Free counselling for family, friends and informal carers of hospice patients

Pilgrims free counselling service offers emotional and psychological support to families, carers and friends affected by the events and the changes caring for someone with a life-shortening illness brings.

Pilgrims 24 Hour Advice Line for patients, families and informal carers

Our advice line for patients, families and informal carers is open 24 hours a day if you need urgent support: 01233 504 133. The phone line does not offer crisis intervention; in an emergency, please call 999 or a service such as Samaritans. More information on this is below.

Other expert advice in east Kent

Whether you're concerned about yourself or a loved one, these helplines can offer expert advice:

Samaritans offer confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair. Phone: 116 123 (free 24-hour helpline).

Mental Health Matters also offer a free helpline, which is open 5pm – 9am, 24-hours, weekends and bank holidays – the number if you're in Kent and Medway is 08001 070 160.

More information about support available in east Kent for informal carers can be found here: