Val Chaffer from Aldington, Ashford chose to volunteer for Pilgrims Hospices after her husband, Doug, was cared for by the charity. Here, she shares what she loves about volunteering and why she thinks others should get involved.
During his illness, Doug attended gym sessions and benefitted from complementary therapies at the Ashford hospice. Doug and Val also attended patient and carer groups together, and Val found carer days very helpful, too.
Now, Val volunteers at the Ashford hospice. She has a regular shift at Time to Create art and craft sessions in the Therapy Centre and also helps out on reception and at fundraising events. She said: “When I had my induction tour of the hospice, so many people remembered me. It was lovely. It’s such a happy place and almost an extension of my family now.”
People can be themselves here. For an afternoon they’re not really a patient; they can put their illness in the background. It’s such an enjoyable place to volunteer.
Val
Val has always enjoyed all forms of craft, so volunteering at Time to Create groups is a natural role for her. She said: “People can be themselves here. For an afternoon they’re not really a patient; they can put their illness in the background. It’s such an enjoyable place to volunteer. It also inspires me to think of different creative projects to do with patients – so far, we’ve made cross stitch bookmarks, cards, patchwork baskets and weaved cards with ribbon. We’ve also done some flower arranging, which is really lovely.”
Val loves volunteering at Pilgrims and believes that others will, too.
She added: “It’s such a good thing to do, you make such a positive difference to patients and their families. It helps me a lot, being able to give back to the charity that supported Doug and I at a very difficult time. If you’re thinking about volunteering for Pilgrims, do it!”
Tell us your volunteer story on social media by using the hashtags #PilgrimsLife and #VolunteerVoices.
Volunteers’ Week is a chance to say thank you for the fantastic contribution millions of volunteers make across the UK. It takes place 1-7 June every year and is an opportunity to celebrate volunteering in all its diversity.
We’re accredited by REVAMP, a quality mark for Volunteer Involving Organisations developed by Stronger Kent Communities, a leading provider of support for the voluntary sector in Kent.
Young volunteer makes time to support local hospice
17-year-old Georgia Malkin makes a valuable contribution to the community by taking time to volunteer at Pilgrims Hospices.
Georgia, who lives in Folkestone and is studying for A-levels at Barton Court Grammar School in Canterbury, supports in the hospice reception welcoming visitors, along with taking supporter donations and selling merchandise.
She also supports at fundraising events, particularly the in memory events such as Trees of Love.
I’m very grateful for the opportunities Pilgrims has given me. The helpful insights into handling money, and getting an understanding of retail, customers and numerous other opportunities will be really useful as I move forward in education and eventually into employment. It’s been an important part of building my confidence.
Georgia
Georgia said: “My mother is a volunteer at the Canterbury hospice, therefore I have an insight into the amazing care that Pilgrims provide within the community. The work Pilgrims do is so valuable and I’m very proud to be part of the volunteer team.
“I hope by volunteering as a young person, I help to dispel the stigma involving death and hospices. My experiences have only been positive, the charity provides the most caring and reassuring environment for patients, their families and friends at a time when they need it most.”
She added: “I knew a fair bit about what to expect as a volunteer from my visits to the hospice with my mother and information I’d gathered from the Pilgrims website.
“My thoughts on Pilgrims’ care are that it’s impeccable, and what the hospice has achieved is astounding. They have an amazing team who provide a service by which difficult situations are made more manageable for everyone concerned.
“I thoroughly enjoy my volunteer role; in a slightly selfish way, I’m very grateful for the opportunities Pilgrims has given me. The helpful insights into handling money, and getting an understanding of retail, customers and numerous other opportunities will be really useful as I move forward in education and eventually into employment. It’s been an important part of building my confidence; they have shared a window on how the charity supports so many patients and families within our community.”
Along with her volunteering, Georgia is also a fundraising champion. Last year she took part in the National Citizen Service (NCS) programme with schoolfriends, raising a total of around £1,000 for hospice care. As part of the campaign she courageously shaved her head, raising £500 for Pilgrims. The NCS team volunteered at the hospice on a variety of projects, undertook fundraising bucket collections and held an 8-hour dance-a-thon, achieving this amazing contribution.
Tell us your volunteer story on social media by using the hashtags #PilgrimsLife and #VolunteerVoices.
Volunteers’ Week is a chance to say thank you for the fantastic contribution millions of volunteers make across the UK. It takes place 1-7 June every year and is an opportunity to celebrate volunteering in all its diversity.
We’re accredited by REVAMP, a quality mark for Volunteer Involving Organisations developed by Stronger Kent Communities, a leading provider of support for the voluntary sector in Kent.
Arleen and Rosie find paw-fect volunteer role at Pilgrims Hospices
Arleen Paton-Smith and her dog, Rosie, from Birchington, are helping to make a difference to Pilgrims Hospices patients who are living with an incurable illness.
Rosie is a Maltese Terrier and Bichon Frise cross-breed and registered as a Pets As Therapy (PAT) dog. She visits the Margate hospice once a week with Arleen, so that patients can experience the many calming, anxiety-reducing benefits that come through interacting with animals.
Arleen said: “Rosie has a special pink sparkly collar and lead, which we keep for visiting so she knows where we are going when I put it on her. As soon as we arrive at the hospice she can’t wait to go in.”
Rosie is always very keen to see the patients and often gently talks to them, even if it’s to ask for a treat! It can be a pleasant distraction for them to welcome her. Many patients have had their own pets and miss them, so getting a cuddle with Rosie brings back lovely memories.
Arleen
Arleen and Rosie visit on Thursday mornings when patients coping with a life limiting illness at home come into the hospice for a day. Arleen chats with patients and volunteers, and Rosie greets everyone in her friendly way. Afterwards, they go up to the hospice ward to meet in-patients and their visitors.
Arleen added: “Rosie is always very keen to see the patients and often gently talks to them, even if it’s to ask for a treat! It can be a pleasant distraction for them to welcome her. Many patients have had their own pets and miss them, so getting a cuddle with Rosie brings back lovely memories, which they are happy to share with me. Because she is small and fluffy she is perfect to sit on a lap or even the bed, and you can see the pleasure that having contact with an animal brings to patients.”
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Arleen was a volunteer receptionist for 13 years at the Canterbury hospice, which she thoroughly enjoyed but stopped when she moved to Birchington.
She said: “When Rosie came into my life as a rescue dog, a friend told me about Pets As Therapy and I decided to apply. Happily, we were accepted. I’m a big supporter of Pilgrims and the wonderful work they do, so it’s the perfect place for Rosie and I to volunteer as I don’t have to leave her at home. Our roles with Pilgrims and Pets As Therapy mean that I can still enjoy volunteering but in a different way.
“It is a fact that pets can lower anxiety and blood pressure and be a temporary distraction for patients, family and staff, so I hope that Rosie and I help during our visits in some small way. We certainly enjoy meeting and talking to so many lovely people.”
Tell us your volunteer story on social media by using the hashtags #PilgrimsLife and #VolunteerVoices.
Volunteers’ Week is a chance to say thank you for the fantastic contribution millions of volunteers make across the UK. It takes place 1-7 June every year and is an opportunity to celebrate volunteering in all its diversity.
We’re accredited by REVAMP, a quality mark for Volunteer Involving Organisations developed by Stronger Kent Communities, a leading provider of support for the voluntary sector in Kent.
Dear Volunteers: A message from Cate Russell
Happy national Volunteers’ Week 2019! Our volunteers make such a positive difference to Pilgrims Hospices, our patients and their families. Here, Chief Executive Cate Russell shares a big thank you on behalf of the charity.
Dear Volunteers,
I wanted to take a moment and celebrate the wonderful work you all do in supporting the amazing phenomenon that is Pilgrims Hospices here in east Kent.
When I look at all that we do and how we impact on the lives of local families at a time when it matters most, it is only achieved through the kindness and generosity of people like you. Turning up come hail or shine, opening our shops, sorting at our warehouses, manning stalls at our events, baking, crafting, counting, stuffing and packing. Sitting on reception, helping behind the scenes in administration, working in the Education centre, supporting our Therapy Centres, driving families so they can attend sessions, volunteer counsellors, spiritual support workers, people helping us with health and safety; testing fire systems and critical recovery plans as well as in food safety and risk management. The list of activities is huge and you all contribute so much and so professionally. Please forgive me if I have not mentioned your particular area of speciality; it is certainly not because it is in any way less of a gift of time than any of those mentioned. You are the backbone of Pilgrims – without you, our families would have a much poorer experience and we would struggle to raise the funds we need and to deliver the level of support and care we are so highly regarded for.
You are the backbone of Pilgrims – without you, our families would have a much poorer experience and we would struggle to raise the funds we need and to deliver the level of support and care we are so highly regarded for.
Cate Russell
You will be pleased to know we are continuing to move forward in all the areas I mentioned in last year’s report and we now have ‘Expert Volunteers’ trained and taking on advanced roles in bereavement support with the launch of Stepping Stones and, most recently, Communication Ambassadors. Our vision is of a community where people with a terminal illness are supported. You are that community – and your support is just amazing!
Last year we said that we wanted to be more integrated in the care of people at an earlier stage of their illness. To do this we need to find more innovative ways to engage with our healthcare partners such as local GPs. We have embarked on several pilots with local GP practices close to each of our hospices. We expect to see a shift in the numbers of people coming to see us in our Therapy Centres by the end of the year as GPs start to understand the benefits we can offer. We are also progressing with our plans to refurbish our Thanet hospice and we hope to have a full update on what is happening to the plans for a new Canterbury hospice. I imagine you must think we have been talking about such things for many years. However, we can only go as fast as planning and funding allows. Please be assured everything is progressing well behind the scenes and I would hope to have far more news up on our website by the end of summer.
I would like to give you a huge heartfelt thank you – you make the difference and together we are Pilgrims.
Cate Russell
You may also be aware we have just launched a community project to get everyone thinking and making plans to capture what is important to them. None of us know when time may run short and it can bring huge comfort if people have captured their wishes and thoughts. I recently presented the concept to two large local companies and they have both asked for more information on the subject and welcomed the guided thinking the presentation offered. We will always be the place for care in the final days, but we also want to be an organisation that is known for educating and empowering people. You will see a lot more about the THINK program in the coming months as we want to share the concept as widely as possible. You may even wish to participate, so please do look out for updates.
We always get such positive feedback from the families we support. Our community does so much towards funding and this is so often because of your efforts. On behalf of the families, staff and trustees, I would like to give you a huge heartfelt thank you – you make the difference and together we are Pilgrims.
Tell us your volunteer story on social media by using the hashtags #PilgrimsLife and #VolunteerVoices.
Volunteers’ Week is a chance to say thank you for the fantastic contribution millions of volunteers make across the UK. It takes place 1-7 June every year and is an opportunity to celebrate volunteering in all its diversity.
We’re accredited by REVAMP, a quality mark for Volunteer Involving Organisations developed by Stronger Kent Communities, a leading provider of support for the voluntary sector in Kent.
30th May 2019
It’s a Knockout came to Ramsgate
Supporters enjoyed Pilgrims Hospices It’s a Knockout event at Government Acre, Ramsgate on Sunday 19 May 2019.
The Thanet hospice fundraising team has run this much-loved event for the past seven years; generating vital funds for hospice care and an opportunity for friends, families and local businesses to take on some crazy antics and compete against each team for that most important winner’s medal.
Teams took part in the hilarious bouncy obstacle courses, wet and dry challenges as well as fancy dress, each team taking a chance and playing their joker cards to win top points. The laughter was infectious as the teams competed to win while supporting the much-loved local charity.
You are all deserving winners to us, thank you for a wonderful day.
Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager
Teams from around the area took part including SPH Charity Team (Spencer Private Hospitals) from Margate. They supported the event again because each member of the team has known someone who has been supported by Pilgrims Hospices.
The English Roses team said: “We took part to help raise vital funds to help support the amazing care provided at Pilgrims Hospices; one of our team members, Maxine White, is a Health Care Assistant (HCA) at Pilgrims Hospice Thanet, what a brilliant day we’ve had.”
Nicola Williams, team captain of Nic’s Knockouts from Ramsgate, said: “We love this event and so want to win this year; I have also made a joker this year of Donald Trump.”
Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager and organiser of the event, said: “This really is a fun event with many supporters returning each year, some of the jokers are hilarious.
“I would like to thank everyone who attended either by taking part, sponsoring their team members, spectators who came along to cheer the teams, the staff and volunteers for helping run our fun stalls, Margate ambulance, catering teams and our very own Knockout team members, and to those who made or dressed up as mascots to help their teams double points.
“Your wonderful support will enable us to continue to provide palliative care for the next person who needs it, both within the hospice and at home. Last year the event raised an incredible £16,400. Early indications show that this year’s event has raised around £5,000 with further sponsorship still to come in.”
Karen added: “It costs just over £6,800 a day to run each of our three hospice inpatient units, so community support from events like this makes a huge difference to our charity.
The winning team was Nic’s Knockouts (they did it, so competitive) and runners up were Broadstairs Business Club and The Wibbly Wobbly Marauders, with team English Roses coming in the last place and receiving wooden spoons.
“Everyone who supported the event received a medal from Pilgrims Hospices, whatever place they finished, as a huge thank you for taking part. You are all deserving winners to us, thank you for a wonderful day.”
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.
21st May 2019
Matt’s TransAtlantic Way cycle challenge
On Thursday 6 June 2019, Matt Seward will join 200 other cyclists as he attempts to ride the TransAtlantic Way; a solo self-supported 2,500km route along the western coast of Ireland. Starting in Dublin, riders head to Derry and follow the coast all the way to Kinsale near Cork.
Matt from Broadstairs, who works at his local family printing business, Seaward Copy Shop, is keen to support Pilgrims Hospices. He told us: “I am doing this ride in memory of my dad Roger who passed away last September after his year-long battle with cancer. Dad was 75 years old; he’d always been a fighter, overcoming many illnesses during his life and before he lost his sight he was a keen cyclist himself, raising money for charity.
This is my biggest challenge yet!
Matt Seward
“Pilgrims Hospices were so supportive, they really helped to comfort my dad and the whole family. They respected his wishes and maintained his dignity right to the end so that he could be at home where he passed away with his family by his side. Their support was invaluable.
“You don’t truly realise the positive impact and the great work that they do until you need them.”
On the ride, Matt is aiming to cycle around 325km each day, sleeping under the stars on some nights and staying at bed and breakfasts on others to catch up with a good night’s sleep.
“I have wild camped around the Lake District and Snowdonia, therefore have some experiences to draw down upon. I find that when I am tired every bench, bus shelter or bush looks appealing.”
Matt sporting his Pilgrims Hospices cycling jersey
Matt began seriously training for his challenge in January this year, increasing his cycling hours by using an indoor trainer during the winter months. He has completed some overnight rides of around 300km and has been to Ireland to do a training ride around the Ring of Kerry.
Matt told us: “I am a member of Thanet Road Club and I’ve been doing long distance cycling challenges for the past few years. This is my biggest challenge yet!
“I am cycling around the entire route on my own and unsupported; carrying all of my clothes, sleeping bag and tools with me. I must find places to buy food on the route. In this wild part of Ireland, it can sometimes be 80km between shops!
“Although there is no official cut off time for finishing, there is a finishers party on Saturday 15 June; I hope to make it to the finish by then in time for a Guinness!”
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.
