Pilgrims Hospices calls for piano players to share the gift of music
Pilgrims Hospices in Ashford is extending an invitation to the community to bring the soothing sounds of music to their sanctuary space.
The hospice, known for its compassionate care, believes that music has the power to bring comfort, relaxation, and a sense of peace to patients, families, and staff alike.
They are calling on piano players from the local area to volunteer their time and talents to play the piano in the hospice’s tranquil sanctuary.
Music has long been recognised as a therapeutic tool, with the ability to ease anxiety, uplift spirits, and create a calming atmosphere. At Pilgrims Hospices, the gentle melodies that flow from the piano can be heard in the ward and the offices, bringing a sense of serenity to everyone in the building. For patients in palliative care, and their families who are often navigating incredibly challenging times, this small act of kindness can make a world of difference.
“We’ve seen first-hand how music can transform the atmosphere here at the hospice,” says Wendy Kelk, Hospice Services Manager at Pilgrims Hospices. “A simple tune played on the piano can bring smiles, spark conversations, and even provide a moment of reflection and peace. We’re inviting anyone who can play the piano, even if it’s just for 10 minutes, to consider stopping by and sharing their gift with us. It’s a small gesture that has a truly profound impact.”
The request is simple: if you or someone you know can play the piano, consider donating a bit of your time, whether it’s once a month, once a week, or simply when the mood strikes. The hospice welcomes these spontaneous performances, knowing that the presence of live music can enhance wellbeing and provide a comforting backdrop to the daily routines of care.
For those interested, there is no need to schedule a formal appointment. The hospice encourages anyone with the ability to play to simply drop in and share their music. You are welcome to come in, when our reception is open, and during visiting hours; the piano awaits the touch of kind-hearted volunteers who wish to contribute to the hospice’s nurturing environment.
By offering just a few minutes of your time, you can help create an atmosphere that soothes, heals, and connects. Pilgrims Hospices deeply appreciates the community’s support in making their space one of comfort and tranquillity.
For more information, please contact Wendy Kelk, Hospice Services Manager:
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.
6th September 2024
Pilgrims Hospices patients showcase artwork at Margate exhibition
Pilgrims Hospices offer many therapeutic activities through its Wellbeing Programme, giving both patients and carers the opportunity to try something new.
They can help with relaxation, reducing anxiety and forming new social connections.
Beverley with her husband, John
Time to Create therapeutic art group sessions provide creative and social activities to enjoy with others.
In July 2024, patients attending Time to Create were invited by local artist, Beverley Parker, to showcase their artwork in her exhibition Then & Now at Pie Factory, Margate. Beverley’s husband, artist John Horton, was cared for at Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury in 2023. The exhibition was dedicated to his memory.
John had prostate cancer and was referred to Pilgrims in 2022. He chose to remain at home, rather than going into the hospice, and received support and care at home when he approached the end of life.
Beverley said: “Pilgrims played an enormous part; they were supportive, caring and understanding, treating him with dignity and a gentle sense of humour, which he would have loved. They guided me through his last hours, and he died peacefully on 25 September 2023.
“I turned to the hospice nurses after John’s death. There was someone on the phone who listened when I had no one else to talk to late at night, and they put me in contact with the counselling services at Pilgrims, which has been so helpful.
“Through visiting the Canterbury hospice, I saw a different side to the hospice than I had imagined. The first time I walked into the reception area and saw the boxes of tissues on the tables, I could hardly say my name I was so upset. However, I also felt an enormous sense of comfort. The volunteers on reception were warm and friendly. It didn’t smell like a hospital (which I dreaded), there were flowers, there was art on the walls, people were smiling.
Time to Create patients with their artwork
“I heard about Time to Create, and as an artist I was very interested in art as therapy, recognising how powerful it is – it is a living statement, it is positive and empowering. I met Sharon from the Wellbeing team and patients attending the sessions, and I asked if they would like to exhibit their work with me at my exhibition. It was a success. We had a private view where I met more of the artists and their families, and that was particularly poignant – to meet others who are currently going through what I had been going through. We hugged, there were a few tears, but there was so much joy in the gallery. I felt I was giving something back for the support I’d received from the hospice. John was an artist himself, and he would have been delighted to have seen the work we all exhibited.”
Patients created their exhibition artwork within Time to Create sessions at each hospice in Ashford, Canterbury and Thanet. They enjoyed the process and seeing their work showcased in a gallery. The Wellbeing team showed digital versions of the artwork in the Pilgrims Therapy Centre, for patients who were unable to attend the exhibition.
Sharon Smith, Wellbeing Practitioner Team Leader, said:
“It was an amazing opportunity for our Time to Create participants to be invited to showcase their creative work alongside Beverley’s artwork. Patients allowed their emotions – happiness, sadness, even anger – to guide their creativity. Attending the private view and seeing them show their work to family members and friends, reminded me how important creativity can be. It allows people to express themselves, improves wellbeing and makes people feel empowered.”
For more information on Pilgrims Hospices’ Wellbeing Programme:
Call the Pilgrims Hospices Advice Line on 01233 504 133
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.
3rd September 2024
Trees of Love: Jenny’s story
Jenny remembers her husband, Graham, by dedicating a dove in his memory at Pilgrims Hospices annual Trees of Love remembrance campaign.
My husband Graham was a kind and generous man, a nature and animal lover. He was particularly musical; he sang, played piano and performed the clarinet in several orchestras. We met at age 5 while attending the same primary school, but went our separate ways when we progressed to our respective grammar schools. It seems rather fitting, then, that we reunited at a German musical evening hosted by Graham’s school. We would go on to spend a wonderful 55 years together, with our children and grandchildren.
We were introduced to Pilgrims later on in Graham’s illness, around six months before he passed. He often found it difficult to put his thoughts into words, but when presented with the option of more treatment or intervention for his illness, he knew that was not the option for him. While our journey with Pilgrims has been rather short, they have been so very helpful. In times like these, you never quite know who to turn to, but the bereavement support we have been offered has been such a help. When you just want someone to listen, they just let us talk.
I was made aware of Trees of Love through a postal invitation that invited me to dedicate a dove in Graham’s memory. My granddaughter, Charlotte, has recently started art college, which has been such a creative outlet for her. She decorated her grandfather’s dove with a wonderful drawing depicting the owl and pussy cat in a tree, as she discovered he was particularly fond of the poem by Edward Lear. Out of sheer coincidence, my daughter revealed that the week her father had passed, she had found a greetings card depicting the ‘Owl and the Pussy Cat’ scene, too. This has brought our family closer together.
In 2023, I attended the remembrance service at the Thanet hospice. Although I attended alone, it was such a welcoming atmosphere for everyone. I struck up conversation with someone who was by themselves, and it was comforting to share the experience with someone who knew what I was going through.
The service was lovely, and I was happy to have the opportunity to capture a picture of Graham’s dove on the illuminated tree, and take my order of service home to share with my family.
Previously, I had volunteered for another hospice in one of their retail stores, so I had experience in the kind of care that a hospice provides. But having now received that support myself, I can recognise how fantastic they really are. I’m happy to support this wonderful charity in any way that I can.
This December, dedicate a dove to someone special and join us at one of our hospice or satellite remembrance services.
To find out more and to take part in Trees of Love 2024, simply visit pilgrimshospices.org/treesoflove or contact our friendly Supporter Relations team on 01227 782 062 to dedicate a dove today.
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.
29th August 2024
Cheers to the tea-rrific Pilgrims Hospices teams: Celebrating Afternoon Tea Week 2024 with love, laughter, and a feast of flavours!
A huge round of applause to the wonderful Pilgrims Hospices Therapy Centre teams from Ashford, Canterbury, and Thanet for treating our patients to the most delightful afternoon teas across all three sites!
Afternoon Tea Week took place nationally from 12 – 18 August 2024; the dedication, warmth, and creativity truly shone through, making the experience unforgettable for everyone involved.
Robyn Moore, Healthcare Assistant
The events were enjoyed by patients who are currently attending Wellbeing groups at each hospice, which provide an opportunity to connect with others who are going through similar experiences. The therapy teams organise visits from guest speakers, who deliver talks and interactive workshops on a variety of topics, helping patients to open up and share their own interests. Importantly, the groups also offer a space to relax and switch off for a few hours.
Patients at the Canterbury hospice welcomed visitors from Retreat into Wonderland, an animal rescue charity based in Herne Bay, to their afternoon tea event. Shetland ponies greeted everyone in the hospice gardens, contributing to a calm and comforting atmosphere.
The Thanet hospice enjoyed an interesting and informative talk from the Kent Police fraud team, and Ashford patients were entertained by a classical guitarist.
Sharon Smith, Wellbeing Practitioner Team Leader, said: “Afternoon Tea Week celebrates the great British tradition of afternoon tea and is the perfect excuse to catch up with loved ones over a cup of tea and some delicacies.”
A special shout-out to our amazing catering team, whose planning and passion turned these afternoon teas into a feast of flavours and joy. Every bite was a reminder of the love and care that goes into everything you do. The smiles on everyone’s faces said it all!
Let’s raise our teacups high in celebration of this cherished tradition and the incredible efforts of our teams who make moments like these so special. Thank you for being the heart and soul of our community!
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 October 2023
Pilgrims Hospices share workforce stories throughout Hospice Care Week
Amy tells us why she has made a career in compassionate care and why Pilgrims is so important to her
When I first came to work at Pilgrims Hospices, it was for a week as a temp while I was in between jobs. A week turned into two, which turned into a month. That was in July 2000 and the rest is history! After a few months covering in different departments, I got a job as a medical secretary at the Canterbury hospice. I really enjoyed that role, and 15 years later was successful recruited to become the hospices Administration Manager. My mum and dad also worked at the hospices. Mum first, working in the Personnel department and then Dad after me, when he became the maintenance engineer at the Ashford hospice until he retired in 2011.
I had just turned 21 when I started working at Pilgrims, and was fairly naïve about what a hospice was. Throughout the years, I have grown up with the organisation, through lots of changes in my personal and professional life. I have spent my most formative adult years expanding my knowledge on how we deliver end-of-life care. I honestly feel that because of this, the hospice has a special place in my heart. I love what we do; I love how Pilgrims’ look after patients and their families, and I think we make a massive difference to those people. Nothing is too much trouble, and we have always done as much as we could to help people with their wishes, large or small, at the end of their life.
One of my proudest moments was when I was a medical secretary; a patient at Pilgrims Day Centre was a keen motorcyclist but was unable to ride anymore. His wish was to be able to just have one more ride on a motorcycle, but being unable to do this himself it needed to be in a sidecar. The team in the day centre came to ask me if I could try and find a way we could do this. I got in touch with some motorcycle clubs around the area, and a kind gentleman made contact saying he had a sidecar, and that it would be a pleasure to take the patient out for a ride. We arranged a meeting one Saturday, it was just amazing to see how excited and happy the patient and his family were that this could be achieved. The man with the sidecar turned out to be Eric Richard, the actor who played PC Bob Cryer in the TV series, The Bill, which added to the amazement! The best part of the day was, the patient had a brilliant time, and was so happy to be able to enjoy a motorcycle ride again.
Having worked for Pilgrims for so long, I always thought I knew everything there was to know about the hospice and the care provided, but I was so wrong. Sadly my mum got cancer and was admitted to the Canterbury hospice for end-of-life care in 2017. To be in that situation – on the other side – now as a relative, was so different to what I’d thought. I was stunned at the level of care and attention the care teams give patients and relatives, and it honestly blew my mind. I had no idea just how deep their treatment went, and the commitment they give to each tiny detail. This made my love of the hospice movement even deeper than it had been. Mum was able to say how she wanted her last days to be, and this was achieved. Although devastating, she had the best death she could have had. This year, unfortunately my dad had a very short illness and was admitted to the Canterbury hospice. Like my mum, he was able to state his wishes; again this was achieved fully, and his death was also just as he wanted. Both were peaceful, with the family, full of the love they deserved.
I could never repay Pilgrims for the wonderful care my parents received, and I fully understand when people say ‘a good death’. I don’t know what we would have done if we didn’t have the hospice to achieve this.
The fact that I experienced this, makes me even more grateful that I work for a charity that helps thousands of patients and their families, all year round. I am extremely proud and humbled to be a part of something that provides a service like this.
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.
17th August 2023
Pilgrims Hospices Lottery community ties
Here in the world of Pilgrims Hospices Lottery we pride ourselves on the strong connections and amazing relationships we have with our local communities in the Ashford, Canterbury and Thanet areas.
We have been meeting up with many of our wonderful members for an amazing 27 years, in fact since Pilgrims Hospices Lottery began in the April of 1996.
We have seen our members’ families grow up to have families of their own. When they have moved we have too, moving their collection onto the relevant Collector in their new area. Winning cheques have been hand delivered to many with messages of thanks, perfect timing, happy purchases, travel arrangements made and kind donations given.
Lottery Collectors and members have been sadly lost along the way but those strong ties remain, family and friends picking up the reigns and taking over membership entries and collections.
New relationships and connections continue to be made with over 2800 new or additional entries into our weekly draw plus hundreds of you buying superdraw tickets, scratch cards, wedding favours and gift vouchers. This last year alone; we have raised over £1.2 million, have sent out more than 5,500 winners cheques and made over 50 thousandaires!
When you see the difference the compassionate care makes to Pilgrims Hospices patients and their families it’s easy to see what drives us.
We are and will remain truly grateful and humbled by the tremendous generosity shown in support of the incredible compassionate care provided by our teams both in the community, in people’s homes and in our hospices. Thank you, we really couldn’t do it without you. Together we really do make a difference.
£25 pays for one full hour of compassionate care by specialist nurse so you really do and can make a difference; help us continue to provide care and comfort to those that need us the most.
If you would like to join and make a difference today please call 01227 379741, or click here to go directly to our website page. Still only £1 per entry per week and you could win up to £20,000!
P.S Our Christmas Gift Vouchers are available now and our Christmas Superdraw tickets will be landing on doormats soon.
With Warmest Wishes from
Shiralee and your Lottery team.
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.
