The Manchester Branch hosted the NHS Salford Royal Hospital Dialogue Iftar Dinner, bringing together around 100 NHS staff, community members, and representatives from diverse backgrounds for an evening of reflection, unity, and appreciation. Held in partnership with Salford Royal Hospital, the event created a meaningful space to recognise the dedication of healthcare professionals while fostering intercultural dialogue.
The programme featured speeches from Tugay Yalcin and Dr. Rafik Bedair, who emphasised the importance of compassion, collaboration, and trust within both healthcare and wider society. The evening also included live music, an interactive art workshop, engaging games, and a unique interfaith prayer led by hospital chaplains—highlighting the shared values that unite people across beliefs and professions.
This special gathering provided an opportunity to honour NHS staff—the “healthcare heroes” who continue to serve with dedication—while encouraging open conversations and stronger relationships between communities and public institutions.
Impact
The Iftar Dinner strengthened connections between NHS professionals and the wider community, promoting mutual respect, wellbeing, and appreciation. By bringing together individuals from different cultural and faith backgrounds, the event contributed to building trust, enhancing social cohesion, and supporting a more inclusive healthcare environment. It also reinforced ongoing collaboration between community organisations and the NHS, ensuring continued engagement and dialogue beyond Ramadan under the shared theme of “Building Community Trust.”
