Please note: This news post was originally published in July 2018; Pilgrims Hospices no longer participates in Tools for Self-Reliance.

To find out more about the scheme, please visit their website.

As an important part of the Canterbury community, Pilgrims Hospices was proud to be part of the Kent Sheds initiative.

Our Coach House Shed, within the hospice grounds on London Road in Canterbury, is already in use several mornings a week with the Tools for Self-Reliance, Canterbury ‘Shedders’. Pilgrims Hospices is working with them to open up the shed opportunities to the people of Canterbury, to meet, work, learn and have fun! The Sheds Kent & Medway and Groundwork grant will enable us to offer more voluntary opportunities for people to meet together, provide maintenance and offer up their gardening skills, to improve the environment of the hospice.

The idea behind the shed movement is to provide a space where all ‘Shedders’ are more likely to thrive in an informal space, within the company of their peers, through engaging in practical activities. These provide sharing skills and learning from others – all whilst helping the community.

The project will help to cut down on isolation and give opportunites for our residents to meet and learn new skills.

Heather Sawney, former Project Lead

Through the shed project, volunteers can overcome their own life challenges. Whatever their circumstances, they can meet, work and achieve together.

Former project lead, Heather Sawney, explained: “The community around the hospice is diverse. It includes students, retirees, and ex-military amongst many others. The project will help to cut down on isolation and give opportunities for our residents to meet and learn new skills.

“Currently, at our Canterbury site, we don’t particularly target certain groups in our community. Through this project, we will openly promote more variety in our volunteering opportunities. Some volunteers may choose to work with Tools for Self Reliance; working to renovate pre-loved tools and equipment. The tool-kits will help those in developing countries find financial independence and sustainability.

“We look forward to welcoming you to our Canterbury site – just bring your enthusiasm; tea, coffee, and biscuits will be provided in a relaxed and pleasant environment.”

Pilgrims Hospices is a charity that provides specialist palliative care for people with life-limiting illnesses in east Kent. It is independent of the NHS and receives only a small percentage of funding of its £11 million running costs, which means the remainder must be raised by donations and fundraising activities. By volunteering you will make a huge difference to Pilgrims community – thank you.