Joan: “I enjoy volunteering at the hospice because it’s so varied”
Joan Austin from Westgate chose to volunteer for Pilgrims Hospices after retiring, having spent 25 years in construction industry publishing and 15 years working in a government IT quango.
Here, she shares what she loves about volunteering and the positive things she’s learnt about local hospice care.
Joan started volunteering at Pilgrims Hospice Thanet in 2013. She has had several roles, and currently does a regular weekly shift in the fundraising office helping with banking, which is a very important and valued role.
Alongside her volunteer role at Pilgrims, Joan keeps active with line dancing, walking netball and pickleball, which is like table tennis on a badminton court. She also volunteers for Canterbury Archaeology Trust, cleaning the finds that have been excavated in Kent including bones, pottery and clothes.
Why did you decide to volunteer for Pilgrims and what do you enjoy about it?
I was approaching retirement (I know, I look too young to have retired!) and making a list of things I might like to do with my free time. I enjoy volunteering at the hospice because it’s so varied – I’ve volunteered on the hospice reception, the outpatient clinic reception and now in the fundraising office. It’s nice to have the opportunity to take on different roles. Variety is the spice of life!
What positive things have you learned about Pilgrims that others might not know?
I’ve made lots of friends here. I didn’t realise the hospice provides all the services that it does, and I’ve enjoyed going to meetings where staff talk about the role they play. The atmosphere is cheerier than people think and it’s nice to chat and joke with patients, I think they enjoy the normality of it.
I’ve made a lot of friends here. The atmosphere is cheerier than people think and it’s nice to chat and joke with patients.
Joan
Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager, said: “Joan is very concise and accurate in her role. She also helps out at many fundraising events on the registration desks. She is knowledgeable and creative, and so giving. Joan also paints stones and makes teapot cosies in her spare time, helping to bring in vital funds for our craft events. She gets to count her very own funds generated through her wonderful talents. It’s a real pleasure working with Joan as part of the Thanet team, her smiley face and chit-chat is so very warming each week.”
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.
3rd June 2019
Derek shines as fantastic fundraising volunteer for Pilgrims
Derek Kemp from Folkestone chose to volunteer for Pilgrims Hospices after his wife, Jean, was cared for at the Canterbury hospice. Here, he shares what he loves about volunteering for Pilgrims and why he’s motivated to support his local hospice charity.
Jean spent the last five weeks of her life in Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury during January and February 2016.
Derek said: “At the time, she actually asked me how much this was all going to cost, to which I replied that was the least of her worries! The care she received and the wonderful consideration given to the whole family at this difficult time is something that will always remain with me. It was an amazing experience.
“I felt that I wanted to give something back. Being recently retired, I decided that I’d like to help in any way I could with fundraising for Pilgrims. Our son, Martin, organised a Grand Charity Ball at the Ashford International Hotel for family and friends in January 2016 for Jean’s 60th birthday. Sadly, Jean couldn’t attend as she was in the hospice, but it was a huge success and raised more than £6,000 for both Pilgrims Hospices and Cancer Research UK.”
What I love most about volunteering at Pilgrims is the variety of everything I get involved with, working with such wonderful people and the satisfaction of raising vital funds for such a worthy cause.
Derek
So, after a 38-year career in the insurance industry, Derek became a Pilgrims volunteer. He also enjoys his role as a violinist with the Folkestone Symphony Orchestra, where he is the current Chairman.
He said: “What I love most about volunteering at Pilgrims is the variety of everything I get involved with, working with such wonderful people and the satisfaction of raising vital funds for such a worthy cause. I like fundraising as it’s something I used to do when working in a busy office environment, encouraging staff to support charitable causes.
Derek at a fundraising event
“I now help to run the Folkestone fundraising group with Ginny Taylor – together, we make a great team! We organise monthly coffee mornings and bingo sessions in the community, as well as managing store collections and the Christmas market in Elham with other volunteers.
“I also volunteer at the larger Pilgrims events where I can usually be seen in a high vis jacket, either marshalling or on car park duties. I recently helped sign the route for Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge, including taking signage down at the end. Oh, and I help out with Tree Recycling!”
Derek’s personal experience of the charity, combined with his volunteering role, has given him a positive insight into local hospice care. He said: “I’ve come to learn that Pilgrims offer so many more valuable services than I’d originally expected. It’s pleasing and encouraging to know that the charity is continuing to explore new ideas, too. Not only will this benefit people preparing for the end of their life, but it will also support families during their own period of need, both before and after bereavement.
“My volunteer role has introduced me to so many new friends since I retired. I enjoy working with these lovely people for the same cause, and the challenge, together with the satisfaction, of raising vital funds for 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.
Judy: “I have met so many inspirational people”
Judy Landi from Ramsgate has been a reception volunteer at Pilgrims Hospice Thanet for 26 years, welcoming patients and visitors and helping to make them feel comfortable. Here, she shares what she loves about her volunteer role.
When a patient or visitor first arrives, Judy offers them a cup of tea or coffee or recommends a nice meal in the nearby hospice cafe. She said: “I enjoy chatting with people and getting to know them. It is such a friendly, positive place. I have made many friends and met so many inspirational people.”
It is such a friendly, positive place. I have made many friends and met so many inspirational people.
Judy
Before she started volunteering, Judy enjoyed working as a carer in the local community. She retired early to look after her two grandsons while her daughter worked, and also to spend time with her mum who was unwell. She added:
“I didn’t realise how many services the hospice provides. There is a day centre where patients living at home can come once a week and enjoy the company of others. This gives the family or carer time to themselves while knowing that their loved one is being looked after. Complementary therapies, reflexology and massage are also offered for relaxation.
“I hope to continue volunteering for many more years.”
Karen Kenward, Community Fundraising Manager, said: “Judy’s passion for the hospice really shines through. The time she has spent sitting, talking and serving teas and coffees over the years to the many visitors and patients we have each week makes Pilgrims what it is today. Thank you, Judy, for your incredible support.”
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.
Pamela: “I enjoy raising awareness about local hospice care”
Pamela Possee from Stowting chose to volunteer for Pilgrims Hospices after having successful surgery for malignant melanoma. She felt it was appropriate to support the local charity that helps people across east Kent who are living with life-limiting illness.
Pamela has experience as an event organiser in the business sector and a project manager and mentor in the voluntary sector, where she worked to empower vulnerable people. She is a valued volunteer at the Ashford hospice, sorting through thousands of donated goods and getting stock ready for fundraising events, such as the Summer Garden Party, Ashford Christmas Fair and Craft Market and lots of community raffles.
What I love most about volunteering for Pilgrims is that it’s flexible and varied, and it’s a very positive and friendly environment.
Pamela
She said: “Before I started volunteering, I didn’t know that Pilgrims offer such a wide range of services. I enjoy talking to everyone I meet and raising awareness about local hospice care.
“What I love most about volunteering for Pilgrims is that it’s flexible and varied, and it’s a very positive and friendly environment. There are so many different roles available for various skills and abilities. I want to continue to help the local community for a long time to come.”
Kate Duddell, Fundraising Manager, said: “Pamela is a wonderful asset to Pilgrims. She is dedicated and supportive of our work in the community. She is precise and detailed in her role sorting through and managing the large volumes of items the charity is gifted by our community. Pamela also supports other fundraising initiatives, from evening events to manning the highly successful chocolate tombola at our Christmas Fair.
“She is an incredible individual who gives her time so generously.”
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.
Therapy Centre volunteers help hospice patients to live well
At Pilgrims Hospices Therapy Centres, patients with life-limiting conditions and their carers are supported to live well in every moment. Alongside hospice staff, volunteers give their time in a variety of ways to help ensure the smooth running of Therapy Centre services.
Tina Downey
Tina Downey from Brabourne Lees volunteers every Wednesday at the Living Well Group for patients in the Therapy Centre. She also volunteers at the pamper day for patients and carers, which is held every three months. Tina worked at a GP surgery for 20 years; when she retired, she felt that she wanted to continue giving something to the community. She said: “I hope that I’m a good listener. I enjoy meeting and talking to people. Pilgrims was the obvious choice for me when I was deciding to volunteer, as I have lost both friends and close family in the hospice.
Jim Martin from Brook volunteered as a driver for nine years and is now the volunteer transport co-ordinator, organising drivers for the Ashford area. He said: “I love meeting new people. When I was a driver, I used to bet patients that the hospice would be the opposite of what they thought it would be, and I always won. The people we bring in for the first time are different from the people we take home.”
David King from Cheriton has been a volunteer driver for 10 years. He heard about the role from a friend, and wanted to get involved because he feels that Pilgrims is a charity everyone in the local community may need at some point in their life. He said: “Volunteering for Pilgrims is a really worthwhile thing to do. I enjoy meeting people – it’s not all doom and gloom, there’s a real camaraderie between volunteers and patients. I would recommend it to anybody.”
Volunteering for Pilgrims is a really worthwhile thing to do, there’s a real camaraderie between volunteers and patients. I would recommend it to anybody.”
David
Vivien Southern from Kennington was an NHS driver for 27 years. After retiring, she applied to volunteer on reception at the Ashford hospice. When she mentioned her driving experience, she was asked if she’d like to become a volunteer driver, too. Vivien has now been volunteering for seven years. She said: “I’d lost some friends in the hospice so thought volunteering would be a good way to give back. I love the people, the communication. We’re a happy little band, aren’t we?”
Derek Sorrell from Kennington has been a volunteer driver for five years. After retiring from a 42-year career in the motor trade, he started taking a friend for chemotherapy treatment at Kent & Canterbury Hospital and thought he might like to do this as a volunteer. Derek got in touch with Ashford volunteer centre who suggested a role at Pilgrims. He said: “My first thought was that I wouldn’t be able to cope with it, but Jon Sillett (Head of Hospice Services) told me that Pilgrims was a happy place to work, and he was right. For me, the most rewarding thing is picking up a patient who is scared of the hospice but when they come out they’ve had such a positive experience. The change in people is amazing to watch.”
Leanne and Karen with some of Pilgrims’ volunteer drivers
Leanne Clark and Karen Clark, Wellbeing Practitioners at Pilgrims Hospices, work closely with volunteers and truly value their support. Leanne said: “Our volunteers play a vital part in patients’ and carers’ hospice journeys. They are our eyes and ears in Therapy Centre sessions and we wouldn’t be without them.”
Karen added: “Many patients and carers are very anxious when attending their first visit, so it’s important that they feel welcomed. Our volunteers are friendly and engaging, which can help visitors to feel relaxed. They play a very important role within the Therapy Centre, they are dedicated and warmly respected for this.”
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.
