THE NATIONAL SIKH CHAPLAINCY PRAYER DAY REPORT 12 th November 2 nd December 2018

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1 THE NATIONAL SIKH CHAPLAINCY PRAYER DAY REPORT 12 th November 2 nd December 2018 Our sincere thanks to all Volunteer Sikh Chaplains, Sikh Chaplains and Sikh Volunteers for making this a very special and successful event The prayers in hospitals across the country were held for the wellbeing, recovery of those who are currently in hospital regardless of faith, race or gender and for world peace. The UK Sikh Healthcare Chaplaincy Group organised a Prayer D ay in the UK hospitals aimed at promo ting community links between NHS and Sikh community with the help of Sikh Chaplains and members of Sikh community from Gurdwaras ASIAN FIRE SERVICE AWARD for Excellence in Community Advocacy & Health and Social Inequalities 2018 to Sital Singh Maan FOR UK SIKH HEALTHCARE CHAPLAINCY

2 THE PRAYERS WERE SUCCESSFULLY HELD AT: Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham by Joga Singh The prayers were held on 29 October and all went well. Community members, Staff and Patients attended. Birmingham Children s Hospital by Mrs Parkash Kaur Sohal & Dr Jaswant Singh Sohal We conducted prayers at Birmingham Children s hospital on Friday 9 November. Ardaas was conducted by Dr Jaswant Singh Sohal. Some 15 members of staff attended. City Hospital Birmingham by Joga Singh The prayers were held on 14 November and all went well. Community members, Staff and Patients attended. Manor Hospital, Walsall by Joga Singh, Dr Jaswant Singh Sohal and Mrs Parkash Kaur Sohal Prayers were held as our Diwali celebrations on 12 November. Community members, Staff and Patients attended. Cathryn Smith said: I am pleased to confirm that the Manor Hospital held prayers as part of our Diwali celebrations on 12 November. Please find attached a photo of the celebrations showing members of the Chaplaincy Team and local community. Penn Hospital, Wolverhampton by Joga Singh The prayers were held on 12 November and all went well. Community members, Staff and Patients attended. Cannock Chase Hospital, Staffordshire by Giani Shyam Singh We celebrated chaplaincy day and Diwali at Cannock Chase on 5 November.

3 West Park Hospital, Wolverhampton by Giani Shyam Singh Bandi Chhor divas celebrations were held on 7 November at West park hospital. Did paath and Ardaas and served langar. New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton by Giani Shyam Singh Sikh Chaplaincy day, Bandi Chhor divas and Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurpurab was held on Thursday 15 November at New cross hospital. We did Chaupai Sahib Kirtan, Ardaas for wellbeing of everyone. Local Gurdwara members, clinical staff, volunteers and interfaith members attended. Dr Deepak did sewa of Samosas and sweets. Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, Shrewsbury and Princess Royal Hospital, Telford, Shropshire by Mr Hermohinder Singh Uppal The event on 14 November with Rev Williams went well at both Princess Royal and Royal Shrewsbury hospitals. I was accompanied by two members from Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara, Telford. I attach the photo. Rev Mervyn Williams said: Thank you, everything went very well, we had a nice time together.

4 Royal Derby Hospital by Jaswinder Kaur Sudle We do this sewa on the first Friday of each month and this fell on 2 November for our contribution to the Sikh Chaplaincy Prayer Day. The sewa that we do involves ladies gathering at the Faith Room at the Hospital at pm and reciting the Sukhmani Sahib, Chaupai Sahib, Anand Sahib and thereafter an Ardaas which is said for the wellbeing of the patients. I have attached pictures of the sewa that the ladies do at the Royal Derby Hospital. Leicester General Hospital by Kartar Singh Bring In honour of Guru Nanak Dev Ji s 549th Gurpurab, the Sikh chaplaincy staff and volunteers celebrated this auspicious occasion with a Sikh Chaplaincy Prayer Day at the Leicester General Hospital. A service was held with the singing of Kirtan and an Ardaas by Sikh Chaplain, Kartar Singh Bring for the wellbeing of all staff, volunteers and patients regardless their faith or gender. The event took place on 14 November and included non-sikh members of the UHL Chaplains and volunteers team as well as Mr Fyaz Suleman, Chair of the Leicester Council of Faiths, Sardar Joga Singh Bhamra, President Guru Amar Das Gurdwara and other Sikh dignitaries. Sardar Tarlochan Singh Virk, Coordinator of the Panjabi listeners Club, also attended. Donations raised on the day of were given to Loros Hospice Leicester by Sikh chaplaincy volunteer Sulakhan Singh Dard, UHL hospitals. Queen's Medical Centre Hospital, Nottingham by Paramjit Singh Thiara Amnah Shah said: I wanted to let you know that the Sikh Prayer Day took place in the Gurdwara Prayer Room at Queens Medical Centre on Monday 19 November. This was led by our Sikh Chaplain Mr Thiara and was attended by members of staff and patients. University Hospital Coventry Walsgrave by Kuldeep Singh Kooker The event that took place at Faith Centre, UHCW NHS Trust on 22 November was attended by 5-6 ladies and Paul Holmes. This event was about Annual Sikh Prayer 2018 and 549 th Birthday celebration of Noble Lord Guru Nanak Dev Sahib ji. Together we completed, Shri Sukhmani Sahib ji s paath, Japji Sahib, Chaupai Sahib paath and did Ardaas (Prayer) for the wellbeing of whole Humanity. Afterwards, we shared Guru Nanak Dev Ji s biography with all present. I also

5 tried to inspire people to join our team as Volunteers, two ladies filled the application form to be part of our Volunteer Team. Before the end of this event, I and my colleague Paul Holmes said Thanks to all who came to this event and brought down their contributions and presence. University Hospital Coventry Kettering General Hospital, Northants by Sohan Singh Garcha of Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Kettering. I just wanted to say a big thank you for letting us take part in the Prayer Day on 14 November. The Prayers went very well. Did Ardaas for the wellbeing of all patients, staff and world peace. Rev Phillip Staves said: Thank you. Mr Garcha and another friend visited and prayed in the chapel on Wednesday 14 November. Willen Hospice. Milton Keynes by Ranbir Kaur Baga I and my colleagues Rupinder Kaur and Naminder Kaur Shergill held the Prayer Day at Willen Hospice with Martha on 7 November. We did Chaupai Sahib paath and 6 Pauriyan of Anand Sahib paath followed by Ardaas for wellbeing of all patients, staff and world peace. Milton Keynes Hospital by Ranbir Kaur Baga I and my colleagues Mrs Bhajan Kaur Grewal and Rupinder Kaur held a Prayer Day at Milton Keynes hospital with Reverend Philip on 19 November. We did Chaupai Sahib paath and 6 pauriyan Anand Sahib paath followed by Ardaas for wellbeing of all patients, staff and world peace.

6 Norwich and Norfolk Hospital by Ujjal Singh Kular I have sent you the photos from the prayer day held at the Norwich & Norfolk Hospital. I must inform you that the prayers were not held between the dates you had requested. We only had Sunday 11 November available when most people were available, so the prayers were held at the Chapel at 5pm. All those present were Balvinder Singh Kular, Gurnam Singh Uppal, Daulat Singh Tumber, Tarsem Kaur Uppal, Manjit Kaur Tumber, Gurbux Kaur Uppal, Manjit Kaur Kular, and Manjinder K Jagdev of Norfolk & Norwich Sikh Society. John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford by Davinder Singh Gill I have attended the prayer meeting at the John Radcliffe Hospital on 4 December and all went well. Attached are some of the photos from the event. Peterborough City Hospital by Bitnam Singh I and four members of Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Peterborough attended on Saturday 17 November to conduct the prayers and we were in the multi-faith prayer room and nobody else was there. We took a vaaja and tabla and performed Kirtan followed by Chaupai Sahib and then an Ardaas for the wellbeing of all patients in the hospital and hospitals around the world. Rev Helen Fyall said: As far as I know it went fine. I wasn t here myself that day. Thank you for supporting the hospital in this way. Ealing Hospital, Middlesex by Mrs Harjeet Kaur Sohal The Prayer Day was held on 4 November and those present were Atma Singh Sohal and ladies from the Ramgarhia Sabha Gurdwara, Oswald Road, Southall We did Simran, Chaupai Sahib, six verses of Anand Sahib and then Ardaas for the well-being of patients, staff and world peace. Then we had tea, biscuits and savouries. We regularly do the prayers for the wellbeing of patients nearly every month as above.

7 Vicarage Farm Care Home, Middlesex by Manjit Kharay, Nurse We had to have the Sikh prayer day early because November was a busy time with other celebrations. As we do not have a spare room, we had the prayers in the lounge. Residents and families were pleased with the prayers. Thanks again for starting this good cause. Pepi Dhillon, Activity Co-ordinator, said: I am pleased to inform you that we held Sikh Prayers at our Care Home on Wednesday 23 October Together with our residents, it was attended by friends and family members. As you will see from the attached photos, we kept it very simple with five recitals of Chaupai Sahib followed by five Shabads. It was a very peaceful and serene afternoon which was enjoyed by all the attendees. Pembridge Hospice, London W10 by Avtar Singh Hari It was a pleasure to meet Martin Hill and patients on 20 November and do the prayer. I recited and explained the meaning of Mool Mantra and then did Ardaas for the wellbeing of all patients, staff and world peace. Martin Hill said: It was lovely to have Mr Avtar Singh come and share the Sikh mantra with us. Most of the patients had said that they were happy to have him do so. He is a delightful gentleman and very respectful in his manner. A very welcome guest. I felt that he was a little long and repeated his explanation of the meaning of the mantra. It would have been better if he had come and given a brief explanation and then carried out the mantra. Our patients aren't used to joining in with visitors but watching what takes place. I hope that Mr Singh was alright with my saying that we don't put forwards any religion and so an invitation to join in may have been seen as unwelcome by some. We did enjoy his visit and found it both pleasant and informative. I wish you and the Sikh Chaplaincy well in your work and wish you blessings as you celebrate the Guru's birthday. Marie Curie Hampstead Hospice, London NW3 by Sital Singh Maan and Mrs Gurmej Kaur Maan On 27 November, we were greeted by Rev Tony Kyriakides. We did Simran, Chaupai Sahib and Ardaas for the wellbeing of all patients, staff and world peace in the Hospice Quiet Room. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Rev Tony Kyriakides and staff for the very good hospitality. Rev Tony Kyriakides said: On behalf of Marie Curie Hospice Hampstead, may I express my warmest thanks to Mr and Mrs Maan for offering prayer in the Hospice Quiet Room for the well-being of everyone associated with the hospice. While prayer itself is invaluable, the opportunity to hear prayer offered in the Sikh tradition was very special. Again my sincere thanks. University College Hospital, London NW1 by Sital Singh Maan We did Simran, Chaupai Sahib and Ardaas for the wellbeing of all patients, staff and world peace at the UCL Chapel in the morning on 31 January Those present were Narinder Kaur Thethi, Binny Rihal, Manjeet Kaur Bumrah, Surjeet Kaur Padam, Bhajan Kaur Bains, Bhupinder Singh Gupta, Gurmej Kaur Maan and Sital Singh Maan. Manjeet Kaur gave the knitted hats, shawls for new born babies to the Sister.

8 Kings College Dental Hospital, London SE5 by Dr Harjit Kaur Tagar, Pritpal Singh, Rev Stanley Njoka and others Dr Harjit Kaur Tagar said: On 20 November, the event we held went well and was attended by approximately 20 Sangat this time. It was positive to hold the event in the main Chapel with the support of the Chaplains. Lewisham Hospital, SE13 by Dr Jagir Kaur Sekhon OBE It was good. On 8 November, we held prayer and celebrated Guru Nanak Dev Ji s Birthday at Lewisham, it was well advertised only few people attended. Rev Kevin Parkes said: It was a pleasure. I have asked Jagir Kaur whether she might be able to run monthly Sikh prayers at Lewisham as we have at Queen Elizabeth. I think she might be a little stretched to be able to do this, so any support you offer would be gratefully received. Queen Elizabeth Hospital, SE18 by Dr Jagir Kaur Sekhon OBE On 21 November, we held prayer and celebrated Guru Nanak Dev Ji s Birthday at QE Hospital, it was well advertised only few people attended. Rev Kevin Parkes said: It was a pleasure. Also monthly Sikh prayers at Queen Elizabeth Hospital are held by Jagir Kaur.

9 Spring Field Hospital, SW17 by Ajaib Singh Bahra On 28 November, we were greeted by Rev Amanda Beck and taken to the Multi-faith Room - we did the prayer and Ardaas for the wellbeing of all patients, staff and world peace. Rev Amanda Beck said: Yes all went well here is a picture of few people in the chapel after prayers. Royal Free Hospital, London NW3 by Jasvinder Kaur Gosai (Jas) I arranged the Prayer day with Rev Claire Carson, the Head of Chaplaincy Spiritual Care for the 1 st November. Nanak Darbar North London Sangat of 14 persons and 4 NHS Chaplaincy Trust staff (Father John Natan Jewish Chaplain; Marioano, Buddhist Chaplain and Rev Claire all joined in the prayers. The Mool Mantra, Waheguru Simran, Kabio Bach Benti Chaupai played on Guitar by Sewak Bhadura ji was recited by all. Printed copies of prayers in Gurmukhi with English translation were available for all. This was concluded with Ardaas by Aunty Bal for all Patients, Staff, near and dear and much needed world peace. Father John shared with me that it was a special day in Christian calendar as well ALL SAINTS day. This day is a Christian festival that honours all saints and Martyr s known or unknown and the belief is that there is a powerful spiritual bond between us all. We were truly blessed and Waheguru Ji, Akaal Purkh s presence was felt and experienced by all who were present. All shared Parshad of sweets and biscuits were left on Special care baby unit (SCBU) to share. Nanak Darbar Ladies Knitting Group and wider Community knitted orange hats for the SCBU appeal on behalf of the Royal Free Hospital Trust. 300 Orange hats were presented to Sister Val-Baby on SCBU accompanied by Rev Claire. The Sister was delighted and grateful to all the ladies for their hard work on taking up the challenge. North Middlesex University Hospital, London N18 by Jasvinder Kaur Gosai (Jas) I arranged the Prayer day with Rev Dr Geoff Morgan, Head of Chaplaincy Spiritual Care for 13 November. Rev Samuel Agboola welcomed the 14 persons of Nanak Darbar North London with tremendous love, warmth and respect. Rev Geoff Morgan sent his apologies as he was unable to join us.

10 Printed copies of prayers in Gurmukhi with English translation was available for all and also literature on basic principles of Sikhism. Balwant Kaur Rehal led the prayers with brief explanation about Guru Nanak Dev Ji s universal teachings in English. All joined in unison by reciting Mool Mantra, Waheguru Simran and Kabio Bach Benti Chaupai four times. Ardaas was done by Balwant Kaur for the wellbeing of all Patients, Staff, near and dear, and Armistice centenary day to mark 100 years since the end of First World War and the Sikh soldiers who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. We all prayed for much needed world peace. Parshad of sweets, biscuits and fresh dates were shared by all. Nanak Darbar Ladies Knitting Group and wider Community knitted orange hats for the SCBU delivery suite at NMH project. They donated orange hats to the unit following our prayers to Chichi (Neonatal senior sister), Jane Halley (Midwife) and the Matron Aileen Liddell in the multi-faith room. The Midwifery Team was delighted and grateful to all the ladies for their hard work on taking up the challenge and invited the group for a tour of the unit and photos taken with dummy babies with orange hats!!! It was a sight to behold as all were happy with Waheguru Ji s kirpa and imbibing the universal teachings of sharing. Whipps Cross Hospital, London E11 by Jasvinder Kaur Gosai (Jas) I arranged the Sikh Prayer day with Rev Tristan Alexander-watts in the Hospital Chapel for 15 November. I led the Prayers with explanation about Guru Nanak Dev Ji s universal teachings in English and also why we cover our head when praying. The meaning of Waheguru ji ka Khalsa Waheguru ji ki Fateh was explained, as was the meaning of the Mool Mantar : Creed of the Sikh faith. All 9 of us recited Mool Mantra by repeating the lines in unison. Meaning of Waheguru Simran was explained in English and was led by Balwinder Kaur and all joined in the recitation of the Simran. Prayers were concluded with Ardaas by me for the wellbeing of all Patients, Staff, and those who are near and dear to these patients and much needed world peace. Ardaas was in both Gurmukhi and English. Parshad of sweets was shared by all and distributed to all in the long corridor of Whipps Cross, volunteer s office and reception staff. Discussion and sharing of our thoughts, explanation of the Prayers was appreciated by all present as they were able to understand and experience what was being recited. We enjoyed the light refreshments provided very kindly by Rev Tristan and all present stated that they enjoyed the service and the explanation prior to the prayers. Barnet Hospital, Hertfordshire by Jasvinder Kaur Gosai (Jas) I obtained consent from Rev Claire Carson and then arranged Sikh prayers at Barnet Hospital Multi-faith room with Father Tom Baron based at Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals for Tuesday 20 November. Nanak Darbar North London Sangat of 7 persons joined with the prayers accompanied by Father Tom.

11 Printed sheets of Prayers in English, booklets and leaflets on Basic Sikhism were displayed. We all chanted together The Mool Mantra, Kabio Bach Benti Chaupai and Waheguru Simran and Aunty Bal concluded the prayers with Ardaas for the wellbeing of all and much needed world peace. The vibrations were so peaceful that it was a bit emotional for some of us. Parshad of sweets was distributed to all present and biscuits were left for the Chaplaincy office. Father Tom was delighted to be presented with Scared Nitnem beautifully wrapped by Bhupinder Kaur. In liaison with the senior midwife, Karoline Demetriou in-charge and Consultant Obstetrician Shanthi Shanmugaliwgm, the Ladies Knitting Group were invited to the rest room in the delivery unit where they were able to present the knitted baby items. Father Tom kindly joined us as well. Chase Farm Hospital, Enfield by Jasvinder Kaur Gosai (Jas) Bhupinder Kaur, Manjeet Kaur and myself were accompanied by Father Tom Baron and held Sikh Prayers on Tuesday 20 November at 12.15pm at Chase Farm Hospital in the newly built Multi-faith room. Prayers were led by me and Mool Mantra followed by Waheguru Simran was recited. Waheguru Ji is omnipresent and truly compassionate and we all felt very blessed with a sense of deep joy and peaceful presence that brings tears in your eyes from the well of our hearts. Ardaas by Bhupinder Kaur concluded prayers for the wellbeing of all and much needed world peace. Parshad of sweets was shared with all present. We thanked Father Tom who accompanied us across two sites from Barnet to Chase Farm in spite of heavy rain and road closures. We were made very welcome and Father Tom really enjoyed the experience and explanations given by Bhupinder Kaur and Aunty Bal. The Royal London Hospital Whitechapel, London E1 by Jasvinder Kaur Gosai (Jas) I arranged with Rev Natalia Critchlow (Tasha), Deputy Head of Chaplaincy, Sikh prayers at Royal London Hospital for 22 November. I led the Prayers and was accompanied by Sewak Bhadurji and Manjeet Kaur. An explanation and meaning of the prayers were done in English by me, supplemented with literature on Sikhism and printed copies of the Prayers. Bahadur ji melodiously played on his Guitar and we all joined together and recited Mool Mantra and Waheguru Simran. Shabad Bhairao Mehlaa 5 (Raakhaa ayk hamaaraa su-aamee) was sung by me. Meaning of the Shabad was explained in English. Bahadur ji concluded the prayers with Ardaas for the wellbeing of all and much needed world peace.

12 Manny Koya from Chaplain Ministry said: It was an experience and great joy being at the Sikh Prayers and the meaning of the explanation was very profound. Consultant Neonatology from Jain faith and Rev Tasha joined us as we concluded our prayers. Parshad of sweets was shared by all present. Information and some questions were answered on Sikhism. Manjeet Kaur had brought some baby items, made by the Ladies Knitting Group, to donate to the children s services and the consultant of neonatal department was happy to take the items to the ward. Rev Tasha was also presented with the book on Sikh Prayers for an ill Child written by Dr Surinder Singh Bakhshi and Mrs Parkash Kaur Sohal (Honorary Sikh Chaplain). Tasha was delighted to accept the book which she had requested a while ago and which Mrs Prakash Kaur Sohal had kindly provided. St Bartholomew s Hospital, EC1 by Jasvinder Kaur Gosai (Jas) I arranged the prayers at St Bart's Hospital with Rev Tuula Castledine for Thursday 22 November. I was greeted very warmly and welcomed by Rev Tuula and as she was in her chaplaincy office, I had a chat with her and then explained the meaning of Mool Mantra Waheguru Simran and Ardaas. Literature and leaflets were supplied to supplement the explanation. Ardaas was led by myself and explained in English in the Chaplaincy Office for the wellbeing of all and for the much needed world peace. Parshad of sweets and biscuits was shared by all and left for those not in the office. Gift of Scared Nitnem was presented to Rev Tuula and Rev Andrew and both were delighted to accept the scripture. We concluded the conversation on a very positive note and respect. Newham General Hospital, London E13 by Jasvinder Kaur Gosai (Jas) I arranged Prayer Day with Rev Christopher Oladuji for 29 November. I met Rev Christopher Oladuji at 9am and spent some time with the patients on the wards did the prayers in the multifaith room at am. I managed to see 5 patients and spoke with some wonderful staff. I reassured them that the Sikh Prayers are for the wellbeing of patients, staff, visitors and world peace. Literature booklets Sikhism Introduction and leaflets on Caring for Sikh Patient were distributed on the wards as continuation of ongoing prayer and sewa. Mr Surinder Singh Jandu MBE joined me and we started our prayers with recitation of Mool Mantra, followed by Chaupai Sahib and Waheguru Simran. Surinder Singh concluded the prayers with Ardaas for the wellbeing of all and much needed world peace. Parshad of sweets was shared with all present. Biscuits were left for the chaplaincy office.

13 Rev Christopher joined us at the end of the Prayers and apologized for not being able to join us for the prayers. We thanked him for accommodating and welcoming us. BRISTOL by Balbir Kaur Nirwan In Bristol we visited 3 hospitals and we had quite a good turn out on all the visits from the Sikh community plus from hospitals. Feedback from all hospitals was that we are doing such a good thing and it should continue. I had made our own poster for the Chaplaincy to disseminate in the hospitals to make aware and invite people to come, hopefully it may attract more next year. The young ladies at Southmead hospital said there were nursing staff who would have loved to come but duty calls and patients needs had priority. I have attached the photos we did take at the 2 hospitals. Royal Infirmary Hospital 1 st visit was on Friday 16 November to the Bristol Royal Infirmary Hospital main hospital in the centre of Bristol, which has the Heart Institute, Bristol Maternity Hospital, Eye and Dental Teaching hospitals and Children s' hospital all combined in one locality. Here we had 11 members of the Sikh Community and the Lead Chaplain of the hospital who attended. We did 5 Chaupai and Ardaas for the wellbeing of all patients and for god to give health and strength to all staff who work round the clock looking after patients. South Bristol Community Hospital The 2 nd visit was on the 22 November to the South Bristol Community Hospital which more like and convalescent home for patients on long term stay in hospital or interim before being discharged. Here we had 6 members of the Sikh community plus one volunteer who comes to support patients and was at the 2017 prayers service too, plus one patient and the Chaplain for the hospital.

14 Southmead Hospital Bristol The 3 rd visit was on the 23 November to Southmead Hospital which one of the main serving the Bristol newly rebuilt and still new sections being built. Here we had 7 members from the Sikh community plus two Administration staff from the wards of which one was a Sikh young lady, one young Sikh guy from hospital computer technology department. Unfortunately, I totally forgot to take photos being so involved with talking to the staff of why we do this. Southampton General Hospital by Giani Satnam Singh, Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Southampton Priti Dave, Hindu Chaplain said: Just an to say a big thank you for helping to arrange the National Prayer Day at Southampton General Hospital this morning, Thursday 15 November. Giani ji came with a colleague from the Gurdwara and prayers were recited. The prayers were calming and peaceful. Once again thank you very much. We look forward to hosting this beautiful event again next year. Thank you Royal Devon & Exeter Trust by Parminder Kaur Kondral and Sajit Singh Kondral As we were on a holiday break in Devon and thought it a good idea to fulfil the request of many years from Dr Simon Harrison, Pastoral Care Lead (Chaplaincy and Patient Equality) to do the Prayer Day at Royal Devon & Exeter Trust on 24 October. I started with Waheguru s Simran for 5 mins, recited Chaupai Sahib, ending with Ardaas which included the well-being of all patients, visitors, families and the staff serving in the hospital and for World Peace. Prayers at Mildmay Mission Hospital by Mrs Parminder Kaur Kondral Those present on 15 November were Gurmit Kaur Mahil, Charanjit Kaur Ghataore, Satpal Kaur Panesar and Parminder Kaur Kondral. Waheguru s Simran and Ardaas was recited by Charanjit Kaur for the well-being of all patients, visitors, families and staff. I then gave a 5-min presentation on Sikhism & End of Life. Sweets were distributed to all present.

15 Queen s Hospital, Romford, Essex by Parminder Kaur Kondral On Saturday 17 November Prayer Day, we had a cup of coffee before going into the Chapel. Those present in the Chapel were Charanjit Kaur Ghataore, Gurmit Kaur Mahil, Balvinder Kaur Saund, Inderjit Kaur Chana, Satwant Kaur Marwa, Rajinder Kaur Degan, Parminder Kaur Kondral and 2 ladies from Satsang Group and Achar Singh Sohal. Rev Philip had advertised the event in the BHR Newsletter, the NELFT Weekly Newsletter. Waheguru s Simran, Japji Sahib Paath was recited, followed by Ardaas by Rajinder Kaur was performed for the well-being of patients, relatives, visitors and Queen s Hospital NHS staff. Sweets were distributed to all present. King George Hospital, Ilford, Essex by Parminder Kaur Kondral Those present on 17 November were Charanjit Kaur Ghataore, Gurmit Kaur Mahil, Balvinder Kaur Saund, Inderjit Kaur Chana, Satwant Kaur Marwa, Rajinder Kaur Degan, Parminder Kaur Kondral and 4 ladies from Satsang Group and Surinder Singh Jandu, MBE. Rev Philip had advertised the event in the BHR Newsletter. Waheguru s Simran & Chaupai Sahib Paath was recited, followed by Ardaas by Kuldip Kaur for the well-being of patients, relatives, visitors and staff. Sweets were distributed to all present. St Thomas Hospital, London SE1 by Inderjit Kaur Chana Those present on 22 November were Satpal Kaur Panesar, Inderjit Kaur Chana, Parminder Kaur Kondral, Rev William Sharp & Abdul Chowdhury the Trust Chaplains and volunteer staff. The event was advertised widely within the Hospital. Waheguru s Simran and Chaupai Sahib was recited, followed by Ardaas by Inderjit Kaur for the wellbeing of patients, relatives, visitors and staff. Questions were answered on Sikhism and End of Life Care to those who were interested and sweets were distributed to all with Tea/Coffee provided by the Chaplaincy Team.

16 Goodmayes Hospital, Ilford, Essex by Parminder Kaur Kondral Those present on 24 November were Inderjit Kaur Chana, Balvinder Kaur Saund, Satwant Kaur Marwa, Satpal Kaur Panesar and Parminder Kaur Kondral. Mirabai Swingler, Lead Chaplain, had widely advertised the event in the NELFT Newsletter. Waheguru s Simran, Mool Mantar and Chaupai Sahib was recited, followed by Ardaas by Parminder Kaur for the well-being of patients, relatives, visitors and staff. Sweets were distributed to all present. Basildon & Thurrock Hospital, Essex by Parminder Kaur Kondral Those present on 29 November were Gurmit Kaur Mahil, Balvinder Kaur Saund, Charanjit Kaur Ghataore, Rajinder Kaur Degan, Parminder Kaur Kondral and the Hospital Chaplain Team. We recited Waheguru s Simran and Chaupai Sahib. Balvinder Kaur Saund performed the Ardaas for the well-being of patients, relatives, visitors and staff. Sweets prepared by Rajinder Kaur were distributed to all present. St Francis Hospice, Romford, Essex by Parminder Kaur Kondral Those present on 29 November were Gurmit Kaur Mahil, Balvinder Kaur Saund, Charanjit Kaur Ghataore, Parminder Kaur Kondral, Mr & Mrs Achar Singh Sohal and the Hospital Chaplain Jason Demant with the Staff members of St Francis Hospice. We recited Waheguru s Simran and Chaupai Sahib. Achar Singh performed the Ardaas for the wellbeing of patients, relatives, visitors and staff. We also added the patients, relatives and staff of Stoke Mandeville Hospital in the Ardaas to fulfil the request from Lindsay van Dijk, Lead Chaplain, Humanist Pastoral Carer, Spiritual and Pastoral Care, Aylesbury. Sweets were distributed to all present.

17 Bradford Royal Infirmary, Yorkshire by Hoshiar Singh The Prayers were held at Bradford Royal Infirmary on 23 November for the wellbeing of patients, relatives and staff in the hospitals regardless of faith, race, and gender and world peace. Simran of Waheguru and Mool Mantar was recited by all present. Ardaas was performed by Giani Mohinder Singh of Guru Gobind Singh Sikh Gurdwara Bradford. Parshad was given to all those present, followed by Pakora Langer which was prepared by Jasvir Kaur who is one of our Sikh Chaplaincy Visitors. Dawn Arnison our Administrative Officer liaised with Joe Fielder who is our Church of England/ Free Church Chaplain to arrange the Chapel for the prayers. Three members of staff also attended along with members of the public and visitors. Prayers were also attended by the Head of Chaplaincy, Mohammed Arshad who said Thank you for giving us the support and attending this wonderful event. Questions were answered on Sikhism and the work of the Chaplaincy department. We are pleased with the attendance. This makes us very proud to be part of a Trust which is not only inclusive but shows strong support to all patients and staff of all faiths and none. Sunderland General Hospital by Mrs Kalwinder Kaur Purewal, Gurbakash Kaur Dhillon Kalwinder Kaur said: Just wanted to say a big thank you for letting us take part in the Prayer Day on Tuesday 13 November. We did 6 Chaupai Sahib and 4 Dukh Bhanjani Sahib paaths and we also did Ardaas for world Peace and good health for everyone. We felt very privileged to be involved in the prayer day so thank you again for inviting us. Rev Peter Webb said: It was a delight to have your colleagues from the Sunderland Gurdwara attend the chaplaincy last Tuesday (13 th ) in order to say prayers for the patients and staff at Sunderland Royal Hospital. Mrs Kalwinder Kaur Purewal and Mrs Gurbaksh Kaur Dhillon come with so much enthusiasm, and devotion to their task, that it is always a pleasure to meet with them. We look forward to next year s arrangement, and I very much hope that they will be able to represent the Sikh community at that time, once again. I have attached a photo of the occasion (which was taken obviously with everyone s permission). Many thanks, and every blessing. Tickhill Road Hospital, Balby, Doncaster by Inderjeet Singh of Gurdwara Sri Tegh Bahadar Sahib Ji Those present on 14 November were Inderjeet Singh and colleagues and Rev June Rutherford. Inderjeet Singh said that we just want to say thank you to everyone for giving us the opportunity to do the sewa today, please let me know if in the future we can help with anything.

18 Rev June Rutherford at Tickhill Road Hospital said: I thoroughly enjoyed the visit, our hospital and patients really need your prayers, so thank you for taking time to come and pray with us this morning. St James s Hospital at Faith Centre, 1st Floor Bexley Wing, Leeds by Gurdev Singh Dahele MBE The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Chaplaincy Service held the Sikh Prayer Day on 18 November 2018 from 12 noon to 2.00 pm in the Faith Centre in St James s Hospital. Gurdev S Dahele MBE introduced Rev Darren McClintock, the newly appointed Deputy Head of the Leeds Chaplaincy Service and Jo Bewley, the General Manger for Adult Therapies who also oversees the Chaplaincy Service. Darren welcomed nearly 30 members of the community from various Sikh Temples in Leeds to the Faith Centre in St James s Teaching Hospital. He thanked Gurdev and Ramesh for organising the event which gave him the opportunity to meet so many members of the Sikh community. He said that he and Rev Ben Rhodes, the Head of the Chaplaincy Service, are fully committed in supporting these diverse community events. He told the gathering that the current two Sikh Chaplaincy Volunteers, Dr Satwant K Riat and Gurdev S Dahele, the main Spiritual Care volunteers will shortly be joined by two new volunteers from the Sikh community namely Gurmukh S Deagon and Kanwaljeet K Soor. Jo Bewley was very pleased with the event which was well attended and congratulated Ramesh and Gurdev for their hard work and also thanked Satwant and other volunteers in helping to provide spiritual care to patients over the years. The members of the community present joined with Giani Raj Singh to sing Guru Nanak s hymns which was followed with the final prayer (Ardaas) for the wellbeing of the patients and the staff. Finally to close the event, Pritpal Singh Manku, the Vice President of Ramgarhia Board Leeds, gave a vote of thanks on behalf of the Sikh community to Leeds Chaplaincy Service and their staff for holding the Prayer Day and thanked all the participants and the Sikh Chaplaincy volunteers for making the event a great success. He also thanked Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha Gurdwara Leeds for providing refreshments (samosas) and the hospital catering staff for tea & coffee. Huddersfield Royal Infirmary by Manjit Singh Kang and Giani Harjeet Singh of Shri Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Far Town, Huddersfield Today in Ardaas for the NHS we said that O God! Through the True Guru Nanak, may Your Name be exalted, and may all prosper according to your will. For all those patients in hospital, Waheguru ji please give them all a

19 speedy recovery so that they can be with their family. We ask again for those serving in NHS to be blessed and stay positive. The Rev George Spencer at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary said: The Sikh Day of Prayer on Monday 19 November. In contrast to previous years it was a small intimate event (due to a variety of reasons) with the priest from the Fartown Temple, Huddersfield Giani Harjeet Singh attending with the president Manjit Singh and myself. I attach photographs. Sheffield Hallamshire Hospital by Surinder Singh Dhillon On 27 November, Ardaas was done both in Royal Hallamshire Hospital and Children's hospital at the agreed time. It all went well. I know the staff well; they were very pleased with the Ardaas. During the conversation it was mentioned that a senior staff from the church had mentioned that in future life he would like to be born in Sikh faith. What a complement! Nicky Poyser, Personal Assistant to Rev Ruth Lambert said: As arranged members of the chaplaincy team met with Surinder Singh Dhillon on the afternoon of the 27 November. Mr Dhillon recited the Ardaas in the multi-faith room of the Royal Hallamshire Hospital. After he had recited prayers hospitality was shared. Sheffield Children s Hospital Blue Wing by Surinder Singh Dhillon On 28 November, Ardaas was done both in Royal Hallamshire Hospital and Children's hospital at the agreed time. It all went well. I know the staff well; they were very pleased with the Ardaas. During the conversation it was mentioned that a senior staff from the church had mentioned that in future life he would like to be born in Sikh faith. What a complement! Sister Kathy Green said: It was a pleasure and a privilege to welcome Surinder Singh to our hospital again this year to do the prayers for National Sikh Prayer Day, all went very well. York District NHS Hospital by Suki Kaur Matharu We had a great time doing chaplaincy Sikh prayers at York District NHS hospital on 28 November. The day included meditation, Sikh stories and Ardaas. Had some positive feedback from those who attended with request to do more in the future. Many thanks for your ongoing support.

20 Sikh Chaplaincy in the Times of India Article by Kamal Preet Kaur Sikh Chaplaincy at the 70 th Birthday celebrations of NHS ESSEX PARTNERSHIP UNIVERSITY NHS FOUNDATION TRUSTS (Parminder Kaur Kondral) at Windrush 70 from Westminster Pier to Tilbury via CLIPPER boat

21 Remembrance service held at St Pauls Cathedral on 28th October 2018 was the first time Sikh prayer was said by a Sikh Volunteer Chaplain with Barts NHS Trust by Jasvinder Kaur (Jas). Remembrance Day held at Mildmay Mission Hospital in Shoreditch, London E2 on 9 November 2018 Sister Bernie invited us to the Memorial Service at Mildmay Mission Hospital to come and pray with them for a minute or two as we did at Mildmay Mission Hospital s memorial last year. Prayers, thoughts and hopes from different traditions were included: Sikh Prayers, Hindu Sayings, A Muslim Prayer, A Jewish Thought from the Yizkor Service, and A Christian Prayer. Those present were Gurmit Kaur Mahil, Charanjit Kaur Ghataore, Inderjit Kaur Chana and Parminder Kaur Kondral recited Waheguru s Simran and read Aukhi Gharii na Dekhan Denyi (explaining the meaning in English) for the benefit of all faiths and none. Parshad of sweets were given for distribution to all present. Remembrance Day held at Hackney Town Hall on 11 November 2018 Those present were Jagmohan Singh, his friend and grandchildren with Gurmit Kaur Mahil, Charanjit Kaur Ghataore, Inderjit Kaur Chana, Mr & Mrs Achar Singh Sohal and Parminder Kaur Kondral in the congregation. Mr Jagmohan Singh read the Remembrance Speech for the Sikh soldiers, including all other soldiers, who exhibited extraordinary bravery and sacrifices in the service of Great Britain, including during both World Wars. Message from R E F Morriss, Lt Col TD DL FRSA The Representative Deputy Lieutenant to the London Borough of Hackney Dear Jagmohan, My most sincere thanks for your significant contribution to today s Remembrance Sunday and the commemoration of the Armistice. Your words were most apposite and well received by all who attended. They were fresh and well balanced and it was good to receive such eloquent words well presented. I trust that we might meet again and, once more my most grateful thanks. Yours aye, Roderick