THE BC Centre for Palliative Care is partnering with the Surrey Hospice Society to promote conversations about advance care planning to Surrey’s South Asian population. The Surrey Hospice Society has received a grant to encourage discussions on such a difficult topic. The City of Surrey in 2011 suggests 37.6% of Surrey’s immigrant population was born in India. It is a growing community with diverse needs. Community advocate and leader Jas Cheema will be facilitating the discussions on advance care planning with cultural adaptations to permit open and honest discussions.

Cheema said: “I am pleased to be leading this work within the community, just as we plan for everything else in life; from the birth of a child, their education, our careers to many other milestones, the time has come to have conversations about our values, beliefs and the type of care we would like to receive if we are not able to speak for ourselves. Patients can rest assured that their wishes will be honored if there comes a time that they are not able to advocate for themselves.”

The first workshop to launch the conversations is set for Saturday, January 27 as part of a free community forum for all Surrey residents. The Community Forum 2018: Beginning of a Conversation will take place at Kwantlen Polytechnic University.  To register or for further information contact 604-584-7006 or visit www.surreyhospice.com.

Surrey Hospice Society provides dignity and compassionate support for those living with a terminal illness. With both hospice and community programs, they provide life-affirming care for patients and their families. As the end of life approaches,their services are here to provide emotional, physical, and spiritual support. Their specialized counsellors offer ongoing grief and bereavement programs for children, youth and adults. Regardless of their cultural or economic background they are here to support and comfort people facing an end of life experience. All hospice services are free of charge and an integral part of the City of Surrey.