Start the conversation.

Plan for what matters most.

At Pilgrims Hospices, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to think about, talk about and record what matters most to them.

Think Talk Act is a supportive programme designed to help people consider their future care wishes in a safe, welcoming environment. Through community-based sessions held in our wellbeing centres and community venues, we offer clear, jargon-free discussions about future care planning and the choices available to you.

Whether you're living with a long-term health condition, supporting someone important to you, or simply thinking ahead, our team is here to help.

What is Think Talk Act?

Think Talk Act is an opportunity for patients and the people who matter most to them to:

  • Explore what future care planning means
  • Learn about the choices available should health needs change
  • Discuss what is important to them, their values and preferences
  • Understand how healthcare professionals can support their wishes
  • Gain information and guidance in a relaxed, supportive setting

You don't need to be receiving end-of-life care to benefit from these conversations.

Planning ahead can help ensure that your voice is heard and your wishes are understood, whatever the future may hold.

As part of Think Talk Act, we introduce the ReSPECT process (Recommended Summary Plan for Emergency Care and Treatment).

A ReSPECT plan is a way of recording what matters most to you if your health were to suddenly deteriorate and you were unable to express your wishes.

It helps healthcare professionals understand your preferences and make decisions that reflect your values, priorities and goals of care.

The ReSPECT process encourages conversations about:

  • What is important to you
  • What treatments you would or wouldn't want
  • Your priorities for care
  • Where you would prefer to receive care, if possible
  • Support to complete a ReSPECT form

Our experienced team can support you and those important to you in completing ReSPECT documentation.

Once completed, the form is held on the Kent and Medway Care Record, allowing healthcare professionals involved in your care to access important information should your condition change. This helps ensure that decisions are made in line with your wishes and that care is delivered in the most appropriate setting whenever possible.

Think Talk Act is also an opportunity to learn about the wider support available through Pilgrims Hospices.

Early referral to our wellbeing services can help people live as well as possible for as long as possible. Our services offer:

  • Practical support for living with illness
  • Non-pharmacological approaches to symptom management
  • Emotional and psychological support
  • Peer support from others with shared experiences
  • Meaningful wellbeing activities and group programmes
  • Advice and guidance for family members and carers

Our focus is on helping people maintain independence, build confidence and live well, right up until the end of life.

Think Talk Act is open to:

  • People living with long-term or progressive health conditions
  • Individuals who would like to think ahead about future care
  • Family members, carers and other important people involved in someone's care
  • Anyone who would benefit from understanding advance care planning and ReSPECT

You do not need to be on a palliative care pathway to attend.

Book a Think Talk Act session

If you'd like to learn more about future care planning, understand ReSPECT, or explore the support available through Pilgrims Hospices, we'd be pleased to welcome you to a Think Talk Act session.

To find out about upcoming sessions or make a referral, please contact our team.

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Living well. Planning ahead. Making sure what matters most is known.

Through Think Talk Act, we're helping people and their loved ones have important conversations today that can make a difference tomorrow.