Reuse, recycle, upcycle, helping raise funds for Pilgrims’
The reuse revolution came to Pilgrims Hospices, Canterbury on Saturday 12th August. The Reuse Pop-Up shop, organised and in partnership with FCC Environment and Kent County Council featured solely pre-loved items sold at a fraction of the cost of buying new. Items for sale on the day included toys, bikes, electricals, furniture, bric-a-brac, garden items and homeware.
The wide array of items were donated by members of the public at Canterbury and Margate Household and Waste Recycling Centres. The concept of recycling and reusing, helps reduce our overall environmental impact.
Some of the first visitors were The Right Worshipful, The Lord Mayor, Councillor, Mrs. Jean Butcher and Lady Mayoress, Mrs. Di Baldock who both came along to the see the bargains on offer.
The Pop-Up Shop offered opportunities to pick up a variety of preloved bargains, the main objective of the event is to help prevent waste and reduce carbon emissions generated by manufacturing new products, and to raise important funds for Pilgrims Hospices care.
Reuse 0118 Web
Reuse 0110 Web
Reuse 0099 Web
Reuse 0079 Web
Reuse 0070 Web
Reuse Pop Up 3 DSC 0022 Web
Reuse Pop Up DSC 0083 2 Web
Reuse Pop Up 1 DSC 0057 Web
Kate Duddell, Pilgrims Hospices, Head of Fundraising commented: “There are a huge number of high-quality items that are sent to the local Recycling Centres. The staff at both Canterbury and Margate Centres have a keen eye for detail, and are trained to pick out some of the items that are in good condition, and could be saved to be repurposed, and loved all over again. This can be a great way for people to find affordable goods while contributing to environmental sustainability by reducing the demand for new products, whilst also helping to raise funds.”
By choosing to buy preloved items, people can support the concept of recycling and reusing, which helps in reducing the overall environmental impact.
It’s commendable that organisations like Pilgrims Hospices and FCC Environment Pop-Up Shops, are promoting such initiatives, and with the support of Kent County Council, the event helped raise awareness about the importance of sustainable consumption and waste reduction.
You can continue your sustainable shopping in any of the 31 Pilgrims Hospices shops across east Kent. They stock a wide range of high-quality items, including books, clothes, furniture and vintage curios.
Pilgrims also love to receive donations, so we can turn them into vital funds to support our services. We accept any good quality saleable items including clothes, household goods, furniture, items of interest, electrical items (provided they are in good working condition) and anything else you think could raise money for Pilgrims.
For information on our retail shops and how to donate click here.
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to thousands of people in east Kent who are coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured. The charity support patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress.
9th August 2023
Grab a bargain at Kent’s second Pop-up Reuse Shop at Pilgrims Hospices this Weekend!
On Saturday 12th August, FCC Environment and Pilgrims Hospices will be hosting Kent’s second pop-up reuse shop from 10am-2pm at Pilgrims Hospices, 56 London Road, Canterbury, Kent CT2 8JA.
There will be a variety of good quality, preloved items to purchase at the pop-up shop which will be available at a fraction of the cost of buying new. Items for sale on the day will include toys, bikes, electricals, furniture, garden and homeware.
This event follows on from the success of Kent’s first pop-up reuse shop held at Canterbury Household Waste and Recycling Centre where over half a tonne of pre-loved items were sold to help raise funds for the hospice.
Kate Duddell, Head of Fundraising and Projects at Pilgrims Hospices commented, “There are a huge number of high quality items that are sent to the local Household Waste Recycling Centres. The teams from FFC Environment have a keen eye for detail and are trained to pick out some of the items that are in good condition and could be saved to be repurposed and loved all over again.”
The concept of recycling and reusing, helps reduce our overall environmental impact
Kate – Pilgrims
“The vast variety of items donated by members of the public at the Centres will then be sold at the Reuse Pop-Up Shop to help raise funds for local hospice care. The concept of recycling and reusing, helps reduce our overall environmental impact. Additionally, this can be a great way for people to find affordable goods while contributing to environmental sustainability by reducing the demand for new products. We’re pleased to be working in partnership with Kent County Council and FCC Environment on this sustainable initiative, whilst also raising awareness about the importance of Pilgrims end-of-life care for the east Kent community.”
Joanne Fordham, FCC Environment’s Contract Manager for Mid & East Kent added, “Since introducing the reuse containers at Margate and Canterbury Recycling Centres we have been amazed by the huge number of good quality items kindly donated by members of the public. This is not only fantastic for the environment as it is diverting waste, but it is also preventing the CO2 emissions associated with the manufacture of new products. I am proud of the team’s achievements and excited to expand the reuse revolution to more recycling centres in Kent soon!”
Pilgrims Hospices cares for thousands of local people each year, free of charge, during the most challenging time in their lives. They offer care and support in people’s own homes, in the community and in their inpatient units as well as running a 24-hour advice line.
28th July 2023
Happy 1st Birthday to Store50
After a dynamic year of trading, Store50, Pilgrims Hospices’ newest shop, celebrates its 1st Birthday on Friday 4th August. Located at 50 St. Peter’s Street, Canterbury, in the heart of the city, the charity shop really has taken pre-loved fashion to the next level. While aiming to make second-hand fashion affordable, chic and eco-friendly at the same time, Store50 has sold goods to the sum of £151,568.08 in its first year of trading.
In the busy year of stocking a diverse range of clothing for all, with a focus on ‘slow fashion’, advocating respect for people and the environment, often through reducing, reusing and recycling, rather than purchasing new items. This trendy little shop has served more than 16,500 customers, and sold almost 28,000 items, whilst saving large quantities of clothing from being sent to land fill.
As part of the birthday celebrations, and to thank our customers, we are giving FREE goody bags; to every customer that purchases on the 4th August. As sustainability is the main focus of Store50, all bags will contain pre-loved items for shoppers.
The store will also be celebrating the success of sportswear sales, by opening a brand new stand along department for branded and chic sports gear. The sportswear hub for savvy Pilgrims shoppers, will be located in the rear of the shop.
The shop has eight volunteers who support across all elements of the retail shop, helping the manger Amy Eldridge to keep the stock vibrant, tagged, sized and priced and steaming ready for sale.
Mandy Hawkett, Retail Area Manager said: “We are so proud of our volunteers, with their support we are achieving something very special for local shoppers, and raising funds for hospice care within the local community. We really appreciate everything they do, and would like to take this opportunity to thank them publicly. The volunteers run the till, meet and greet customers, tidy the shop floor, and keep our shelves stocked. They are always smiling and welcoming; they are the face that customers’ see when they walk through our shop doorway. We couldn’t run our store without their amazing efforts!
Although we thought the shop would particularly appeal to Canterbury’s thriving student population, we are delighted to say our trendy threads appeal to everyone’s budget and suit every wardrobe, our customers come from all walks of life.
Currently trending on our rails are dresses, sportswear and the ever popular rag denim, were you can purchase items from as little as £3.
We’re very excited to be launching the new sportwear department. We hope that by encouraging shoppers to thrift, and be mindful about their purchases, we can help to build a more sustainable retail economy that benefits people and our planet. By shopping with us, you will help to stop items going to landfill, save precious pennies, and also contribute to Pilgrims’ vital services across east Kent – supporting our charity to provide compassionate care to patients and families where and when they need it the most.
Don’t forget to bring your student card, you will receive 10% discount too!
Store50 is open 10:00-18:00 Monday-Saturday and 10:00-16:00 on Sundays.
Pilgrims Hospices care for thousands of local people each year, free of charge, during the most challenging time in their lives. They offer care and support in people’s own homes, in the community, and in their inpatient units as well as running a 24-hour advice line.
4th July 2023
Sunflower Memories appeal to bloom again in hospice gardens
Pilgrims Hospices launch Sunflower Memories Appeal 2023, supporters are welcome to attend the remembrance events on 22 July, to celebrate the lives of loved ones and relive memories, with music and refreshments in the hospice gardens at Canterbury, Ashford and Thanet.
The leading provider of end-of-life care services in east Kent, is delighted to announce the appeal has now reached its 10th year of raising funds and awareness; it serves as a poignant tribute to cherished memories, while celebrating the spirit of compassion and care.
Pilgrims Hospices Nurse, Simone with Sunflower art
Each year the hospices offer individuals and communities an opportunity to visit the hospice gardens; to come together, and remember their loved ones, while making a positive difference in the lives of others. This year’s appeal is set to be even more remarkable, as the appeal donations over the past 10 years will reach in excess of £380,000, providing exceptional end-of-life care for thousands of people in the local community. All are welcome to donate to dedicate a sunflower in memory of a cherished person. Each sunflower represents a heartfelt tribute to those who are no longer with us, but whose memories continue to shine brightly. Each participant will have a sunflower marker dedicated and personalised, symbolising their support for Pilgrims Hospices and the meaningful impact they are making.
The hospices’ Supporter Relations team will transcribe the names of those to be remembered, on to each sunflower, thereafter they will be prominently displayed in the hospice garden of choice, creating a vibrant display for people to visit on the Sunflower days. The Sunflowers will remain in the gardens through to the end of August, or can be collected on the days as a keepsake.
To take part in Sunflower Memories this year, simply call Pilgrims Supporter Relations team on 01227 782066 and let them know you would like to remember with a sunflower. By making a donation for your sunflower you will be helping others who need our care and their families.
Ellie Cane, Pilgrims Individual Giving Manager said: “This appeal provides a special opportunity for people to honour and remember their loved ones, while helping Pilgrims continue to deliver outstanding care for patients and their families.
This beautiful event allows us to spend time with supporters, old and new, sharing news on Pilgrims Hospices care and services, as we move forward, continue to expand, and improve our facilities to help even more people.”
This year these very special days will take place on Saturday 22 July from 10am – 2pm; Pilgrims staff and volunteers will welcome visitors to share memories, and celebrate in the sunshine. To help celebrate this special 10 years of Sunflower Memoires, the Wellbeing Team will be attending, displaying some of the beautiful sunflower themed artwork created by patients in the Therapy Centres.
Billy Williams, Wellbeing Lead, said: “When patients attend groups such as ‘Time to Create’, they can relax in a friendly supportive environment, talk to like-mined people openly, and discuss the concerns freely. Trying something new or rekindling some skills that have been forgotten can be excellent therapy, we know this, the chatter and laughter that can be heard at the groups is fantastic, and we encourage staff from all areas of the charity to come and get involved, chat with our patients, and enjoy doing something creative.
Wellbeing Sunflowers 7
Wellbeing Sunflowers 6
Wellbeing Sunflowers 4
Wellbeing Sunflower 12
“Some of our ‘Time to Create’ patients have also been growing Sunflowers from seed, that will form part of the displays for everyone to enjoy on the day.
Pilgrims rely heavily on the generosity of their supporters to continue delivering exceptional care to patients, and their families. Your donations will directly impact lives, ensuring they can provide comfort, dignity, and support when it is needed most.
To find out more or get involved, visit pilgrimshospices.org/sunflowers, e-mail: sunflowermemories@pilgrimshospices.org, or call our friendly Supporter Relations team on 01227 782 062
Pilgrims Hospices is a leading charity dedicated to providing outstanding end-of-life care, and support to individuals with life-limiting illnesses. With a team of compassionate professionals, Pilgrims ensures that patients and their families receive exceptional physical, emotional, and spiritual care, throughout their journey. Funds raised through the Sunflower Memories Appeal will directly support the wide range of services offered by the charity, including specialised nursing care, emotional support, and practical assistance. These vital resources enable patients to live their lives to the fullest, surrounded by love, dignity, and compassion, until the end.
With your support, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of those facing life-limiting illnesses and their families.
30th March 2023
Kent Police visit Pilgrims Hospices to empower patients to stay safe
Emma Swietochowski-Hay, Kent Police’s Fraud Prevention Co-ordinator, was invited to talk at the Living Well Group in the Therapy Centre at Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury, by Kim and Kelly, Wellbeing Practitioners.
The talk was to highlight how criminal activity faces us all, and how we can make simple changes to our reactions, and practices to help to keep safe and secure when it comes to fraudulent activities.
Emma has hands-on experience, working as a uniformed Police Community Support Officer in Ashford. She is passionate about passing on her experience of local crime, and how to take steps to prevent this, by empowering vulnerable people within our community, to keep them safe and keep criminals at bay.
Emma said: “This role is so important within our community, helping people to keep safe from scams and fraudsters is vital in today’s world of the internet, and telephone criminals. My work helps people to understand how to make sensible choices and decisions when being approached by potential criminals, and how to report those trying to scam them via the internet and email.”
The talk was well received and created a lot of discussion within the group. Emma covered scam calls, text message scams, investment and romance fraud to name but a few. Most importantly, she reassured the group that no one person should ever feel embarrassed or unable to call the Fraud Police for help and advice, as this is an all too common practice, and gave the group useful numbers to contact.
Advice was given regarding banking, internet, remote access and courier fraud. She explained how to take appropriate measures to ensure people are speaking to the ‘right’ contact, and not unscrupulous scammers.
The Therapy Centre is a safe space, where patients and carers have mentioned how comfortable and at ease they feel when they arrive. This makes us really proud to be a part of Pilgrims and being able to make a difference to peoples’ wellbeing.
Kim and Kelly, Wellbeing Practitioners
The group commented how informative the session was, and that they realised the need to keep extra safe when storing information, and passwords online, and that they would be passing on the information they gained to their friends and family. They said that they had really enjoyed the session.
Kim and Kelly, Wellbeing Practitioners, said:
“Our groups are great fun, including creative and educational activities, enabling our patients and their carers to regain their identities and not feel overshadowed by their illness. The Therapy Centre is a safe space, where patients and carers have mentioned how comfortable and at ease they feel when they arrive. This makes us really proud to be a part of Pilgrims and being able to make a difference to peoples’ wellbeing. We enjoy helping people to ‘Live Well’, and the smiles and laughter we see during our groups.”
Pilgrims Wellbeing team run a wide variety of activities to support patients living with life-limiting conditions. Patients can join Pilgrims groups to improve their mobility, mental wellbeing, creativity and general interest.
Our Wellbeing Programme is free if you live in east Kent, and you have been diagnosed with a palliative illness. It aims to enhance your wellbeing, in mind and body.
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to thousands of people in east Kent coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured. The charity supports patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress. Care is provided from three hospice sites in Ashford, Canterbury and Thanet, as well as in patients’ own homes. To offer these services to patients and their families, the charity must raise £11 million each year from the generous local community.
3rd March 2023
Take a virtual tour of Pilgrims Hospices
What do you think a hospice looks like?
Many people imagine a ward and beds, a space where people spend their last days, but that is just a small part of what they offer.
Our hospices feature beautiful, tranquil landscaped gardens, professional kitchens where fresh meals are prepared daily, family lounges where patients can spend precious moments with their loved ones, Therapy Centres where we run our popular wellbeing groups, areas for spiritual reflection, and so much more.
Kate White, Head of Nursing, explains how our new virtual tours can be a helpful first step for someone considering coming into one of our hospices, and also for healthcare professionals when referring patients to Pilgrims’ services:
“The prospect of coming to a hospice can be daunting, so being able to see what it looks like can help to alleviate that. The virtual tours give people an idea of what to expect when they come to the building, and hopefully to see how the hospice is a home from home with plenty of creature comforts. To be able to view the hospice this way can also save patients and families valuable time when this is most precious.
“The tours can also enable healthcare professionals in hospitals and other settings to show patients at the bedside what the hospice looks like, to explain facilities and view the environment before physically entering the hospice. This brings the conversation to life, aids the discussion and may help to lessen the fear of the unknown. They help to show that the hospice is a calm and homely environment with a range of facilities, allowing patients and families to make the best of one of the most difficult times in their lives.”
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to thousands of people in east Kent coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured. The charity supports patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress. Care is provided from three hospice sites in Ashford, Canterbury and Thanet, as well as in patients’ own homes. To offer these services to patients and their families the charity must raise £11 million each year from the generous local community.
