Therapy dogs make a welcome return to Pilgrims Hospices
Pets As Therapy (PAT) dogs are a vital part of Pilgrims Hospices’ wellbeing programme. Specially trained to remain calm and gentle when interacting with people, they make perfect visitors for patients and loved ones who are spending time in the hospices.
In September 2022, PAT dogs made a welcome return to Pilgrims after a two-year hiatus, having been unable to visit during the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients, staff and volunteers alike are truly grateful to have them back.
PAT animals provide companionship to thousands of people in settings across the UK, including hospices, hospitals, care homes, schools and prisons. They help to reduce anxiety and offer a pleasant distraction from the things that may be happening around them.
Rodney
Martyn Ponting from Sellindge brings his black labrador, Rodney (7), to the Ashford hospice. Rodney’s soothing presence is much-appreciated by everyone they’ve met since they started volunteering in 2017.
Martyn came across PAT animals when he worked in the pharmaceutical industry and regularly visited hospitals. He said: “I decided that when I retired, I wanted to get involved. We love coming to the hospice; Rodney puts smiles on everyone’s faces, even when they’re really poorly. Most patients want to see him, and the staff love him, too. He cheers everyone up.
“He’s just a normal dog at home, but at the hospice he senses the mood and immediately calms down. On our first day back since COVID, we visited a patient who was very near the end of life. We didn’t stay with her for long, but afterwards a nurse told me it was the first time they’d seen that patient smile. Rodney is also great for visitors, helping to break the ice and providing a different focal point at an otherwise difficult time.”
Rodney is such a well-loved and vital part of the Pilgrims’ team that he even has his photo up next to the consultants on the staff board.
Martyn added: “He has a gift for it, but he’s often a little tired afterwards because he takes on peoples’ moods – but perhaps in doing that, he lifts a small weight from their shoulders, so it’s all worthwhile. And he soon bounces back!”
Aston
Linda Wolek-Went and her husband, Mike Went, from Seasalter visit the Canterbury hospice with their Tibetan Spaniel, Aston (4).
Linda first volunteered for 15 months with their dog Bobby, who has now sadly died. After COVID dashed their round-the-world adventure plans, they returned to east Kent and decided to take on more rescue dogs. Aston and his brother, Martin (2), were rescued from Hungary, and Martin is currently in training to join the PAT dog team.
Linda was a volunteer receptionist at the Canterbury hospice for many years, and a schoolfriend of hers was cared for by Pilgrims, so she has seen first-hand what a difference the charity makes.
She said: “The comfort PAT dogs give to people is so uplifting and worthwhile. It’s a big commitment, but we’re retired and it’s a lovely way to spend our time.
“When Aston and I arrive at the hospice, we say hello to staff, volunteers and visitors in reception; they get as much enjoyment from it as the patients. Then, we go on the ward. All the patients love seeing Aston; even if they’re not feeling well, they still enjoy spending time with him.”
Wendy Kelk, Hospice Services Manager, said: “The team were filled with excitement, and some relief, when I announced the PAT dogs were returning to sites after COVID put their visits on hold.
“When the dogs are on site, the whole mood lifts; patients, visitors, volunteers and staff are smiling and requesting to see the dogs. They are very much a vital part of our team. Thank you so much to the dedicated owners for their time, hard work and willingness to return.”
We are delighted to welcome Rodney, Aston and their owners back to Pilgrims. We’re in the process of recruiting a PAT dog for our Thanet hospice, so that patients and visitors on all three sites can enjoy the same therapeutic benefits that PAT dogs bring.
To find out more about the Wellbeing services offered at Pilgrims, visit:
Hospice Care Week is an annual event where we recognise and celebrate Hospice UK and hospice care nationwide. It’s an opportunity to show the world the value of support, of care and of what matters to us as individuals at the end of life when we need it most.
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.
7th October 2022
Angela enjoys getting creative with Pilgrims Hospices
Angela Clarke from Westbrook near Margate attends weekly Time to Create sessions at Pilgrims Hospices, which offer fun, creative activities aimed at improving patients’ wellbeing.
She is enjoying creating artwork, meeting new friends and experiencing a different side to hospice care that she didn’t know about until coming to Pilgrims.
Through being referred to a Pilgrims breathlessness management course by a nurse at Guy’s Hospital, London, Angela heard about the charity’s wider wellbeing services and was keen to find out more. She was introduced to Billy Williams and Kyla Szukala, Wellbeing Practitioners, who welcomed her to the Time to Create group at the Thanet hospice.
I always thought hospice care was just offered at the end of life, and there was a fear around it. How very wrong I was. It’s friendly; we’re all struggling, but you can lose yourself for a few hours and just be.
Angela
Angela said: “I’m a complete novice, but I’m really enjoying it. We’ve worked with acrylics, watercolours and pastels, made Easter wreaths and done a project for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. We also made felt teddy bears; I didn’t finish mine in the group because I had to go to hospital, but I took it with me to work on during my stay, and it helped to keep me busy and take my mind off things.
“Having a finished product is lovely, although that’s not what matters really – it’s the taking part and enjoying others’ company. It’s nice to be away from home and spend time with different people. I look forward to the Time to Create groups, and I miss them when they don’t run.”
Angela also takes her newfound creativity home with her; after using watercolours in the group, she now paints the fruit and flowers in her garden.
She added: “I always thought hospice care was just offered at the end of life, and there was a fear around it. How very wrong I was. It’s friendly; we’re all struggling, but you can lose yourself for a few hours and just be.”
To find out more about the Wellbeing services offered at Pilgrims, visit:
Hospice Care Week is an annual event where we recognise and celebrate Hospice UK and hospice care nationwide. It’s an opportunity to show the world the value of support, of care and of what matters to us as individuals at the end of life when we need it most.
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.
2nd September 2022
Advanced Clinical Practitioner Theresa celebrates 30 years of caring
Dedicated Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) Theresa Rowlstone, celebrates a 30-year career providing expert end-of-life care for the people of the east Kent community.
Theresa, from Whitstable trained as a nurse at the Canterbury and Thanet School of Nursing, she qualified in January 1987, having toyed with the options of children’s physiotherapy or teaching before her training.
Pilgrims Hospices is grateful for the influence of Theresa’s mum who was also a nurse, who encouraged her to train. We are fortunate to benefit from her compassionate skills and continued learning within palliative care nursing. Theresa plans to continue with her love of caring for those who need that extra special Pilgrims care, along with supporting her colleagues with specialist training.
I’ve always enjoyed nursing patients who need some additional time and care, and have a keen interest in palliative care where these skills are particularly useful. There’s something very special about looking after the elderly or people with longer-term health conditions.
Theresa
Theresa began her nursing career from school, initially taking a nursing role in Ear, Nose and Throat post at Kent and Canterbury hospital.
She said: “I saw the hospice was advertising for nurses and I applied, and got the job in March 1988; spending time until January 1990 as a staff nurse at the Canterbury hospice. As a staff nurse, I worked with Annie Hogben, who is also still a member of the Pilgrims care team; we were both in our early 20s when we started and later had families around about the same time, it’s so nice to see we’ve been able to continue our careers with Pilgrims Hospices.
“I took some time away from the hospices to work at the Royal Marsden on a specialist cancer course. It gave me an important foundation to know more about a patient’s cancer journey with chemotherapy and other treatments explored in great depth. I was keen to return to the hospice but was encouraged by the Matron Ann Campbell to continue to extend my skills, so I worked on Viking Ward at Margate hospital as a senior staff nurse for nearly two years.
“I’ve always enjoyed nursing patients who need some additional time and care, and have a keen interest in palliative care where these skills are particularly useful. There’s something very special about looking after the elderly or people with longer-term health conditions.
“I always wanted to return to hospice care, and watched with great interest as the hospice in Margate was built as I passed by on the bus.
“I had an opportunity to interview for a post at the new hospice, and was appointed as ward sister starting in August 1992, with an induction in Canterbury while the Thanet hospice was being made ready, it was very exciting.”
Over the years, Theresa initially spent two years at the Canterbury hospice as a staff nurse, then worked as a ward sister, and senior nurse manager for 17 years at Thanet. She has nursed on all three of Pilgrims Hospices sites in Canterbury, Ashford and Thanet.
Throughout Theresa’s nursing career with Pilgrims, she’s been an integral part of training and education for Pilgrims nurses and the wider community of carers. Her interest in supporting and developing her colleagues’ knowledge and skills has led her to qualifying in teaching; she achieved a Master’s degree in 2009 and joined the education team in a clinical practice development role. The role involved palliative care training both internally and externally, working closely with the education team to also set up clinical skills training. She has also been involved with working with the Hospice at Home team’s training and development, and assessing / mentoringthem whilst completing their foundation degree.
Theresa added: “Although I loved the training and teaching element, I truly missed the nursing on the ground level, and it wasn’t long before I returned to the wards to support patients first-hand.”
After adding some additional skills to her portfolio, she applied for the position as a trainee ACP. She has now worked as an Advanced Clinical Practitioner for over seven years. The ACP role is a relatively new initiative and is developing country-wide as healthcare services change. This fulfils a similar role to a doctor, working closely with patients, their families and colleagues to prescribe and plan for the management of their symptoms, medication plan and ongoing care. Theresa still has some involvement with research and education, as this is an important part of what Pilgrims do.
Each site has an ACP – Debbie Boots, Amanda Timms and Theresa – with three trainees starting this year – Charlotte, Michelle and Hayley – who will ensure these important senior roles have successors. Pilgrims want to ensure staff can continue to develop their careers in palliative care.
I’m sure many people don’t realise that 40% – 50% of our patients are discharged home from the hospice in-patient unit, andcontinue their care and support within the community services. These services are an invaluable part of Pilgrims care, helping people to remain in the comfort of their own home for as long as possible.
Theresa
Theresa is married to Paul and they have two grown up sons, who are her greatest supporters. She added: “My boys have been involved with Pilgrims from when they were babies. Over the years, they have met so many of my colleagues, been recruited as volunteers and helped at many events, including summer fairs and the Christmas Trees of Love at the hospices.”
When asked how she relaxes, Theresa said: “I used to sing with local choirs, but am now part of the local theatre in Whitstable, performing in plays, pantomimes and musicals. I can also be found leading the theatre’s wardrobe team.
“I’m a grandmother now, and visit as much as I can, so that’s pretty special in my life too.”
Theresa Rowlstone
“I have seen many changes, worked under a number of Chief Executives and Senior Nurses, but our priority has always been our patients, they are at the heart of everything we do. The breadth of services we offer is brilliant, introducing more patients to our social work, counselling, spiritual care, physio, occupational therapy and wellbeing support. I’m sure many people don’t realise that 40% – 50% of our patients are discharged home from the hospice in-patient unit, andcontinue their care and support within the community services. These services are an invaluable part of Pilgrims care, helping people to remain in the comfort of their own home for as long as possible.
“I have the same passion now as I had in the beginning. I’m very lucky that I love what I do and it gives me so much back professionally and personally; I feel very blessed, not too many people can say that about their job. I’ve met some amazing and inspiring people during my career, and I’ve found it a very happy experience, and a supportive area to work in. It’s wonderful to see the hospices recognised as the clinical speciality we see today, which is very different from the 1980s as the service was evolving.
“I’m very pleased to have been persuaded to apply for my role as an ACP, it was the best decision career-wise that I’ve made.”
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.
24th August 2022
Pilgrims Hospices make patient’s wedding wish come true
Elaine and Jason Edwards, a former carpenter, from Herne Bay were married in a civil ceremony at Jason’s flat on Saturday 30 July 2022. This was an extra special occasion, as Jason has motor neurone disease (MND) and is receiving support from Pilgrims Hospices.
The charity helped to make their big day possible, enabling them to create beautiful memories that will last forever.
The family is incredibly grateful for Pilgrims’ care, which frequently extends beyond its physical hospices and into the wider east Kent community.
Martyn Yates, Spiritual Care Lead and Complementary Therapist at Pilgrims, was integral in organising Elaine and Jason’s marriage.
Jason and Elaine on their wedding day
Elaine said: “Our experience with Pilgrims Hospices has been totally amazing. We had Martyn come out and see us from the spiritual care team, to help us with getting married. He was amazing. He was very informative, and due to all his help, we were married at home in Jason’s flat with a few family members and very close friends in attendance.
Martyn Yates
“Pilgrims gives us as a family help and support in ways we never imagined possible. They are on hand for help and advice 24 hours a day; it gives us peace of mind knowing that they are there throughout this hard time in our lives. It means so much to us that they are here for us. They do an amazing job, and we can’t thank them enough for all they do.”
Martyn added: “One of the really important parts of the work we do at Pilgrims is to make every day as good as it can be for both our patients and their families – so they can live their lives to the full. Our links with community agencies help us to do this; in this case, the Canterbury registrars pulled out all the stops, and between us we were able to achieve Elaine and Jason’s wishes. It is so lovely to be able to do things like this for our patients and their families.”
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.
18th July 2022
Pilgrims Hospices: Delivering care and services for 40 years
In 2022, Pilgrims Hospices celebrate 40 years of end-of-life care for the people of east Kent. The first hospice opened in Canterbury in June 1982, followed by Thanet in 1992, celebrating its 30th anniversary year, and Ashford in 2001, celebrating its 21st year.
That means plenty to celebrate this year!
The hospices were the vision of one local nurse, Ann Robertson, the founder and now Pilgrims lifetime President. Ann wanted to make a difference for the people in her community facing terminal illness. Thanks to her devotion, and the help of countless others, today we have almost 200 clinical staff. Together, they support thousands of people each year.
Pilgrims staff, volunteers, and trustees, old and new gathered on the hospice sites, not only to share in the celebrations but to enjoy the welcome return of the staff, volunteers and supporters thank you event, that hasn’t been held for two years due to COVID.
Ann Robertson attended the Canterbury, London Road event, sharing her memories with all those present and said: “It is a great privilege to have worked with so many forward-thinking and talented individuals over the years; in the early years, we faced the day to day headache of meeting our financial needs. As the years have passed, we’ve established relationships not only with our generous public but with the business community, who help us to raise the profile of our charity and engage with the wider community.
“We remain the welcoming face that will guide people through some of the most difficult times, the support of the community fills our hearts with great joy as we continue our journey to help even more people each year.”
Karen Warden, Pilgrims Chair of the Board of Trustees, shared Ann’s message with the Ashford and Thanet sites on her behalf.
We remain the welcoming face that will guide people through some of the most difficult times, the support of the community fills our hearts with great joy as we continue our journey to help even more people each year.
Ann Robertson, found of Pilgrims Hospices
The staff at the hospices are truly community heroes, with more than 2,500 people within their care each year. Over the years, Pilgrims has pioneered groundbreaking research in palliative care, embraced innovative, cutting-edge technology to improve the quality of life for patients, and delivers education and training across east Kent for many other health and social care providers.
Pilgrims continues to grow from strength to strength, and in order to provide the much-needed care, our clinical staff are supported by an award-winning charity fundraising team, an established network of profitable retail shops, a successful local lottery, and a wealth of talents through its invaluable volunteer workforce.
From the very beginning, patients have been at the heart of everything Pilgrims do, and the charity will continue to grow and develop with the help of the community.
Helen Bennett, Pilgrims Chief Executive added: “We were delighted to have our remarkable founder and lifetime president with us for this special occasion. Ann welcomed Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother to oversee the opening of the Canterbury hospice in 1982 and we enjoyed sharing some of her special memories of the occasion.
“We were also delighted to have long-standing supporters with us, some who helped establish Pilgrims with Ann, in particular Richard Davies who was a trustee for many, many years at Pilgrims. He was our Chair of the Board of Trustees and retired in 2020 during COVID. We weren’t able to say good-bye to him in a way we would have wanted to, so we were thrilled to have Richard and his wife Pauline with us.
Richard Davies with his wife, Pauline
“The wellbeing of my teams across the sites of Pilgrims Hospices is as important today as ever. We’ve experienced challenging times over the years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has added to the daily workload for everyone, I have seen staff exceed all expectations to ensure patients are kept at the very heart of all that we do.
“Thank you to all staff, volunteers and supporters from across the hospice sites, we can celebrate in the knowledge that everyone plays an important role within the Pilgrims family.”
Karen Warden, current Chair of the Board of Trustees, who joined the Board in 2018 also shared the events with Pilgrims staff and volunteers, she added: “It gives me enormous pleasure, on behalf of the Board of Trustees, to be able to thank everyone who gives so freely of their time and energy to support all that we do. The events on all three sites, are not only to celebrate our respective anniversaries of providing expert care, but to acknowledge and celebrate the invaluable and unwavering commitment our staff and friends make to Pilgrims Hospices.
“Staff, volunteers, fundraisers, donors, businesses and sponsors all play a part in the delivery and dedication of outstanding care and specialist support to patients and their families, friends and carers. Pilgrims is often likened to a family and I can think of no better analogy.
“Here’s to the next 40 years!”
If you’d like to help Pilgrims celebrate our 40th anniversary year, please visit pilgrimshospices.org/40 to find out how you can get involved.
A full photo album from the events can be found on our Facebook page.
If you, or someone you know is coping with a life-limiting illness and you think you may benefit from Pilgrims support, talk to your GP or Healthcare Professional about the options or visit www.pilgrimshospices.org to research our services or find out how you can support the hospices.
23rd June 2022
What is Wellbeing at Pilgrims Hospices?
Pilgrims Hospices’ Wellbeing service is an integral part of hospice life; it is the foundation upon which a sense of trust can be established.
Billy Williams, Wellbeing Practitioner, and Justine Robinson, Therapies and Wellbeing Manager, explain how their team support patients who have been referred to hospice care, as well as their carers and families.
Justine Robinson, Therapies and Wellbeing Manager
The term ‘wellbeing’ feels like it’s everywhere at the moment, but you might be surprised to see it’s an important part of Pilgrims’ services. Wellbeing, put very simply, can be seen as ‘how you are doing’, either as an individual patient or carer, or as part of your family and community.
Often the first port of call for many who have been referred to hospice care, the Wellbeing team provide the building blocks that can help people not only come to terms with their diagnosis, but also enable them to live to their fullest every day.
Wellbeing Practitioners at Pilgrims Hospices provide both patients and carers with holistic, bespoke and tailored therapeutic tools to help them in managing a life-limiting illness. They offer a safe space for people to share their thoughts, open up about their conditions and connect with others going through similar experiences. They give people time to process, understand and come to terms with their diagnosis, whilst providing them with creative outlets and meaningful interactions. The team help people to realise that a life-limiting diagnosis does not mean life stops; in fact, life after diagnosis can flourish and provide a great deal of fulfilment, opportunity and fun.
Billy Williams, Wellbeing Practitioner
Our Therapy Centres
At Pilgrims, we believe a sense of wellbeing is important regardless of diagnosis. Our Therapy Centres offer a chance for connection, comfort, meaning, and joy by supporting patients, carers, families and loved ones in what matters to them.
In our Therapy Centres, we hope to help enhance patients’ and carers’ wellbeing by supporting them in a variety of ways. This could be by helping them feel more in control of what is happening to them, or understanding their symptoms better. It might be by giving them time to talk to people who are going through a similar situation, or by engaging in an activity that helps them feel better or more relaxed. We also offer the opportunity to plan for the future and consider what patients might want to create or leave their loved ones as a legacy.
Wellbeing Menu at Pilgrims
Time to Create
In these popular group sessions, patients create artwork based around seasonal themes or events. It is a chance for patients to get together, have fun and try something new.
Patient Virtual Café
Extending its Wellbeing service digitally has meant that Pilgrims is able to include people who are more cautious about leaving home. The Pilgrims Virtual Café is a fantastic opportunity for people to get together virtually, have a chat, make new friends and feel socially connected to the wider world.
Carer Café and Carer Walking Group
Pilgrims’ carer services are hugely valuable to families who are caring for loved ones. The Wellbeing team offer support within the Therapy Centres with tea, coffee and a friendly chat, as well as the opportunity to get outdoors, take in some fresh air and meet people going through similar situations in a peaceful and mindful natural environment.
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.
