South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM) running from 18 July to 17 August, recognises the diverse cultures and experiences of individuals from the countries of South Asia. Launched in the House of Commons in July 2019, SAHM provides local communities and organisations the opportunity to celebrate and discover the vibrant shades of South Asian culture.
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust celebrated the rich culture and diverse workforce with events taking place at both their sites, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and West Middlesex University Hospital.
This year’s SAHM theme is all about storytelling, the importance of hearing the experiences of others, valuing their experiences and using storytelling as a way to connect, inspire and deepen our understanding. Staff celebrated their connections to their heritage through art, music, dance, food and fashion at the hospital.
Sheena Basnayake, Hospital Director, West Middlesex University Hospital, said:
“It is so important to take this time during South Asian Heritage Month to recognise and celebrate the culture and impact of our South Asian colleagues here at West Middlesex, who make up a significant portion of our diverse workforce and represent the communities that we provide care for.
“We have held a variety of exciting events to give staff the chance to get involved and share the story of their culture, including a range of exciting performances and activities, such as henna painting, food stalls and dance in the lobby of our hospital and we continue to recognise the achievements of staff from South Asian backgrounds.”
