was organized by Vickie Peters, MA, the Safe Harbour Project Manager and Hate Crime Ambassador at St Helena Hospice's Joan Tompkins Centre. This gathering aimed to foster cultural awareness, understanding, and collaboration within the community, particularly in the context of care, dying, and bereavement.

Various local communities were invited to participate in this enlightening day, including the Colchester Nepalese Society (CNS), a vibrant group representing the Nepalese community in Colchester. CNS was well-represented by its Chair and Trustee, the Ladies Coordinator, the Area Representative for Gurkha Home, Jas Kumari Gurung, Cham Bahadur Pun of Gurkha Home, Lal Maya Pun of Gurdon Road, and Dil Maya Thapa of St. Michael's.

The event provided an opportunity for each community to showcase its unique cultural items and traditional costumes. It was a vibrant display of the rich diversity within the Colchester community. However, the day was not only about visual exhibits; it was a platform for sharing knowledge and experiences, thus deepening the understanding of different cultural customs, especially in the sensitive and important areas of care, dying, and bereavement.

Throughout the day, the staff at St Helena Hospice engaged in insightful discussions with representatives from various communities. The exchange of ideas, customs, and practices enhanced the staff's cultural competency, equipping them to provide more inclusive and culturally sensitive care. This was particularly valuable, as the hospice serves a wide range of patients from different cultural backgrounds.

The afternoon featured an engaging session of questions and answers, allowing participants to delve into the intricacies of each community's customs and beliefs. This interactive dialogue not only informed the staff but also fostered an atmosphere of unity and understanding among the attendees.

As the day came to a close around 2 pm, the participants enjoyed a meal prepared by members of the African Communities and Bangladeshi Women's organizations. Sharing food from various cultures is often a symbol of unity and shared experiences, making it a fitting conclusion to a day dedicated to cultural awareness.

"One Community-Cultural Awareness Day", organized by Vickie Peters and the team at St Helena Hospice, was a resounding success. It exemplified the power of community engagement and the value of promoting cultural understanding within the context of care, dying, and bereavement. By coming together, sharing their stories, and appreciating one another's traditions, the participants took a step towards building a more harmonious and inclusive community. Such events serve as a testament to the rich tapestry of cultures that make up Colchester, enriching the lives of all those who call it home.

Udai B Gurung MBE

Chair/Trustee

CNS