Two events, one of commemoration and one of celebration, were held at Stepping Hill Hospital with the support of the Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care Team recently.
A morning event of commemoration for Remembrance Day was held in the restaurant to remember those lost in war, and a celebration event for Diwali the Festival of Lights was held in our Pinewood House training centre; symbolising inner enlightenment and the triumph of light over darkness celebrated by many including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and some Buddhist communities, including among our staff members.
The Remembrance Day commemoration was a moving event made more special by a visit from our local armed forces representatives. Attended also by Chief Executive Karen James, together they paused to honour and remember all those lost to conflict. A two minutes silence was held and the ‘Last Post’ played on bugle. A Remembrance Tree was held in the chapel for patients, staff, and visitors to place their own personal tribute messages.
For the Diwali event, the training venue came alive with colourful lights, beautiful Rangolis, vibrant traditional Indian attire, soothing music and a delicious festive meal. This was made possible by the enthusiasm and generosity of Stockport NHS colleagues, who took time out of their busy schedules to be part of the occasion.
Stockport NHS Foundation Trust Chief Medical Officer Dilraj Sandher was amongst those speaking at the event, with a shared message of peace, communal harmony and mutual respect for diverse faiths and beliefs.
