On Tuesday 17th September, OUTpatients’ Policy and Education Manager, Lee, spoke at the National Association of Complementary Therapists in Supportive and Palliative Care (NACTSPC) Conference, held at Castle Bromwich Hall Hotel in Birmingham. The conference was attended by practitioners and advocates working across palliative and supportive care to share knowledge and reflect on inclusive practice.
The programme featured sessions on acupuncture, mindfulness, and culturally sensitive care, with speakers offering insights into how complementary therapies can support people at the end of life. It was encouraging to see growing interest in how these approaches can be adapted to meet the needs of different communities.
Lee shared insights into the experiences and needs of LGBTIQ+ people in palliative and end of life care. With 74% of LGBTIQ+ people lacking confidence that they will receive good care at the end of life, inclusive practice is vital. Lee explored how this lack of trust stems from a long history of exclusion, including homophobia and transphobia in healthcare, the legacy of the AIDS crisis, and the harm caused by conversion practices within the NHS.
They reflected on how these histories shape real and pressing concerns around dying with dignity. For many LGBTIQ+ people, end of life raises questions that others may never have to consider. Will my partner be welcomed at my bedside or funeral? Will I be buried in clothes that reflect who I am? Will my gender marker be respected in death? These are not abstract worries. They reflect lived anxieties that can influence whether someone feels safe accessing palliative services.
It was also great to hear about end of life needs for other communities during the event. Shakila Chowdhury, co-founder of Al-Amal, spoke about how she and colleagues had developed their support service for Muslims in palliative care. Shakila shared insights into the spiritual and cultural needs of Muslim patients facing life-limiting illness, and how compassionate, Islamically aligned care can offer comfort and dignity at the end of life. Her talk emphasised the importance of chaplaincy, emotional support, and culturally sensitive communication in building trust and improving outcomes for Muslim communities.
Overall, the conference was a wonderful opportunity to learn more about holistic and complementary therapies in holistic and palliative care, and how we can better support the needs of different communities. We look forward to deepening our work in this area in future!