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:
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.
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.
2nd December 2024
National Grief Awareness Week 2024
From 2-8 December 2024, National Grief Awareness Week offers a vital opportunity to shine a light on the emotional toll of grief and the support available to those who need it most.
At Pilgrims Hospices, we believe that no one should have to face grief alone. That’s why our Stepping Stones bereavement services are here for every adult in east Kent, offering compassionate and practical support, no matter the circumstances of their loss.
Stepping Stones provides a safe space for individuals to connect with others who understand their pain, offering group support sessions across Ashford, Canterbury and Thanet. Our volunteers, trained to guide people through the complex emotions of grief, help create an environment where individuals can share their stories, learn from others, and find solace in new friendships. These bereavement support groups are open to everyone, fostering a community where healing begins through shared experiences and support.
In 2019, Pilgrims launched Stepping Stones Bereavement Cafés, which are held monthly at each of our local hospices. These cafés offer a relaxed, welcoming space where bereaved adults can meet, talk, and learn coping strategies, while enjoying refreshments. Each 1.5-hour session is designed to be intimate, giving participants the choice to engage as much or as little as they feel comfortable with. The Ashford café meets on the first Friday of each month, Canterbury on the first Saturday, and Thanet on the last Friday.
For those who find comfort in nature, our Stepping Stones Bereavement Walk & Talk groups offer a unique form of support. These gentle walks, held weekly across east Kent, allow participants to connect with others while benefiting from fresh air and light exercise. Whether walking around Conningbrook Lakes in Ashford, Toddlers Cove in Canterbury, Pegwell Nature Reserve in Cliffsend or Westcliff, Ramsgate, these outings provide a peaceful environment for healing.
As we expand our bereavement services, we’re excited to launch new bereavement support services across east Kent. To make this possible, we’re looking for caring, empathetic individuals to join us as volunteers. If you’re passionate about supporting others through grief, we invite you to reach out to our Bereavement Services Coordinators at [email protected] or call 01233 504 127(Option 2) to learn more about how you can help.
At Pilgrims Hospices, we believe in the power of community and connection. This National Grief Awareness Week, we encourage everyone to come together to acknowledge the pain of loss and discover the healing that comes through shared support.
You don’t have to walk this path alone – Stepping Stones is here for you.
Grief is a natural, normal and very necessary response to loss, but one that often leaves us feeling overwhelmed, isolated and fearful of facing a future without our loved one.
National Grief Awareness week encourages empathy, compassion, and support for those who are grieving, emphasising that grief is a universal and often challenging part of the human experience, it aims to break the stigma surrounding loss and grief.
This week serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about the emotional, psychological, and social impacts of grief, and to create safe spaces for individuals to share their stories and find support.
Throughout this week, Pilgrims is shining a light on our Stepping Stones bereavement services, highlighting the importance of support, education and community connection in the bereavement journey.
2 December 2024 Grief Awareness Our pre-recorded bite-sized Grief Awareness session gives an introduction to how healthy grief works, looking at some of the theories that help us to explain and understand the grieving process, and identifying normal reactions many people experience when they are touched by grief.
4 December 2024Become a Stepping Stones bereavement support volunteer Read an interview with Maria Spencer, who was inspired to become a bereavement support volunteer after Stepping Stones helped through her own grief journey.
5 December 2024How Stepping Stones can help Read the stories of Fraser and Matt, who have been supported through their grief by Stepping Stones bereavement services.
6 December 2024Grief Awareness Training & Education courses Find out more about our Grief Awareness training courses suitable for anyone who provides support to bereaved people.
7 December 2024Community bereavement support An interview with Dawn Baldwin of the Wooden Box Café, who approached Pilgrims when she wanted to set up a bereavement group in her own cafe, at the heart of her community.
8 December 2024Learning to live and love again after loss An interview with Kevin and Dympna, who connected through Pilgrims bereavement support and became united in their grief after both losing their partners.
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.
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.
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 01233504 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.
11th September 2024
From grief to giving back: Carol Todd’s journey as a Stepping Stones volunteer
When Carol Todd first experienced the care and compassion of Pilgrims Hospices, she knew she wanted to give back.
“I wasn’t ready to volunteer immediately after losing my husband,” Carol reflects. “But when the time came, I wanted to give back to the charity that had given us so much.”
Carol taking on a wing walk
Carol’s journey as a volunteer is nothing short of remarkable. Not only has she taken on a role as a facilitator at the monthly grief cafe meetings and occasionally helps with the wellbeing group, but she has also embraced fundraising with enthusiasm and courage. In 2021, Carol completed her third wing walk, raising £3,800 for Pilgrims Hospices. Recently, she took to the skies once again, raising an additional £900 for the charity.
“I’ve done four wing walks now,” Carol says with a smile. “I suppose that makes me a frequent flyer!”
But for Carol, it’s not just about the thrill of the wing walk, it’s about giving back to the community that supported her during one of the most challenging times of her life. “Pilgrims Hospices allowed my husband to spend his final weeks at home, and for that, I am forever grateful. Volunteering is a way for me to help others going through similar experiences.”
Carol’s dedication to Pilgrims Hospices extends beyond her volunteer work. She has also been involved with local organisations such as the Chamber of Commerce, the local tourism association, and the Thanet Good Neighbours group during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her commitment to her community is evident in everything she does.
“What makes volunteering for Pilgrims Hospices special is the people,” Carol explains. “It’s the wonderful volunteers, and the staff like Annie, Simone, Jane and Zoe, and the incredible group of people we meet during such a difficult time in their lives. It’s a privilege to be part of this.”
Carol’s story is a shining example of how one person can make a difference. Her journey from grief to giving back is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of community support.
To learn more about how you can support Pilgrims Hospices or become a volunteer like Carol, visit pilgrimshospices.org/volunteer.
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.
2nd May 2024
Pilgrims Hospices leads conversations on death and dying ahead of Dying Matters Week 2024
As Dying Matters Week approaches from May 6–12, 2024, Pilgrims Hospices gears up to lead conversations on #TheWayWeTalkAboutDyingMatters.
This annual event aims to empower people to engage in honest conversations about death and dying with healthcare professionals, family, and friends.
This year, Pilgrims Hospices is taking a proactive stance by bringing discussions to the forefront. Through the use of chalkboards, the charity will facilitate the ‘Before I Die’ conversations in key locations in Canterbury and Thanet. These conversations will focus on addressing fears and worries surrounding death and dying, as well as planning ahead for grief and loss.
“We believe that open conversations about death and dying are crucial for individuals and communities to navigate these challenging topics with dignity and understanding,” said Sophie Van Walwyk, Head of Psychosocial and Bereavement Services at Pilgrims Hospices. “By providing platforms for dialogue, we hope to normalise discussions about end-of-life care and provide support for those facing these difficult realities.”
The events are scheduled to take place at the following locations:
Broadstairs Library, The Broadway, Broadstairs CT10 2BS Wednesday 8 May – 10:00am – 2:00pm
Whitefriars Shopping Centre, Canterbury Saturday 11 May – 10:00am – 2:00pm
All members of the community are encouraged to participate by sharing their thoughts and feelings about what is important for them to achieve before they die, on the chalkboards. Additionally, Pilgrims Hospices will be on hand to offer guidance and signpost attendees to relevant services and resources, including Pilgrims Hospices Stepping Stones bereavement services.
By providing platforms for dialogue, we hope to normalise discussions about end-of-life care and provide support for those facing these difficult realities.
Sophie Van Walwyk, Head of Psychosocial and Bereavement Services
“We want to inspire a compassionate and supportive community where individuals can express themselves freely and honestly,” added Sophie. “By encouraging open dialogue, we hope to alleviate some of the fears and stigma surrounding death, dying, loss and grief, and promote greater knowledge and understanding within our communities.”
Furthermore, Pilgrims Hospices offers Grief Awareness Training packages from their training centre in Canterbury. To find out more, visit: pilgrimshospices.org/courses
For more information about Dying Matters Week events and Pilgrims Hospices initiatives, please email [email protected].
Pilgrims Hospices is a charity providing specialist end-of-life care and support to individuals and their families across east Kent. With a focus on compassionate care and dignity, Pilgrims Hospices strives to enhance the quality of life for those facing life-limiting illnesses.
28th July 2023
Could you be a bereavement support volunteer?
Pilgrims Stepping Stones Bereavement Support services started in 2019 to offer support to bereaved adults in east Kent.
The aim of these services are to help people following the death of a loved one, understand the feelings they have are normal and that being able to share their stories with others in a similar situation can be therapeutic. It also provides an opportunity to gain awareness of other services that might prove helpful, all in welcoming environments. New friendships are often created in such groups and a sense of belonging can overcome natural feelings of isolation.
The Stepping Stones services currently consist of the following:
Monthly Bereavement Support Groupsheld at each of our three Hospice sites:
Ashford – The first Friday of every month 5:00pm – 6:30pm
Canterbury – The first Saturday of every month 3:00pm – 4:30pm
Thanet – The last Friday of every month 4:00pm – 5:30pm
Weekly Bereavement Support Groups Walking Groupsin tranquil settings take place:
Ashford – Tuesday morning 10:30am – 12:00pm
Canterbury – Tuesday afternoons 2:00pm – 3:30pm
Thanet – Thursday mornings 10:30am – 12:00pm
These important services are facilitated by trained volunteers and supported by the team at Pilgrims.
Stepping Stones volunteers come to us from a variety of backgrounds to use their existing skills and develop new ones, following the training we provide.
If you would like to find out more about these volunteer roles, and how you could become involved in these worthwhile services, please get in touch with our Bereavement Services Coordinator via email [email protected]
Enquiries and expressions of interested by 31st August 2023
Click here for details on Stepping Stones volunteer roles along with other volunteer roles for Pilgrims Hospices.
We very much look forward to hearing from you in the near future.
Grief is a very natural, normal and necessary reaction to a bereavement Grief is not a single event. It is a process which takes time to work through, during which we find out how to adapt to our loss. There is no right way or wrong way to grieve. Our feelings of grief are as personal and individual as any other feelings.
