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By Hari-Dhama das<\/strong><\/p>\n The Devotee Care Team at Bhaktivedanta Manor is currently spearheading a recruitment drive and training programme to equip suitable candidates with the relevant skills to undertake the role of a Hindu-Vaisnava chaplain in hospitals, hospices and care homes across the Greater London area and other major cities with significant Hindu – Vaisnava communities.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Currently 41 candidates have applied for this post from within the Hindu and ISKCON devotee communities, as far afield as Birmingham, Leicester and Coventry, with interviews taking place in April 2026. Some of these candidates are currently employed by the NHS – National Health Service – and have extensive experience in patient-centred care.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hemangi Radha dasi, Director of Devotee Care at Bhaktivedanta Manor says, \u201cThere\u2019s currently a huge shortage of Hindu chaplains across the NHS and we aim to address this chronic shortfall by ensuring major hospitals with Hindu patients can easily access Hindu chaplains locally to support patients and their families in challenging health situations and end of life support. This project aspires to work within the multi-faith chaplaincy teams in the hospitals and collaborate with hospital staff to achieve positive outcomes for patients and their families. In consultation with existing lead Chaplains and Hindu chaplains in hospitals we aim to establish a centre of excellence with formal structures, skilled Hindu-Vaisnava chaplains, and ensuring highly professional service standards.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The pilot project is supported by Bhaktivedanta Manor. However, for long-term sustainability of the service external funding will be sought so that volunteer chaplains can be reimbursed for their travel cost and hospital parking. <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The initial training programme will be headed by Hari-dhama dasa and his wife Gavesi dasi. He has been in the care profession for over 40 years and holds the post of Hindu-Vaisnava Chaplain since 2003 at two major London NHS hospitals. His skills set include being a Certified Mental Health First Aider and Bereavement Counsellor. He is a specialist in the spiritual care of the dying patient, training devotees across Europe and India in these skills. Gavesi occupies the post of Joint Mental Health Service Lead for the NHS and practices as a Consultant Psychotherapist.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Training will take place at Bhaktivedanta Manor and starts in May 2026 with Level 1 and Level 2 modules. These courses are certificated through Hari-dhama\u2019s training centre \u201cLifesaving-training.com\u201d, which is accredited by QNUK, a UK awarding body.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Level 1 modules will look at the \u201cRole and Responsibilities of a Hindu-Vaisnava Chaplain\u201d; \u201cCommunication and Counselling Skills\u201d; \u201cPatient Bedside Manner Skills\u201d; \u201cSkills in Practice\u201d; and \u201cBreaking Bad News Communication Skills.\u201d Level 2 modules will look at \u201cCare of the Elderly\u201d; \u201cLoss and Bereavement\u201d; \u201cPsychological First Aid\u201d, \u201cSelf-Care\u201d, and \u201cSpiritual Care of the Dying Patient.\u201d Nila Madhava dasa from Bhaktivedanta Manor will offer his expertise in chaplaincy specific duties such as baby blessings, funerals, cremations and scattering of the ashes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Candidates will also be familiarised with the importance of \u201cLast Will and Testament\u201d; \u201cDeath Plan\u201d; \u201cLiving Will\u201d; \u201cAdvanced Decisions and Statements\u201d; \u201cLPA\u201d (Lasting Power of Attorney) and \u201cDNR\u201d (Do not resuscitate).<\/p>\n We would welcome collaborations with different Yatras across the countries to train chaplains and work with local hospitals. <\/p>\n <\/p>\n