A tribute to Pilgrims Hospices Stepping Stones bereavement services and our vital bereavement support volunteers
From 2-8 December 2024, Pilgrims Hospices is joining communities across the country in observing National Grief Awareness Week, a time dedicated to fostering understanding, raising awareness, and providing support to those navigating the often challenging path of grief.
At Pilgrims Hospices, we take pride in our tireless efforts to offer compassionate care not just to our patients, but also to their loved ones, through the ongoing support of Stepping Stones bereavement services. This week provides us with the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our team, particularly the incredible contribution of our volunteers, who are at the heart of Stepping Stones.
Stepping Stones: Your first steps to bereavement support
Pilgrims Hospices understands that grief is a deeply personal journey, one that doesn’t follow a set timetable or process. Our Stepping Stones bereavement services were created to provide a safe and supportive environment for people to come together, to express their feelings, share their experiences, and begin to learn to cope with their grief. The services are open to anyone who has experienced loss, whether they have been directly supported by Pilgrims Hospices or are members of the east Kent community.
Stepping Stones offers group support, where people can explore their grief with the help of compassionate and trained volunteers. These sessions provide a space for reflection, connection, and the beginning of healing – an opportunity to step from isolation into a supportive community where no one has to navigate their grief alone.
Volunteers: The heart of Stepping Stones
At the core of the Stepping Stones bereavement services is a dedicated team of volunteers whose compassion, empathy, and commitment bring the programme to life. These individuals offer their time, skills, and hearts to guide people through one of life’s most difficult experiences. The Stepping Stones project is volunteer-led, meaning that it simply could not exist without the selflessness of those who give up their time to help others.
Volunteering with Pilgrims Hospices is a chance to make a genuine difference in the lives of others, but it’s also an opportunity for personal growth. Many of our volunteers have expressed how their involvement has broadened their own horizons, providing them with a deeper understanding of human resilience, a stronger sense of community, and a profound sense of fulfilment.
The rewards of volunteering
For those considering becoming a volunteer, the rewards extend far beyond the act of giving. As part of Stepping Stones, volunteers gain valuable life skills, such as active listening, empathy, and the ability to support someone through their emotional challenges. These are skills that enrich personal relationships and improve overall wellbeing.
Volunteers also become part of a close-knit community at Pilgrims Hospices, where they can meet like-minded people who share a passion for supporting others. Many find that volunteering helps them forge new friendships, deepen their understanding of grief and bereavement, and discover a renewed sense of purpose.
Broadening horizons through service
Volunteering with Stepping Stones not only transforms the lives of those in need, but also allows volunteers to explore new facets of their own personalities and abilities. It’s a chance to step outside of one’s own experiences and see the world through the eyes of others, which can be an incredibly enriching and eye-opening experience.
By giving back to the community, volunteers contribute to a greater cause, helping to build a culture where grief is understood, accepted, and supported. Volunteering offers a unique sense of accomplishment as they witness the positive impact they have on the lives of others, providing hope and comfort when it is needed most.
Join us in supporting grief awareness
National Grief Awareness Week is an important reminder that grief is a universal experience, one that deserves attention and support. At Pilgrims Hospices, we are proud to offer services like Stepping Stones that help people navigate their grief and rebuild their lives.
If you’re interested in joining our incredible team of volunteers, we welcome you with open arms.
Whether you’re driven by compassion or simply want to make a positive impact in your community, we believe that everyone has something valuable to contribute.
This National Grief Awareness Week, let’s celebrate not only those who are finding ways to embrace their grief, but also the volunteers who make this journey possible. Together, we can continue to create a space of comfort, understanding, and healing for all.
Become a volunteer today!
To learn more about volunteering opportunities with Pilgrims Hospices’ Stepping Stones bereavement support, visit our website:
You can also email [email protected] or call 01233 504 127 (Option 2).
Your time and compassion could make all the difference in someone’s life.
To find out more about bereavement support at Pilgrims, visit pilgrimshospices.org/bereavement.
National Grief Awareness Week takes place 2-8 December 2024. It raises awareness of the impact of grief and loss on a national platform. To find out more, visit thegoodgrieftrust.org/ngaw.
