Central Mosque Springhill Education Event
When the Volunteer Team from Rochdale’s Central Mosque approached Springhill Education about promoting palliative care within the Muslim community, we were delighted to get involved.
The team shared a concern that many Muslim families may be missing out on valuable support, not because they don’t need it, but because they are unaware of what services are available. There can also be misunderstandings about what palliative care actually is and, importantly, whether it aligns with Muslim faith and cultural values.
The mosque volunteers were passionate about raising awareness and helping families feel more confident accessing support when they need it most. We were just as enthusiastic and jumped at the opportunity to help break down barriers, increase understanding of palliative care, and introduce more people to the services Springhill provide.
Working closely with the volunteers, we met beforehand to discuss planning an event, making sure everything was relevant, respectful and aligned with the needs of the local Muslim community.
Jenny, from our Marketing Team, created a series of informative and engaging display boards, which helped spark conversations and gave attendees an opportunity to explore key information at their own pace.
Pauline, Education Facilitator, then delivered a short presentation covering the essentials of palliative care, including what it is, opportunities for planning future care, common misconceptions, and the wide range of support available through Springhill Hospice. She also highlighted our values and commitments, how we work alongside health and care services across Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale, and the vital role that volunteers and fundraising play in supporting our work.
One of the most powerful moments of the event came when Naz, Springhill’s Community Service Manager, shared her personal family experience. Speaking with warmth, honesty and emotion, she described the care and support provided by Springhill’s Community Team as her mother approached the end of her life. Her story resonated deeply with those present and created a meaningful connection with the audience. Throughout the event, Dr Steph was on hand to answer questions, chat with attendees and provide further information about Hospice services.
We were also privileged to hear from Mufti Zayd, who explored end-of-life care through the lens of Islamic faith and culture. He spoke thoughtfully about the importance of relieving pain and suffering, explaining that these principles are supported within Islam rather than being contrary to it. He also emphasised the importance of families having gentle, honest and open conversations about death and dying, helping people prepare practically, emotionally and spiritually.
The event was extremely positive, with attendees actively engaging in discussions, asking insightful questions and showing a genuine interest in learning more. It was encouraging to see increased understanding of palliative care and how Springhill Hospice services can support individuals and their loved ones. There was also interest from people wanting to volunteer and become more involved with the Hospice in the future.
Events like this remind us how important community conversations are in breaking down misconceptions, building trust and ensuring everyone has access to the care and support they deserve.
