30th September 2024

    Have you heard about Pilgrims Hospices Stepping Stones Bereavement Services?

    Grief is a natural yet overwhelming experience that often leaves us feeling isolated and unsure where to seek support.

    Pilgrims Stepping Stones Bereavement Support services are here to help, offering comprehensive support to any adult in east Kent, regardless of the circumstances surrounding their loss.


    Stepping Stones provides a variety of support groups in Ashford, Canterbury, and Thanet. These groups are open to all adults in east Kent. The program’s specially trained volunteers guide individuals through the grieving process, helping them understand and navigate the complex emotions that come with loss. By sharing experiences and listening to others, participants often find comfort in knowing they are not alone, forming new friendships and support networks that can extend beyond their grief.

    In 2019, Pilgrims introduced Stepping Stones Bereavement Cafés, held monthly at each local Pilgrims hospice. These cafés offer a relaxed, safe environment for bereaved adults to meet others, share their experiences, and learn strategies to cope with grief. Each 1.5-hour session is limited in size to ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate as much or as little as they wish. The Ashford café meets on the first Friday of each month, Canterbury on the first Saturday, and Thanet on the last Friday, with refreshments provided.

    Recognising the benefits of nature, gentle exercise, and social interaction, Pilgrims also launched Stepping Stones Bereavement Walk & Talk Groups. These weekly walks (weather permitting) offer a tranquil setting for bereaved adults to support each other through their grief. Walks take place in various locations across east Kent, including Conningbrook Lakes in Ashford, Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury, and Pegwell Nature Reserve or The Westcliff in Ramsgate.

    Pilgrims is eager to expand these invaluable services by recruiting new volunteers. We are especially interested in volunteers to help establish new walking and coffee groups in the Romney Marsh and Deal areas. If you are passionate about supporting others through their grief, please contact our Bereavement Services Coordinators at [email protected] or call 01233 504 127 (Option 2) to learn more about volunteering opportunities.

    What participants say

    “It was invaluable to have a safe space to express my feelings.”

    “I always feel better after a meeting.”

    “A fantastic group, so cathartic!”

    Join us in supporting the bereaved community of east Kent.


    Pilgrims Hospices is a charity dedicated to providing expert care and support to patients with life-limiting illnesses in east Kent. Our services ensure comfort, dignity, and quality of life for patients and their families, offering compassionate care both in hospice settings and in the community.

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