Positive progress for Pilgrims Canterbury hospice project
This time last year we received some wonderful news. We have secured permission and funding for a brand new, purpose-built hospice for Canterbury.
Pilgrims Hospices is 100% committed to providing quality hospice care for each of our communities in Ashford, Canterbury and Thanet. However, our current buildings in Canterbury’s London Road cannot provide the modern facilities that new hospices deliver and to which we aspire.
Improvements ahead
This new development will mean Pilgrims can offer our patients and their families facilities designed to 21st century care standards, including:
Patients no longer having to share rooms
Family accommodation so that loved ones can stay with their relative
En-suite bathrooms.
This also means we can concentrate on what we do best – fundraising to continue to improve the quality of care, rather than for bricks and mortar.
Project latest
The Pilgrims team is working with architects on the overall hospice design for submission to planning this spring.
Cate Russell, Pilgrims Chief Executive, explains: “We are using RHP, the architects behind the new hospice builds in Eastbourne and Worthing. They have a deep understanding of the work hospices do.
“Pilgrims teams have visited these sites. Staff and volunteers at these hospices were very generous with their time and offered us some great insights.”
Cate and the team have also talked with various groups to consider how this facility should be developed to meet the needs of our future patients and families.
She added: “Overall, the project team are working to create a community feel. It was very encouraging to see the level of care and detail that’s going into the plans.”
As soon as we have agreement for our build design we’ll be sharing them with our supporters. This will be via our website so you can follow our progress.
Going forward, our mission remains the same. We will be fully committed to continuing to provide excellent care from our three hospices in Ashford, Canterbury and Thanet. We’ll also continue to provide vital care in homes and communities across east Kent.
Visit pilgrimshospices.org/news for regular updates on our ongoing projects to continually improve facilities and spaces on each of our sites. Click here to read our recent update on the refreshed visitor facilities in Canterbury, or read about our wonderful ward garden revamp with BBC Gardener’s World’s Mark Lane here.
10th May 2017
Margaret’s story: “Pilgrims helps me make the most of living”
Pilgrims Hospices Wellbeing and Social Programme offers a range of support, including a therapy gym and the chance to make new friends.
Margaret Robbins and her family have experienced some its many benefits.
When I first told my best friend, “I am in the care of the hospice now”, I remember her face dropped. She said, “Oh dear”; but it’s not like that at all. My experience of the support has all been positive.
It takes a lot of courage to come to the hospice. Some people don’t even want to come through the door because they are so anxious. I was nervous, but I was determined to try it and see what happened.
I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer a year ago. As soon as I was out of hospital, and able to reflect, I said yes to a referral here.
When I finally came to my nearest Pilgrims Therapy Centre where all the programmes run, I got such a welcome. I was really surprised to see it was such a happy place.
I expected it to be solemn but it’s very upbeat. People who come are planning to improve their quality of life, and they succeed.
I didn’t feel I had a future, but coming here has given me a lifeline.
Moving on from a hard conversation
Before my referral to Pilgrims I had two big operations for my cancer.
It was taking a long time to recover. Then, eventually, I was told by the consultant that nothing more could be done for me.
That was such a scary conversation to have. I didn’t feel I had much of a future; I could only really think ahead day to day.
Since that difficult time, coming to Pilgrims has given me a lifeline.
A lot on offer
The Wellbeing and Social Programme is free for anyone who, like me, is in the later stages of a life limiting illness. The Pilgrims team looks after your needs as an individual, to help you live better in mind and body.
Our Wellbeing and Social Programme is free for patients and families. It aims to enhance their wellbeing in mind and body.
The first step is to talk to your GP or healthcare professional. They can advise whether the programme is right for you. More information is available here.
8th May 2017
Pilgrims free events offer support for family and friends
Pilgrims is running a series of free community events at the start of May to support people in talking about dying and death – whether that’s friends and family of someone using hospice services, or anyone from the wider community.
Wendy Hills, Director of Nursing and Care, said: “We understand that for many people, talking about dying and death can be very daunting. Even if you, or someone close to you, has a terminal illness, it can be difficult to know where to start the conversation. At the same time, every day in east Kent 19 people receive the news that they have a terminal illness and have less than a year to live. That number is rising. So, together, we need to make sure people are given the support they need.” She added: “We are so grateful to our community for all the generous support they show us each year. We feel it’s really important we are there in return to support those people when they need us. Through these events, we hope to help people make those first steps to talk to one another about their future wishes and to access the local services available.”
We host Time to Talk community events throughout the year for the general public, aiming to open up the conversation about death and dying; with film screenings, poetry readings and Death Cafes and much more, there’s something for everyone.
If you or your family are experiencing Pilgrims care, find out about the support we can offer through our Wellbeing and Social Programme.
Talking about your wishes to improve the future
‘Advance Care Planning’ (ACP) is an important talking tool that hospices, GPs and other professionals can use to help someone plan quality care towards the end of life. It’s also a tool that anyone can use to express their wishes. Pilgrims specialist nurse, Maria Marley, explains.
Serious illness and ageing bring challenges that it’s natural to avoid thinking about. At the same time, planning ahead and making your preferences known is a good way to make sure that anyone who provides care for you, whether that’s family or health professionals, tailors that care to your wishes.
I am a specialist nurse at Pilgrims Hospices. Earlier this month, we launched a new pilot workshop in our Thanet hospice inviting people using our services to talk about their future care and wishes.
Called Advance Care Planning, the workshops give information and the opportunity to discuss experiences or concerns about expressing patients’ preferences and wishes for their future care. Family and friends can be there, too, if the individual wants that.
I want to share just five of the benefits people have found by coming to these sessions, because these can just as easily be achieved if you decide to use this talking tool yourself or with your GP.
Starting the Big Conversation with ACP can mean:
We support people to take that all-important first step to talk about their needs.
1) Conversations that support individual care
These conversations help the healthcare team involved in the person’s care to know what is important to that person, such as their physical care, values and beliefs. This might also help them to answer the questions people have like, ‘Who will care for my animals?’, ‘Who will support my loved ones?’ or ‘Where is my preferred place to be cared for?’. It also gives people a chance to say what they don’t want to happen.
2) You can review your wishes over time
ACP should be an ongoing conversation, so you can keep reviewing your wishes if these change. It’s not legally binding, but it helps us know how the person wants to be cared for. It’s been found to be one of the most important ways we can ensure reliable, focused care.
3) A starting point for talking with family
When someone is ill, there may be conversations that their family know they need to have but are really worried about starting. The person themselves may also find it very hard to express what they are feeling or what they would like. Through ACP, we give people a starting place to talk about their needs and experiences.
4) Expressing wishes formally or informally
The conversation doesn’t have to be formal and isn’t legally binding, although if someone has a terminal diagnosis that may lead to a loss of capacity, then having a formal, legal record – known as an ‘Advance Decision’ – will help their healthcare team to continue to ensure they are enabling that person’s individual wishes and choices should that person lose capacity to express those wishes.
You don’t need to be ill to express your wishes. I have started these conversations with my own family at home.
Once families talk about their wishes people can feel a huge sense of relief.
5) Inspiration for everyone to talk more openly
So far, the workshops I’m running have proved hugely popular and have been fully subscribed each time. I think this shows the importance of having these big conversations.
Once families talk about their wishes, people can feel a huge sense of relief. Of course, you don’t need to have a terminal diagnosis to express your wishes. I’ve started having these conversations with my own family at home. I find it comforting knowing my wishes will be fulfilled. Whether people come to Pilgrims for support or prefer to talk to their GP, the key is to give people the tools and the confidence to be more open.
Pilgrims is running a series of free ACP sessions to give you ideas about how to express your wishes.
Who are ACP sessions for?
All are welcome, including Pilgrims patients, carers, family, friends and members of the public.
When and where?
Monday 8 May, 10am – 12pm at Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury
Tuesday 9 May, 1:30pm – 3:30pm at Pilgrims Hospice Thanet
Friday 12 May, 2pm – 4pm at Pilgrims Hospice Ashford.
Each is a single session lasting up to two hours.
These events are part of a series of free community events across east Kent during national Dying Matters Awareness Week (8-14 May 2017).
This year’s theme is #WhatCanYouDo. It looks at ways people can be more active in planning for dying and death and helping support others in times of grief and bereavement, whether they’re friends, family or in the wider community.
Pilgrims events that took place in Dying Matters Awareness Week:
Find us on Facebook or Twitter to join in the conversation. Share your stories and pictures using the hashtag #WhatCanYouDo.
If you or a member of your family is coping with a terminal illness and you want to know about the full range of Pilgrims services, please click here to find out more.
3rd May 2017
Maria takes on challenge with a twist
Maria Treadwell will be riding Pilgrims Hospices Divas on Wheels ladies only cycling event on Sunday 18 June on her E Flow electric bike. She will undertake the 50 mile picturesque cycle ride along with 100’s of ladies all in support of hospice care in east Kent.
Maria isn’t a regular cyclist but with her amazing electric cycle she will be able to enjoy every minute of this amazing cycle ride. Maria decided on an e-bike to help her gain confidence and fitness levels. “It’s just like a regular bike with an easy click on electric assist whenever a bit more support is required. I love my e bike is given me the confidence to get out there and do some major fundraising activity for Pilgrims Hospices.” said Maria.
I decided to ride Divas on Wheels in response to the wonderful loving care Mum and our family received.
“My mum Sue, was cared for by Pilgrims Hospices, I’ve decided to ride Divas on Wheels in response to the wonderful loving care Mum and our family received from the Pilgrims Therapy Centre team and later in the hospice ward.
“Without the amazing support offered by the staff and volunteers we would have found our journey very different. Our visits to the hospice were like going into an oasis of calm and love, allowing us both to forget our fears and anxieties for a while.
“I’m really looking forward to Divas on Wheels, Pilgrims Hospices fundraising team has been a great support and it will be quite an experience to cycle with so many ladies for such a good cause. I’m undertaking the Coast 2 Coast Challenge in September so look out for me training and give me a wave!
I can never thank the hospice enough.
“I can never thank the hospice enough for enabling our family to share this time with mum, so trying to help raise money to allow other families to have the same opportunity seemed like the right thing to do.”
Deborah Kellond, Pilgrims Community Fundraising Manager said: “It’s wonderful to have Maria cycling Diva on Wheels. She will be in good company and there are plenty of Pilgrims Bike Heros out on the ride to make sure everyone stays safe and receives help if needed.”
There’s a free confidence ride on Saturday 6 May riding from the Freewheel Cycle Pub and Café at Graveney, Faversham at 9:30am for any ladies who wish to gain some road experience.
If you or someone you know is coping with a life limiting illness and you think you may benefit from Pilgrims support, talk to your GP or Healthcare Professional about the options or visit Pilgrims Hospices website Wellbeing and Social Programme.
Pilgrims Cycle Challenge is a runaway success
They battled a blustery cross-wind and took on climbs totalling over 4,000 ft. Between them, they racked up a combined distance of more than 60,000 miles. By all accounts, the 1,217 riders at this year’s Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge really can call themselves hospice heroes.
Riders travelled from as close as Canterbury and as far as London and Warwickshire, and the total number of riders is up increased since last year. For the eighth year of this well-respected ride, they gathered for the start at a new venue – the University of Kent’s Cycling Hub in Canterbury. Soon after, Kent’s roads were buzzing with the sound of their speeding spokes. Streams of riders of all ages – from 14-81 years – and abilities pedalled their way to personal achievements on a choice of three routes, varying from 45 miles, 75 miles and right up to the most extreme route, the 100-mile Century ride.
Pilgrims is now counting all of the sponsorship donations which will continue to come in over the coming weeks. First indications show the event has already raised over £55,000 and that total could be set to rise to more than £90,000 for Pilgrims care in east Kent. Look out for updates in the coming weeks on the Pilgrims website.
Cate Russell, Pilgrims Chief Executive, was there on the day welcoming riders back to the cycling village finish. She was joined by an army of local volunteers serving food, offering free sports massages and even leading cycling yoga classes.
Cate said: “It’s quite incredible to see what amazing support we’ve had from the local community for this event. These hospice heroes have cycled an astounding 500,000 miles since the first hospice Cycle Challenge! We can only humbly thank everyone who contributes to this event in so many ways, and whose support means we can continue to be there with care and comfort for the people who need our care.”
Event Fundraiser at Pilgrims, Robert Grew, said: “We were really delighted to see so many cyclists enjoying our event. A huge team of hospice staff and more than 50 volunteers were involved in making the event run smoothly and providing the best experience possible for our cycling supporters.
“Support provided by our sponsors, and especially our headline sponsors Kent Sport, has also been absolutely brilliant. We couldn’t ask for better event support and venue facilities. Everyone really went out of their way to help make the day the success it was.”
One young man, among the last to cross the finish line after taking on his first 100-mile ride, was tracked by marshals on his way back who fed him jelly beans and gave him support to keep going so he could succeed in his challenge.
Riders were supported with motorbike marshals, lots of signs and regular refreshment stops along the way. When they returned, they enjoyed free massages to ease aching muscles and bike maintenance. There were also plenty of supporters to cheer them along. More than £1,000 worth of food and refreshments for riders was donated by local suppliers.
This year, financial support came from several sponsors:
Liz Docherty from Deal and Walmer Wheelers said: “It’s our second year taking part and it’s been a really enjoyable ride. It’s well organised and for a great cause. We liked the new start and finish venue, too. It gave us more space when riding and the cycling village had plenty of treats like massages and the barbeque. It’s been a really good day.”
Anne-Marie Awe from Ashford took on the 45-mile route. It was her first time taking part and she was cycling alone: “My mum died of cancer so it means a lot to me to support others coping with a terminal illness. I’m new to cycling so I’ve been feeling really nervous in the lead up to today, but at the same time I couldn’t wait to get going.
“So far I’ve raised £340 in sponsorship – well over my £100 target – with lots of warm support from my employers and friends and family. I rode alone today and I was worried at first that I would have trouble finding my way but it was so well supported, with all the signs and marshalls on the route. I feel amazing now I’ve done it!”
A huge Pilgrims thank you to everyone who helps to raise vital funds for us throughout the year.
Each year, Pilgrims give care to thousands of people and their families across east Kent. People with long-term conditions can come to us when they need day-to-day help enabling them to live well. We also offer expert care in people’s own homes, in our communities and on our wards. Every act of kindness from our generous communities helps us to give this care where and when it’s needed. We are truly grateful for this continued support of our Cycle Challenge, which helps to make all of this possible.
If you didn’t manage to cycle for Pilgrims on Sunday, you can still join our fun, supportive ladies bike ride Divas on Wheels on 18 June. The county’s only ladies bike ride for charity is open for entries now, with 25 and 50-mile routes to choose from. There are planned training rides which you can take advantage of, too. Let’s keep up the pedal power for Pilgrims. Find out more.
