Respecting diversity

Hardev Notta is Acorns Asian Liaison Officer.  For the past 17 years, she has played a two-fold role - developing policies and supporting families.  She is not the only member of the Acorns’ team who works with Asian families but she is always available for those who prefer to deal with someone from a similar culture. 

Hardev supports staff at each of Acorns’ hospices.  Her aim is that all families should feel comfortable at Acorns and look upon the hospices as a home away from home.  It is important therefore that the particular needs of Asian families are met.  Hardev will therefore recommend the types of food that should be provided to meet dietary needs, ensure that families get information in their own language and that translation services are available if parents can’t speak English.  She also ensures that religious needs are met when a child is dying and after the death and that families have space to pray. 

An important part of Hardev’s work is running the Asian Mother’s Support Group where women are able to meet in a safe environment to support each other, exchange stories, share advice and have some time away from their caring roles.

Acorns celebrates all the major religious festivals including Diwali and Eid. Hardev co-ordinates these celebrations and staff at the hospices cook special food and decorate the rooms.

Acorns was one of the first hospices in the UK to appoint an Asian Liaison Officer and Hardev has a national profile.  Hospitals and hospices from across the UK seek her advice on dealing with South Asian families and she has spoken at many conferences.  She also sits on the panel of national organisations – Childhood Bereavement Network panel and Help the Hospices.

The role of the African Caribbean Liaison Officer

The African Caribbean liaison Officer (ACLO) has a dual role, working directly with children and families alongside a focused consultancy and developmental role.

Working with children and families at Acorns: the ACLO provides support to Black children and families in the community and within the hospices.  She acts as an advocate where necessary and ensures that Black families are fully aware of Acorns’ services. The ACLO has a small mixed caseload and works with other team members to offer psychosocial support, advice and cultural perspectives.

Liaison with other agencies: The ACLO provides information about Acorns’ services to relevant organisations. Initial research has included trying to identify the numbers of Black children with a life-limiting condition, what barriers may prevent families from accessing the service and any changing demographics in the region that would influence referrals. She also works to raise awareness of the needs of Black families within Acorns and to increase the numbers of black volunteers.

Training: the ACLO has a key role in relation to training and consultancy, offering expertise and knowledge of Black issues for practitioners within the care teams and other teams within the organisation.  This has ranged from providing workshops on black hair and skin care and Caribbean days to attending planning and strategic meetings on how the organisational structure needs to address issues from a black perspective.

For further information contact Diane Thomas at Acorns in Birmingham on 0121 248 4850 or email: diane.thomas@acorns.org.uk