Pilgrims Hospices patients get creative with Hamlet writing project
Pilgrims Hospices has been working with The Marlowe Theatre to offer patients the opportunity to get involved with various creative projects, with the aim of improving wellbeing through engaging in something meaningful.
Beginning with a Hamlet-inspired musical theatre project in 2024/25, the collaboration continued with a Hamlet-themed creative writing project in Spring 2026. Over four weeks, patients came together at Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury Therapy Centre. Icebreaker activities in the first session helped them feel at ease and get to know each other; they chatted about their favourite biscuits, with one patient expressing outrage at the “betrayal” of smaller-sized biscuits these days!
Patients then began their journey to becoming storytellers, starting with a game; taking turns in a circle, each person said one word in order to build a collective story. The group also had fun experimenting with words and rhyme, creating a song inspired by Hamlet and What’s Up Pussycat by Tom Jones.
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Winston the Pets As Therapy (PAT) dog also visited the workshops with Trina, his helper. The project culminated in a final session where patients showcased their creative writing to friends and family, followed by a delicious lunch, lovingly prepared by the Pilgrims catering team.
The sessions were delivered and facilitated by Margate-based creatives, Tom Adams and Ellie Ward. Tom is a socially-engaged composer, making music and sound for theatre, installations, workshops, and film; his work connects directly with real social issues like community, education, and justice. Ellie is a comedian, cabaret performer and theatre-maker.
They said:
“We aimed to inspire participants to access their creative side, using Hamlet as a springboard to empower them to write creatively. We were led by the group, so the sessions were very much directed by them and what they wanted to achieve.”
Elizabeth Goodwin, Wellbeing Practitioner, with Tom Adams and Ellie Ward
Paul Mount from East Studdal, a village in between Dover and Deal, has been attending Pilgrims Wellbeing groups for several months:
“I’ve particularly enjoyed the Shakespeare projects – I didn’t do this stuff at school! I’ve learned so much just by listening, and it’s had such a positive impact on my everyday life.
“I look forward to coming; it gets me out of the house and I enjoy spending time with people I can talk to. No one judges you here, we’re all the same.”
Paul, who attends Wellbeing groups at Pilgrims Hospices
The Hamlet projects are funded by the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC); Shakespeare Nation is a collaboration between The Marlowe Theatre and the RSC to celebrate the works of Shakespeare and explore their relevance to modern-day Kent.
For more information on Pilgrims Hospices’ Wellbeing Programme:
Call the Pilgrims Hospices Advice Line on01233 504 133
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.
18th May 2026
Tiles of Joy, creativity, connection and moments of happiness at Pilgrims Hospices
Photograph: Palak Sharma, Wellbeing Practitioner with Kavita Sodhi, Wellbeing Practioner Lead
A beautiful community art project, kindly funded by the Cantiacorum Foundation, is bringing colour, creativity and connection to Pilgrims Hospices, as patients, carers, staff and volunteers come together to take part in Tiles of Joy.
Led by ceramic artist Jayne Wright of JAW Ceramics CIC, Tiles of Joy began in 2023 in partnership with Power of Women (POW) Thanet, with an inspiring workshop at the Margate Caves.
Since then, the project has grown into something truly special, with more than 2,000 handcrafted tiles created by people across Thanet and beyond.
The project has united a wide range of community groups, from local schools and heritage organisations to social inclusion initiatives and arts groups, nurturing creativity and connection across the area.
More recently, Pilgrims’ Wellbeing groups have been taking part in the inspiring Tiles of Joy project. Patients, carers, Stepping Stones bereavement groups, staff and volunteers were invited to create their own ceramic tiles, each reflecting what brings them happiness. During the sessions, participants explored clay by scraping, indenting and shaping their designs, supported throughout by Jayne, who then carefully fired each piece before returning them ready for display.
Now proudly displayed at the hospices in Ashford and Thanet, these unique artworks form beautiful, fixed installations, each tile telling its own story and together creating a lasting celebration of community, creativity and care.
The experience has been both thought-provoking and uplifting. Participants have not only enjoyed the hands-on creative process, but also the special experience of seeing their work become part of a shared piece of art, something that will continue to bring comfort and joy to all who visit.
The project has also inspired Pilgrims’ Wellbeing team to explore how clay and creative therapies could play a bigger role in future sessions, opening up new opportunities to support patients and families through creativity and wellbeing activities.
Ann with the Tiles of Joy mural at Pilgrims Hospice Ashford
As the Wellbeing team shared:
“It has been such a meaningful experience for everyone involved. Seeing people relax into the process, express themselves so freely, and then light up when they see their finished tile on display, has been incredibly special.”
Ann Mapley, a Wellbeing patient at Pilgrims Hospices who took part in the sessions, said:
“The brief was to design tiles that meant something to us, and for me that was my grandchildren. One of them loves George’s Dragon and the other loves snails, so I created a dragon and a snail on my tiles. It was such a fun afternoon, there were lots of laughs and giggles as we all tried to get everything just right with help from the lovely ladies running the session.
“Seeing the mural come together has been wonderful; it looks so lovely now. I first found out about the project through a leaflet that had been brought in, and I’m really glad I took part.”
Tiles of Joy is a reminder that even small moments of creativity can have a lasting impact, bringing people together, sparking reflection, and creating something truly meaningful.
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Ann’s tiles
Follow Tiles of Joy on Instagram to find out more:@tilesofjoy
Pilgrims run a wide range of wellbeing groups and activities designed to support patients to live well, stay connected and enjoy the best quality of life possible.
For more information on Pilgrims Hospices’ Wellbeing Programme:
Call the Pilgrims Hospices Advice Line on01233 504 133
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.
14th May 2026
Pilgrims patients’ artwork features in Beaney exhibition
Pilgrims Hospices is proud to offer a range of wellbeing groups for patients, supporting them to feel empowered and live well in the time they have left.
Rachelle Francis
In February 2026, Margate-based textile artist, Rachelle Francis, led a series of workshops – Mind to Stitch – at the Thanet hospice Therapy Centre, supporting patients’ wellbeing through creativity and connection. Patients collaborated to create cloth books inspired by the hidden work of Rachelle’s late mother and fellow artist, Diana Francis, whose creative practice became a vital outlet while living with anxiety, depression, and life-limiting illness.
The Mind to Stitch workshop programme was part of a wider project called With & Without Diana: Stitching for Mental Health, supported through funding from Arts Council England. The project was developed with project partner Olivia Schelts-Harris and delivered with the skills, care and creativity of an incredible team across Thanet.
Rachelle said: “It was especially poignant to introduce the Mind to Stitch project to Pilgrims patients. Sharing both my own and my late mother’s artworks, alongside Diana’s experiences of anxiety, depression, and life-limiting illness, created a deeply moving connection within the group. Participants felt inspired to express themselves creatively, just as Diana had done, and many embraced the opportunity to create artworks that would form part of their own legacy. This made the Mind to Stitch cloth books deeply personal and significant.
“The Wellbeing team at Pilgrims were incredibly supportive throughout the process. I was stunned by the detail, imagination, and individuality in each participant’s creations; it was wonderful to see not only artistic confidence grow, but also the connections within the group blossom. The two Mind to Stitch cloth books created by Pilgrims participants are truly bursting at the seams with life.”
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Mind To Stitch Book 1
The project culminated in an exhibition – My Hands Are My Voice – at The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge in Canterbury, which featured artwork by Diana, Rachelle, and hundreds of community participants. Blooming with Diana’s patterns and repurposed materials, these collaborative works celebrate the expressive, connective and therapeutic power of textiles; the tactile pages invite visitors to touch and listen closely to the stories shared in stitch.
Shaped by pattern, repetition and gesture, the exhibition traces a shared visual language across generations, where making becomes a means of expression beyond words – and so the conversation expands outward, revealing how hands can hold memory, connection and voice.
Rachelle continued: “At the exhibition opening, it was an absolute joy to see patients and their families visiting the artworks on display. The group lit up the room with their collective energy, and we all shared in the excitement of knowing their work would be seen by thousands of people over the coming weeks.”
Cloth books at the My Hands Are My Voice exhibition
Peney’s story
Peney at the exhibition
Peney Reynolds lives in Margate and was referred to Pilgrims Hospices in 2025 after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, a lung cancer caused by asbestos. After the initial shock, she has found hope and positivity through attending Pilgrims’ wellbeing groups; meeting Rachelle and being involved with My Hands Are My Voice has been a particular highlight:
“My journey began in a dark, scary tunnel, and I saw no light at the end of it; despite having a loving, caring family, I felt very alone.
“When the oncology nurses at the hospital suggested Pilgrims to me, I thought: “God, they think I’m going to die soon”, but Pilgrims put me right – “No, Peney, you’re not coming here to die – you are coming here to live.” I soon found out that the hospice helps people like me to live with dignity, empowers us to have faith in ourselves, and encourages quality of life.”
“I was attracted to the Living Well group immediately and joined a wonderful group of people in the same position as me; people I could talk to (without upsetting close family with my inner thoughts). I met Katie Brewer and Jane Stanley, two amazing Wellbeing Practitioners who have been my rocks. They’ve inspired and encouraged me to explore myself and I haven’t looked back since; a wonderful experience of love and kindness that turned my darkness into bright sunshine.
Mind to Stitch workshop at the Thanet hospice Therapy Centre
“Taking part in the Mind to Stitch workshops with Rachelle was a real joy; I have a deep regard for her and Diana. I chose to make my page about my little dog, Jodie, who sadly passed on 23 December 2025 – I called it “My Paws Are My Voice”. As a group, we’re so proud of each other, and I was honoured to attend the opening day of the exhibition at The Beaney.
“Thanks to all the Wellbeing staff and volunteers who have made me realise life is an amazing gift, I can now embrace my journey with hope and faith. With their continued support, I’m planning to make four memory boxes for loved ones, for when my time comes. I have some prints of Diana’s work from Rachelle, which I will write personal messages on, and I’m recording fond memories via The Blackbird Project. All will have one message in common – my proudest moment, which is having a bit of me live on in those textile books.
“Thanks to Pilgrims, I’m living well. The hospice is the most beautiful place I’ve had the pleasure to be, and I’m so grateful for each and every person there.”
Rachelle added: “I am very proud to share in the exhibition the incredible power of Diana’s once hidden artworks – not just their personal impact on me as her daughter, but also their ability to inspire the 222 people in the community through the Mind to Stitch workshops.
“The public response to the exhibition has been overwhelming. Visitors have been deeply moved and inspired by the exhibits, and hundreds of personal reflections have been left on the interactive wall. I still don’t think I’ve fully taken it all in.
“It has been especially beautiful to see young children animatedly exploring the cloth books created by Pilgrims participants, while parents and carers explain who stitched each page and the story behind the Pilgrims books. Hearing those conversations is a real reminder of how creativity, care, and shared stories can connect strangers and people across generations.”
A selection of works from the exhibition have been acquired by the Wellcome Collection and are due to enter the collection in 2027.
Pilgrims run a wide range of wellbeing groups and activities designed to support patients to live well, stay connected and enjoy the best quality of life possible.
For more information on Pilgrims Hospices’ Wellbeing Programme:
Call the Pilgrims Hospices Advice Line on01233 504 133
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.
19th December 2025
Festive creativity brings comfort and connection at our Therapy Centres
Across Pilgrims Hospices’ Therapy Centres in Canterbury, Ashford and Thanet, our hospice Wellbeing services continue to support patients and their loved ones with opportunities to relax, connect, and enjoy meaningful time together.
At Pilgrims Hospice Thanet, our Time to Create group has been embracing the festive spirit. Patients recently spent a joyful session making Christmas cards, decorating pine cones, and glass painting – all while sharing friendship, laughter, and a warming cup of tea in the safe, welcoming space of the Therapy Centre.
The group was supported by Wellbeing Practitioners, Kate Brewer and Jane Stanley, who were on hand to encourage, guide and help keep spirits high.
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Kevin PHT Time To Create
Hillary Time To Create Glass Painting
Graham And Lesley Time To Create PHT
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Kate explained:
“The Time to Create group at Pilgrims Hospices is a regular, weekly art and craft therapy session for patients – and sometimes a family member. It offers a chance to develop new skills, create lasting memories, and connect with others in a supportive, calm environment designed to reduce stress and improve wellbeing.”
The benefits of creative wellbeing activities
Art and craft sessions offer much more than just a finished piece to take home; they support patients emotionally, socially and psychologically:
Skill development: Learn something new or rediscover past creative interests
Stress relief: A soothing activity that reduces anxiety, encourages mindfulness, and creates space to relax
Social connection: Build friendships and chat with others who understand similar experiences
Legacy building: Create meaningful, personal items to share with loved ones
Voices from the group
Regular attendee, Lesley, shared:
“I really enjoy the company. We always find lots to talk about, and I’ve got a wicked sense of humour – I love making people laugh.”
Graham was delighted with his festive crafting:
“I’ve enjoyed making Christmas cards today. I’ve made one especially for my sister with a penguin theme because I know she loves them.”
Jane added:
“We theme our activities around what’s happening in the world – whether it’s Christmas or another seasonal moment – to make sessions feel uplifting and meaningful.”
Pilgrims run a wide range of wellbeing groups and activities designed to support patients to live well, stay connected and enjoy the best quality of life possible.
For more information on Pilgrims Hospices’ Wellbeing Programme:
Call the Pilgrims Hospices Advice Line on 01233 504 133
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.
2nd February 2022
Kathleen retires after 13 years with Pilgrims Hospices Wellbeing team
Pilgrims Hospices much loved Wellbeing Practitioner, Kathleen Steele, recently retired from the Thanet hospice after 13 years of caring and supporting patients’ wellbeing needs. She leaves behind a wealth of creative knowledge and a legacy of virtual therapy videos for patients to help them interact with the Wellbeing team from the comfort of their own homes.
Kathleen joined Pilgrims from a career in supported learning services for people with learning disabilities.
She told us: “I noticed the vacancy with Pilgrims and immediately felt it was a good match for my skills and I definitely wanted to remain in vocational services.
“I have loved my time with Pilgrims, it’s such a rewarding role helping to support people to live as actively as possible earlier in the course of their illness and assisting them to remain independent and positive by sharing time with our support team and others using our services.”
Kathleen at a Therapy Centre session
During her time with Pilgrims, Kathleen contributed to the wellbeing of thousands of service users who have come to the Therapy Centre day services for a wide variety of therapy sessions.
Kathleen with her colleague, Chris
Kath from Cliffsend, said that she’s looking forward to spending more time with her husband Alan, and becoming even more proficient on her paddleboard; they have some well-earned holidays planned too. She has been studying the ancient Chinese art of brush painting, and looks forward to spending more time on her creative hobby.
Kath said: “I’ve always been a creative person and the Chinese brush painting is so therapeutic, and relaxing. The art form has been around for more than 6,000 years, it’s the traditional art of painting on rice paper or silk with a natural animal-hair brush and ink. I describe my style as abstract and I’m looking forward to challenging myself with some imaginative painting with my newfound free time.”
Kathleen with her colleague, Sophie
Kyla from Pilgrims’ Complementary Therapy team said: “I’ve worked closely with Kathleen on many projects and her legacy of ideas and creative thinking will continue to be part of Pilgrims Wellbeing programmes. I wish Kathleen a very happy retirement, and hopefully she will pop in to see some of her friends here at the hospice now and again.”
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,500 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,comm 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.
16th November 2021
Wellbeing blanket is all stitched up
Kathleen Steele, Pilgrims Hospices Wellbeing Practitioner with Kyla Szukala, Pilgrims Complementary Therapist, were pleased to display the finished crochet blanket made by patients during lockdown virtual therapy sessions.
Kathleen explained: “We ran a virtual crochet therapy group during COVID lockdown, where our services users could learn crochet as a new skill or take part in something they already enjoyed. Patients were invited to crochet squares, they would be combined to make a beautiful blanket at the end of the wellbeing sessions. Now, the squares have been collected and Kyla has crocheted them all together to showcase a very beautiful finished blanket.”
The group met via Zoom calls when the hospice Therapy Centres were closed.
“Some of us were more technically minded than others, therefore it took a little time to get the whole group online together to enjoy the therapy sessions, we laughed a lot which is great therapy in itself. Crafts can help focus the mind, release stress and ease the burden of health conditions, and help in decision making which is good for wellbeing.” Kathleen told us.
The blanket has been handed to the Pilgrims fundraising team, who will use it to raise funds for continued hospice care.
Crafts can help focus the mind, release stress and ease the burden of health conditions, and help in decision making which is good for wellbeing.
Kathleen
The Wellbeing team know it’s vitally important to continue services during such difficult times, and while patients were unable to attend the hospice Wellbeing and Therapy Centres due to the COVID restrictions, the care team looked for alternative ways to engage with them. Zoom calls were a brilliant method of keeping in touch.
By holding the group virtually, all participants were able to speak together, share experiences and generally enjoy some additional company and interaction, which is so important during these difficult times.
Crochet Together was just one of many virtual therapy groups provided by the Wellbeing Practitioners. The group was inspired by Kyla, who helped to plan the creative therapy group with Kathleen.
Kyla and Kath with the finished blanket
Pilgrims Wellbeing Programme is free if you live in east Kent and you have been diagnosed with an incurable illness. It aims to enhance wellbeing, in mind and body.
A whole team of Pilgrims expert nurses, doctors and therapists work together to craft a personalised individual plan for each person.
By working alongside GPs and healthcare professionals, the team can identify the best options for individuals. All programmes are flexible to allow the right support when it’s needed most.
Services are also available for carers, who can be friend or family, to support them too with self-care.
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to over 2,500 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.
