MHA Assisi Place celebrates South Asian Heritage Month

MHA Assisi Place celebrated South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM) with a wonderful day packed full of fun and fascinating activities.

The communal area was decked up with balloons, decorations and posters on SAHM to help residents understand the importance of the celebration.

MHA Assisi Place in Hunslet has 45 modern apartments for rent, creating a diverse and vibrant community of residents aged 60 and over.

SAHM is celebrated between 18 July and 17 August and is marked to commemorate and celebrate the countries that continue to link the UK to South Asia.

As part of the event, representatives of the Sikh Elders Service, a support service for Sikh & Punjabi speaking Elders aged 55+ in Leeds attended and shared their stories on how important their heritage is for them.

They also brought in some saris, traditional Indian clothing and demonstrated how to wear them with staff members posing as volunteers.

Residents and staff members also tried their hands at some Bollywood dancing with Bollywood dancer Chiragi Solanki keeping everyone entertained. 

Tracy Campbell, housing with care manager said: “I have always worked in roles where we have supported all ethnic minority groups and that’s something I want to continue here at MHA Assisi Place.

“The purpose of organising this event is to celebrate the importance of SAHM and educate residents and sometimes there can be a lack of understanding towards other cultures.

“Every day in the calendar is important and we will continue to make sure we work with diverse community groups like the Sikh Elder Service and help individuals to accept and understand different cultures.”

Sarabjit Kaur, service lead for Sikh Elders Service said: “Assisi Place got in touch with us, and we were more than happy to collaborate with MHA and celebrate SAHM.

“It's always nice to go out and meet providers like MHA and it's given us the opportunity to come out and experience what it's like here at MHA Assisi Place.

“The residents and staff were really intrigued with what we were saying and showing them, which was great to see.

“It was a great experience and one we all really enjoyed, explaining our culture and what it means to us was very special.”

Julie Ratcliffe, activity coordinator said: “We have been planning this event for two months and I am very happy with the outcome.

“It has helped me to understand the support services that are out there, and I am very happy everyone enjoyed it.

“It was nice to hear the different stories and experiences and to experience the history and culture.

“Especially after the pandemic we haven't really had a chance to invite the community into Assisi Place and I am hopeful this will be the start of much more.”