Faith leaders and health professionals gather to celebrate National Inclusion Week

Faith leaders from across East Sussex gathered to discuss how beliefs can impact healthcare choices at a special event to celebrate National Inclusion Week.

The event, held at Eastbourne Town Hall, was organised by the Sussex and East Surrey Clinical Commissioning Groups and the Faiths’ Forum for Eastbourne Borough Council and Lewes District Council.

Health professionals and local people heard from faith leaders about how a person’s faith may influence the choices they make about their health, wellbeing, care and support, and also their customs and needs when being cared for.

There was also a chance to ask questions from the panel that included representatives from Christianity, Islam, Judaism and Humanism.

Members of Faiths’ Forum

Carolyn Heaps, Eastbourne Borough Council’s Faith Champion said: “It was a very positive event. Everyone was very respectful of each other’s different faiths and opinions and it ended on a high with faith leaders offering ongoing help and advice to health practitioners in the best way to approach caring for people of faith.”

Pictured left to right are: Taleb Durgahee, Chairman of Eastbourne Mosque, Carolyn Heaps, Faith Champion for Eastbourne Borough Council, Robin Hussey, a Christian Scientist, Dr Tim Caroe, practising Christian and Executive Medical Director for the local Clinical Commissioning Groups, Larry Navon, Chair of Eastbourne Liberal Jewish Community and John Challoner, Treasurer and Membership Secretary for Brighton Humanists.

If you are interested in finding out more about the Lewes and Eastbourne Faiths Forum contact [email protected] or call 01323 415694

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