18th December 2018

    Pilgrims Hospices recognised as outstanding organisation to volunteer for

    Pilgrims Hospices has been awarded the REVAMP Quality Mark for volunteer-involving organisations. Developed by Volunteer Centres in Kent and Stronger Kent Communities, REVAMP offers a great opportunity for organisations to reflect on their volunteering policies and practices to ensure that they can provide excellent, well-supported opportunities for volunteers.


    Pilgrims is the first organisation to receive the award without conditions, meaning that their current practices are already at such a high standard that no changes were required in order for the charity to become REVAMP-accredited.

    Jeff Southon, Volunteer Services and HR Manager at Pilgrims Hospices, said:

    “We simply can’t provide our services without the support of its 1,500 volunteers across east Kent. They work in a vast range of roles in our three hospices and our 31 shops, donating their time, skills and commitment to ensure we’re able to provide the best possible support and care to patients and their families.

    “We therefore want to make sure that we’re able to offer positive, meaningful and well-supported experiences for our volunteers. Achievement of the REVAMP Quality Mark demonstrates that we have best practice policies and processes in place.”

    We simply can’t provide our services without the support of its 1,500 volunteers across east Kent. They work in a vast range of roles in our three hospices and our 31 shops, donating their time, skills and commitment to ensure we’re able to provide the best possible support and care to patients and their families.

    Jeff Southon, Volunteer Services and HR Manager

    Alex Krutnik, Director of Canterbury & Herne Bay Volunteer Centre and Chair of Stronger Kent Communities, visited the Canterbury hospice recently to present the team with the award.

    He said: “It was so gratifying to present the REVAMP Quality Mark to Pilgrims Hospices; the organisation clearly has a real commitment to and understanding about volunteers and volunteering in general. Their submission for the Quality Mark was top notch and extremely comprehensive. I can see why so many people happily choose to volunteer with Pilgrims, as they’re a forward-thinking, supportive and friendly organisation. Well done indeed!”

    Jeff added: “Our dedicated administration volunteers based at each of our hospices made this all possible. They work tirelessly to ensure that volunteers are appropriately recruited, inducted and supported.

    I’m extremely grateful for all they do.”

    Our current volunteering opportunities are updated regularly.

    If you’d like to apply for a particular role, download a volunteer application form and send it to the volunteer team at your preferred Pilgrims’ hospice:

    You can also get in touch with your local volunteer team using the contact details above if you have any questions before applying. We aim to reply to all volunteer queries within 48 hours.


    If you or someone you know is coping with a life limiting illness and you think you or they may benefit from Pilgrims’ support, talk to your GP or Healthcare Professional about the options or click here for information about our Wellbeing and Social Programme.

    17th December 2018

    Jacky experiences the reality of life in a hospice

    Jacky Darling, a minister in training from St Nicholas Church in New Romney, is gaining experience in the reality of life in a hospice with Pilgrims at Ashford.


    Jacky joined Geoff Walters, Head of Spiritual Care Services for Pilgrims Hospices, as part of her training programme. Geoff said: “By sharing various events and aspects of hospice life, we hope Jacky will have an understanding of what a hospice is and does and can, therefore, be supportive to people she meets in the community facing life-limiting illness.”

    Jacky explained: “It’s very important to be knowledgeable and positive for people within the community who may have little or no experience of hospice services, leaving them feeling negative and vulnerable.

    “My time with everyone at Pilgrims is proving really inspirational. I’m now confident that I can share my experiences and explain how Pilgrims can offer a variety of services to help people who need care, and their families, to live well in the moment. It’s a privilege to share such important information with our community; the charity is providing a vital service.

    “I’ve been given opportunities to spend time with the nurses in their morning meetings, attend the Therapy Centre and get to know day patients, staff and volunteers. There’s so much more to the hospice than a bed on a ward.”

    Pilgrims Hospices cannot change what’s happening but they can make a difference to patients and their families in such difficult times.

    Jacky Darling

    Jacky had a career in teaching, taking early retirement from her role as a Primary Head Teacher in order to pursue a spiritual vocation. She led the Trees of Love service held at St Nicholas Church in New Romney on Saturday 1 December and will be ordained in June 2019.

    Jacky added: “I enjoyed the Trees of Love service, it was uplifting and comforting to so many local people whose loved ones or friends have been cared for by Pilgrims (and other bereaved people in the community). I welcomed this opportunity to celebrate their lives and wish everyone a peaceful Christmas.

    “Pilgrims Hospices cannot change what’s happening but they can make a difference to patients and their families in such difficult times. It’s a moving experience and I’m grateful to be part of the Pilgrims community. I see the passion that surrounds the staff at the hospice; my experience here will enable me to help people understand the breadth of services available and why the charity needs continued support from the community.”

    Pilgrims’ offer support for people of any religion or belief. The term ‘spirituality’ covers a wide range of belief systems, from membership of a faith community to those who follow a more personal philosophy or lifestyle. This pastoral and spiritual care (often known as chaplaincy) is available for people who are religious and can equally be a source of support for people of any belief. Facilitating places like Jacky’s is something that Pilgrims Hospices Spiritual Care team does regularly across all sites. Click here to find out more.


    Each year Pilgrims supports hundreds of local people coping with a life-limiting illness and their families. The charity offers a range of services: from end of life care given on its wards to its Wellbeing and Social Programme supporting people after they are diagnosed, to live well and stay independent.

    Community remember loved ones at Trees of Love services  

    Pilgrims Hospices Trees of Love remembrance services have so far raised almost £80,000 to support people living with an incurable illness in east Kent.


    More than 1,000 people attended Pilgrims Hospices Trees of Love gatherings. The remembrance services took place on Saturday 8 December, with huge festive trees lit up in the gardens in the charity’s Canterbury, Ashford and Margate hospice grounds. The beautiful trees were adorned with Pilgrims doves bearing personal messages. The Tree of Love events also took place in venues throughout east Kent in Barham, Charing, Cheriton, Dover, and Romney Marsh, to allow more people to attend and share special tributes to loved ones.

    Millie, Lillie-Starr, and Madison welcomed visitors to Pilgrims’ hospice in Margate

     

    Sophie Douch, Pilgrims Hospices Individual Giving Officer, said: “We would like to thank everyone who donated to our campaign and dedicated a dove in memory of their loved ones. Sharing thoughts and being part of our hospice family keeps our loved ones firmly in our hearts.

    Trees of Love wouldn’t be possible without the amazing support of our communities.

    Sophie Douch, Individual Giving Officer at Pilgrims Hospices

    She added: “This is such an amazing amount of money to raise for hospice care. It could pay for many hours of nursing care on our wards, within the Wellbeing and Therapy Centres or in patients’ homes. It will truly help to make a real difference to our patients and their families who need support and care in such difficult times.

    “We cannot thank our supporters enough for helping to achieve such a wonderful sum of money. It will make a huge difference to so many people within the community who need help to live life to the full in every moment.”

    Canterbury hospice

    The Rev. Jo Richards, Rector of the Benefice of St Dunstan’s, St Mildred’s and St Peter’s, welcomed visitors followed by readings from staff and volunteers from Pilgrims Hospices. Carols were led by Barton Court Grammar School Choir.

    Ashford hospice

    The Rev. Geoff Walters, Head of Spiritual Care Services at Pilgrims Hospices, welcomed visitors followed by readings from other Pilgrims’ staff and volunteers. Music was led by members of the Ashford Concert Band and friends, and a choir drawn from the churches of Ashford, conducted by Tony Shaw.

    Thanet hospice

    The Rev. Ken Cox, welcomed visitors followed by readings from staff and volunteers from Pilgrims Hospices. Music was played by the Salvation Army Band with carols sung by choirs from local churches led by Choir Master Tim Attride.

    At the end of the services, visitors shared minced pies, hot chocolate and mulled wine.

    Added Sophie: “Trees of Love wouldn’t be possible without the amazing support of our communities, including the help of so many volunteers who give their time and skills every year to make the events run smoothly.”

    The Trees of Love and their doves will remain in the grounds of the three Pilgrims’ hospices in Canterbury, Ashford and Thanet until the New Year for people to visit. We’re here to support you however you choose to give in memory; click here to find out how you can remember someone special.


    If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness, click here to find out more about Pilgrims’ full range of services. Each year Pilgrims supports hundreds of local people coping with a life-limiting illness and their families. The charity offers a range of services: from end of life care given on its wards to its new Wellbeing and Social Programme supporting people after they are diagnosed to live well and stay independent.

    12th December 2018

    Chris braves fourth Firewalk for Pilgrims Hospices

    Chris Laming (56) from Westbrook near Margate will take on her fourth Firewalk for Pilgrims Hospices on Friday 1 March 2019 in Canterbury. After completing her first Firewalk in 2016, she was hooked; each walk leaves her feeling inspired and proud to support her local hospice charity.


    Chris, who works as an administrator at the University of Kent in Canterbury and recently qualified as a counsellor, supports Pilgrims for a very personal reason:

    “A close family friend was cared for by Pilgrims three years ago, and I was incredibly moved to hear his family speak so highly of the dignified and compassionate care both he and they received in his final days, and the comfort that brought them in the depth of their loss.

    “He passed away just a short time after we lost my own beloved dad, and I can’t help but reflect with great sadness that our experience as a family was very different. My dad passed suddenly and unexpectedly after a short illness, and though he received very good medical care in hospital from incredibly caring staff, the privacy we needed as a family at such a deeply personal time was almost impossible in a busy hospital environment.”

    From that very first walk I’ve been like ‘a moth to the flame’ so to speak, taking part every year and feeling just as inspired and proud of what I’m achieving, both personally and for Pilgrims, with every single walk.

    Chris

    Chris heard about the charity’s Firewalk event just a few months after her dad passed away. Although it was a difficult time, she felt inspired to challenge herself – and she hasn’t looked back since. She said:

    “I can’t lie, I’m now totally hooked! From that very first walk I’ve been like ‘a moth to the flame’ so to speak, taking part every year and feeling just as inspired and proud of what I’m achieving, both personally and for Pilgrims, with every single walk. The camaraderie and mutual support from other participants on the night is absolutely incredible; it’s an awesome experience and a totally unique challenge.”

    Chris braving a Firewalk at the University of Kent, Canterbury

     

    Chris will be joined at her next Firewalk by several colleagues including her boss and good friend, Jayne Lawson, who is taking part for the third time; the university service they work for even has the very apt acronym HEAT. Chris added:

    “I’m also fortunate to have an amazingly supportive family and close friends who always get behind me, and though I haven’t convinced many of them to join me yet, they are always encouraging and incredibly generous with their sponsorship.”

    Driven by a belief that better end-of-life care is possible for everyone, and that dying should be talked about more openly, Chris hopes that her fundraising will help other families to feel informed and empowered in the time they have left together. She said:

    “That’s why the holistic support that Pilgrims offers to the whole family is vitally important. If a mad dash across hot coals helps to raise awareness for it, then a few toasted toes is really a small price to pay.”

    You can sponsor Chris by visiting her JustGiving page.

    Feeling inspired to follow in Chris’ footsteps and face the flames?

    Firewalk returns on 1 March 2019 in Canterbury and 2 March 2019 in Ashford.

    Visit pilgrimshospices.org/firewalk to sign up now to dash across red hot embers and achieve the impossible. Early Bird entry is £17, available to the first 50 registrations per event or until 20 January 2019, whichever is sooner. Standard entry is £20, available until 24 February 2019 or sooner if capacity is reached. Entry includes training seminar, firewalking experience and certificate.


    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 click here for information about our Wellbeing and Social Programme.

    7th December 2018

    Snowdogs pawsome £142,000 for Pilgrims

    After a hugely successful 10-week public trail around the borough, Ashford’s amazing Snowdog and Snowpup sculptures raised a staggering £142,000 on Monday 3 December at the Gala Auction evening.


    In a final farewell (following the success of the Farewell Weekend held at the Julie Rose Stadium on December 1 and 2), a glamorous gala auction was held at Ashford International Hotel, with celebrity TV auctioneer and hosts Michael Hogben and Alison Chapman at the helm as local businesses and residents clamoured for their favourite dog.

    A flurry of bids for the popular pooches pushed the grand total raised to over £142,000, which will provide vital funding for Pilgrims Hospices, contributing to the wonderful work they do in the Kent community.

    Mr. Doodle’s Doodle Dog sold for the highest bid of the night at £15,000 – with the man himself live doodling a picture that became part of the bidder’s prize. Bagdogg, another popular pooch, sold for £9,000; Snowbrador and 2 Tone Ska Dog both raised £5,200 each; Stripes fetched a fabulous £7,000; Harry Kanine sold for a bid of £6,200 and Noble Ash reached £5,500, just to name a few.

    Snowdogs Discover Ashford was brought to the town over 10 weeks between September and November in a joint initiative by Wild in Art, Ashford Borough Council and Pilgrims Hospices, and the residents of Ashford and beyond truly embraced the magical event.

    Based on the popular children’s story The Snowman and the Snowdog by Raymond Briggs, the Snowdog trail explored the themes of life, loss, fun, friendship, companionship, strength, and kindness – a story told at Pilgrims Hospices each day.

    This has been an amazing journey for us, we’ve had the opportunity to work with so many wonderful people.

    Cate Russell – Pilgrims Hospices Chief Executive

    The Snowdog sculptures were designed by local artists and sponsored by local businesses, together with 19 Snowpups that have been designed and decorated by 19 local schools. These beautifully crafted giant sculptures have left a lasting impression on thousands of visitors who have ‘pawsed’ to admire them.

    Cate Russell, Pilgrims Hospices Chief Executive, said: “This has been an amazing journey for us, we’ve had the opportunity to work with so many wonderful people.

    “We are a community charity working hard to support local families; art in any form lifts the spirit and is so life-affirming; the fun and connection of the project really captures what life and love is all about.

    “We have made many new friends and have had the opportunity to share the benefits of the work we do, so we know the legacy from this will live on.

    “Thank you to everyone who supported us.”

    Of the trail’s huge success, Cllr Mike Bennett, Portfolio holder for Culture at Ashford Borough Council, said: “Snowdogs Discover Ashford has been incredibly well received by the people of Ashford and beyond. The success of the trail has far outweighed anything we could have possibly imagined when the idea was initially brought to us. To see the community come together, bonding through art and interpreting the messages conveyed by the trail each week, was a truly wonderful experience and we’re thrilled that they have now raised so much money for such a worthy local cause.”


    Each year Pilgrims supports hundreds of local people coping with a life-limiting illness and their families. The charity offers a range of services: from end of life care given on its wards to its Wellbeing and Social Programme supporting people after they are diagnosed, to live well and stay independent.

    5th December 2018

    Santas in trainers at Herne Bay

    Herne Bay’s coastline was filled with Christmas cheer and the sound of more than 1,100 pairs of Santa feet on Sunday, as fancy dressed fundraisers took part in the festive fun run for Pilgrims Hospices.


    Adults of all ages, children and festively dressed furry four-legged friends raced, jogged and walked along the town’s seafront for Santas on the Run!

    So far this year the event has raised over £30,500, which is set to rise even further as more sponsorship comes in daily for the much-loved hospice charity. With over £12,000 being raised through sponsorship from generous friends and family.

    Crowds of spectators watched as the hoards of white-bearded participants gathered for the start at the town’s clock tower, ready to cheer them along for their 5k or 3k dash beside the sea.

    This event is a feel-good day out for all of the family to start off their festive season.

    Lydia, Pilgrims

    Lydia Todd, Community Fundraising Officer for Pilgrims Hospices, said: “This was our second Santas on the Run! The day was an absolute success and we’re over the moon with how it went.

    “It was fantastic to see so many Santas taking part on the seafront in aid of local hospice care; 200 more than last year; supporters have spread the word and love for our event.

    “We are already receiving some amazing feedback from our supporters. This event is a feel-good day out for all of the family to start off their festive season and I hope it becomes a tradition for many families.

    “The hospice would like to say a heartfelt thank you to the headline sponsors, Wahl UK, who also entered over 30 Santas for the event. Sponsors Active Business Group who entered a team of dressed up dogs and other business supporters Jenner Construction Ltd., Makcari’s Coffee Shop, Herne Bay Rotary Club and all of the marshals and volunteers who gave up their Sunday to help on a safe run!”

    This care continues 24/7 throughout the Christmas period so, as Lydia aims, the funds raised by the sporty Santas will help provide vital care:

    “Every £20 raised by this event could pay for an hour of nursing care for a patient on our wards, within Pilgrims’ Therapy Centres or at home. A huge thank you and Merry Christmas, we really could not do it without your help!”


    Each year Pilgrims supports hundreds of local people coping with a life-limiting illness and their families. The charity offers a range of services: from end-of-life care given on its wards to its Wellbeing and Social Programme supporting people after they are diagnosed to live well and stay independent.

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