Pilgrims offers a wide range of the most effective complementary therapies available.

All are designed to support you in mind and body – by helping to ease physical pain, anxiety and spiritual distress.

They are not intended an alternative to conventional medical treatments, but to work alongside them.

What is on offer?

You can choose to try our head massage; body massage; hot stone therapy; reflexology; aromatherapy or Reiki. Many of our patients find these therapies can help with emotional and physical symptoms.

All our therapists are fully qualified and have the appropriate professional membership and insurance.

Can I have a taster session?

Yes, we offer free complementary therapy taster sessions to anyone who is referred to Pilgrims Hospices services from our centres in Canterbury, Thanet or Ashford or in the community. If you are new to complementary therapy or not sure if it’s for you, we also offer an introduction to some of these therapies through our Wellbeing and Social Programme Pamper Days which are available in Canterbury, Ashford and Thanet.

How can I access the service?

Therapies are given free of charge and are offered to all our patients wherever you live in east Kent. This is whether you are receiving support from one of our Therapy Centres, on one of our wards, at a Pilgrims Outreach Centre or in your own home.

A course of treatment is also available for carers and family members.

Just ask any member of the Pilgrims care team to refer you for complementary therapy. One of our hospice therapists will then contact you to arrange your first appointment.

At your first session, your therapist will explain the treatments available. They will talk with you about which would be best for you, how many treatments you may benefit from and how long the sessions will last.

Treatment will only go ahead with your consent and you can stop the treatment at any time you wish.

To find out more call 01227 459700 or our 24 hour Advice Line for Patients and Families on 01233 504133.