Finding purpose and fulfilment: Lizzie’s journey at Pilgrims Hospices
Within the embrace of Pilgrims Hospices in Ashford, amidst the corridors, therapy rooms, and family areas, a beacon of warmth and compassion shines through the dedicated efforts of individuals like Lizzie Threlfall.
Lizzie, a vibrant and empathetic 25-year-old, is not just another student on placement; she’s a testament to the transformative power of heartfelt care and genuine dedication.
With a Psychology First Class Honours Degree already under her belt and now pursuing a Master’s in Social Work at the University of Kent, Lizzie found herself drawn to Pilgrims Hospices for her first placement.
Hailing from Maidstone, the opportunity to immerse herself in the hospice’s social work team felt like fate knocking at her door.
“I was a little apprehensive at first,” Lizzie admits, reflecting on her initial impressions. “You have your own image of a hospice before you’ve been involved with one. It was totally new to me. But I thought, why not give it a go?”
From the moment she stepped through the doors, Lizzie was enveloped by a sense of belonging. The warmth of the team and the genuine welcome she received dispelled any doubts she had.
“I was taken by surprise, very much so,” she shares. “I never expected to feel so drawn to working here. In fact, I don’t want my placement to end.”
“Each day is different,” she says with a smile. “You never know what each new day will bring, and I love that.”
What struck Lizzie most was the stark contrast between Pilgrims Hospices and other environments she had encountered.
“Most areas are very procedural,” she explains, “but here, it’s much softer. You have the real opportunity to become a genuine social worker, putting the person at the centre of all you do.”
The diversity of experiences at Pilgrims Hospices has been a revelation for Lizzie.
“Each day is different,” she says with a smile. “You never know what each new day will bring, and I love that.”
Lizzie’s enthusiasm for her work is contagious, spreading even to her fellow students. “I’ve been sharing my experiences with them,” she says, “and they’re amazed at the depth of learning and emotional connection we foster here.”
Indeed, Lizzie’s journey at Pilgrims Hospices has been one of growth and enlightenment. She speaks passionately about the invaluable tools she’s gained, particularly in communication.
“Patients have so many different issues to deal with,” she explains. “Being able to effectively communicate and advocate for them is crucial.”
“I never considered palliative social work before,” she admits, “but now I can’t imagine being anywhere else.”
But beyond the skills and knowledge acquired, it’s the sense of purpose and fulfilment that resonates most deeply with Lizzie.
“Working here has reaffirmed my passion for helping others,” she reflects. “It’s not a depressing place, as some may assume. It’s a happy and safe environment, where everyone is supported.”
As Lizzie looks ahead to completing her Master’s and embarking on her career as a qualified social worker, her heart remains with Pilgrims Hospices.
“I never considered palliative social work before,” she admits, “but now I can’t imagine being anywhere else.”
With gratitude in her heart and determination in her stride, Lizzie Threlfall is not just a social work placement student; she’s a shining example of the profound impact one individual can have in the lives of others.
And as she dreams of joining the Pilgrims’ team permanently, there’s no doubt that her journey has only just begun.
If you’re interested in learning more about the many roles on offer at Pilgrims Hospices, check out our current vacanciesand volunteer roles.
Pilgrims Hospices provides compassionate, specialist care free of charge to thousands of people in east Kent each year who are living with life-limiting conditions. Support is offered in patients’ homes, in the community, and at our three hospice sites in Canterbury, Thanet and Ashford. We also run a 24-hour advice line.
11th October 2023
Pilgrims Hospices share workforce stories throughout Hospice Care Week
Hello – I’m Shirley, Marketing and Communications Coordinator for Pilgrims Hospices.
I’m passionate about Pilgrims care, and have worked with the marketing team for more than eight years.
Communications and marketing play a crucial role in not only raising awareness about the services and support Pilgrims provide, but also in fostering connections with our community, donors, and volunteers. Our small team is undoubtedly important to the organisation’s overall mission and success.
I love the sense of being part of the bigger picture
Shirley – Pilgrims
Here’s why my role helps people to live well in every moment:
Raising Awareness: being involved with creative marketing campaigns that inform the community about the services and care offered by Pilgrims Hospices. This awareness can lead to more people accessing our services when they or their loved ones are in need.
Fundraising: effective communications and marketing are instrumental in attracting donors and sponsors. My work contributes to securing the necessary funds to support the charity’s operations and expansion.
Volunteer Engagement: volunteers are often the backbone of hospice care organisations. My role often involves engaging with volunteers, which is essential for providing personalised care and support. Without our volunteers we would not be able to provide the dedicated services to so many people.
Community Engagement: hospices are deeply rooted in the community. When I write articles and stories to support our services, I’m fostering relationships with community members and organisations. These relationships can lead to partnerships, donations, and additional support.
Patient and Family Support: effective communications can help patients and their families better understand the hospice care process, services available, and what to expect. This can reduce stress during a challenging time.
In my eight years with the charity, I’ve seen my role evolve and grow. With experience and expertise, I make a valuable contribution to the marketing team and the charity as a whole.
I love the sense of being part of the bigger picture, it’s crucial that all team members understand the charity’s mission, and their role in fulfilling it. When everyone feels connected to the overarching goal of delivering the best care possible, it fosters a sense of purpose and unity. This alignment of purpose can lead to increased job satisfaction, higher morale, and ultimately better patient care.
My role is integral to Pilgrims Hospices, and truly believe that my dedication and commitment over the past years, demonstrates a valuable contribution to providing the best care to those who need it.
If you think you have the qualities to support a local charity, who provide a vital service within the community, you should consider Pilgrims Hospices. Whether your skills lie in care, support and maintenance, fundraising or any number of roles for Pilgrims, please look at our current vacancies, click here.
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.
Celebrating Compassionate Care during Hospice Care Week 2023
Pilgrims Hospices is excited to announce its participation in Hospice Care Week, taking place from 9th to 15th October 2023. This annual event serves as a platform to recognise and celebrate the vital role hospice care plays in our communities, offering comfort, support, and dignity to individuals and their families during life-limiting illnesses.
Hospice Care Week is an opportunity to shed light on the incredible work done by hospice organisations across the country, and Pilgrims is proud to be at the forefront of providing exceptional end-of-life care to patients and their loved ones. This year’s theme, “Compassion in Action,” perfectly encapsulates Pilgrims dedication to delivering compassionate care, ensuring every individual receives the support they need to live their final moments with comfort and dignity.
Hospices throughout the UK support more than 300,000 people every year. But the need for hospice care is growing. There aren’t enough people to fill the roles we need to look after dying patients and their families. Without people to fill these empty roles, hospices will struggle to keep providing the gold-standard end-of-life care everyone deserves.
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“From clinical staff to bereavement counsellors, kitchen staff to volunteer gardeners, the staff and volunteers who support over 300,000 people every year are what makes hospice care so special. This Hospice Care Week, we want to celebrate them.
Hospices are exciting, rewarding places to work, and with the need for hospice care growing, we need more people to take up the opportunity to work in this incredible profession. If you’re interested, reach out to your local hospice.”
Toby Porter, CEO, Hospice UK
Throughout Hospice Care Week, Pilgrims Hospices aims to create awareness, foster understanding, and celebrate the dedicated professionals and volunteers who make a difference in the lives of patients and their families.
Chief Executive Officer of Pilgrims Hospices, Helen Bennett, shared their enthusiasm, saying, “Hospice Care Week is a time for us to reflect on the compassion and dedication of our team, who work tirelessly to provide comfort and support to individuals during their most vulnerable moments. We invite our community to join us in celebrating the profound impact of hospice care and to learn more about how we can all be part of this compassionate mission.”
Pilgrims Hospices invites everyone to participate in Hospice Care Week 2023, and discover how compassion in action, can transform the lives of individuals and families facing end-of-life challenges.
We know that hospice staff find it to be the most rewarding and satisfying job of their career.
That’s why, this Hospice Care Week, we’ll be celebrating everyone that makes hospice care what it is.
This year’s theme, “Celebrating Compassion”, emphasises the unwavering dedication and compassion of Pilgrims Hospices’ staff, volunteers, and supporters. Hospice care is about ensuring that individuals with life-limiting illnesses receive the highest quality of care that focuses on their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Hospice Care Week is a time for us to reflect on the compassion and dedication of our team
Helen – Pilgrims
Working for Pilgrims Hospices:
Whether you support patients and families within our care teams, help to raise vital funds or work in our support services, Pilgrims can offer a very rewarding career.
Working alongside passionate, like-minded and knowledgeable people, a career with Pilgrims provides you with the opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of families within east Kent.
Through providing care, working in our shops or attending events, there are always opportunities to network with other professionals and establish strong relationships within our community.
Alternatively, you might like to volunteer for Pilgrims?
Please explore our opportunities when you click here.
About Pilgrims Hospices:
Pilgrims Hospices is a leading provider of hospice care in east Kent. Committed to delivering compassionate, person-centred care, Pilgrims Hospices serves individuals facing life-limiting illnesses and their families. With a team of dedicated professionals and volunteers, the charity strives to ensure patients receive comfort, dignity, and support during their end-of-life journey. Learn more at www.pilgrimshospices.org.
7th August 2023
Always Caring: Linda and Reg’s story
Linda shares how important Pilgrims Hospices is to her, and why she supports the charity as a member of Always Caring.
My relationship with Pilgrims started over 40 years ago, when my son’s piano teacher was asking everyone she knew for donations towards the setting up of a new hospice. She was so passionate about the cause, and the need for an end-of-life care charity, it really inspired me.
Years later, when I was teaching, I had a student request to do their placement at the Thanet hospice. I went to visit and was blown away by the atmosphere there.
It wasn’t until my partner’s sister became ill that I directly got to experience the care of the Pilgrims staff. We were thrilled with the calmness and the compassion shown by everyone we dealt with.
Unfortunately, my partner, Reg, was diagnosed with cancer, and when he reached the final stages, the oncologist put us in touch with the Margate hospice, suggesting this may be beneficial for both of us.
As Reg wanted to spend his last few months in his own home, the doctor was superb, providing us with excellent care by visiting him regularly at home and offering support for both of us.
After Reg died in March 2022, the doctor contacted me and suggested I might benefit from counselling. This was arranged very quickly and I had six sessions with a Pilgrims counsellor. They were absolutely excellent and so beneficial.
After my counselling finished, I joined the Stepping Stones bereavement group, which has helped me so much. It’s given me a space where I can take my grief, and feel supported alongside others who are going through the same things.
One of my fellow attendees put it perfectly, “I feel liberated after our sessions, I can enjoy my weekend after we have all met on a Friday”.
I’m pleased to be able to support Pilgrims as a member of Always Caring, because I know Reg wanted money to go towards the hospice, and whatever I can do to wave the flag for the hospice, I will. I can’t thank them all enough, I don’t think I would have got through without Pilgrims.
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices care for thousands of people across east Kent, with services provided from its three hospice sites in Ashford, Canterbury, and Thanet, as well as in patients’ own homes. It costs over £17.2 million annually to run these services, much of which comes from the generous support of the local community.
