Pilgrims Hospices celebrate World Social Work Day 2025
Pilgrims Hospices is proud to provide holistic, compassionate palliative care across east Kent. The charity supports people in many different ways, and social work is an integral part of this.
To celebrate World Social Work Day 2025, the social work team share what they enjoy about their roles at Pilgrims, and how they support patients, families and local communities.
Melinda
Melinda Downes, Social Worker at Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury
“I’ve always been driven to help people, so to have the opportunity to compassionately care for those facing a terminal illness is not only a privilege, but a very humbling experience.
As a social worker, I get to meet inspiring people and work with fantastic and supportive colleagues within our amazing wider team. I enjoy experiencing meaningful connections with patients, families and carers, and knowing that the support I’m able to provide is appreciated.”
Lynn Griffiths, Social Worker at Pilgrims Hospice Thanet
Lynn
“Working at Pilgrims is a real privilege. It brings me huge job satisfaction, and is both humbling and rewarding. My favourite thing about working here is the people. I’m inspired by our patients and families every day, and feel grateful to have the opportunity to make a positive difference. The team are all incredibly supportive of each other; they are professional, caring and, most of all, kind. Pilgrims is a really lovely place to work.
I spend time with patients and their families, both on the ward and in the community, supporting them during what is often a very difficult period in their lives. Having the time to make trusting and meaningful relationships is so important, and I feel privileged when people share their experiences with me.
My role is different every day; the diversity creates a busy workload, but it is enjoyable and allows me to use my social work training, skills and knowledge to contribute positively to the patients, families and the wider multi-disciplinary team within the hospice.”
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.
17th December 2024
Bringing Christmas cheer to Pilgrims Hospices: Penny’s heart-warming tradition
Pilgrims Hospices is once again preparing for a festive transformation, thanks to the dedication of Penny Cattermole, one of our valued healthcare assistants.
For several years, Penny has made it her mission to bring the joy and spirit of the holiday season to the hospice wards, creating a magical winter wonderland for patients, staff, and visitors alike.
Penny’s efforts go beyond simply putting up decorations. Throughout the year, she scours boot sales and local markets, on the lookout for unique and beautiful Christmas ornaments to add to her collection. “I love a good bargain,” Penny says, “but more than that, I love seeing the delight on everyone’s faces when the decorations go up.”
Every year, Penny donates her time coming into the Thanet hospice on her days off to transform the wards and corridors of the hospice. Her contributions include four elegant white Christmas trees, which she has generously gifted over the past few years. These trees, adorned with twinkling lights and festive ornaments, are the centrepiece of her winter wonderland. Penny’s dedication isn’t limited to Christmas; she also decorates the ward for Easter, adding touches of spring with her collection of seasonal decorations.
“I don’t do it for the praise,” she shares. “I do it because it brings happiness and cheerfulness to the ward. The staff work incredibly hard, and I hope my efforts bring a bit of joy to their day.”
This year, however, Penny will not be decorating her own home for Christmas. With a mischievous 8-month-old Maine Coon kitten, Leo, at home, she knows the festive setup would be at risk of being toppled over in moments! Instead, she’s focusing all her energy on making the hospice a warm and inviting place for everyone.
Penny has been a valued member of the Pilgrims care team for 14 years; she has followed a career in care throughout her working life. Many of the care team will be on duty on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. They will have already made arrangements to spend their special festive times with their families and friends on alternative days.
Jon May, Pilgrims Hospices Service Manager at Pilgrims Hospice Thanet, said, “Penny is just full of community spirit; it’s just wonderful to see Penny’s beautiful decorations and experience the festive atmosphere she creates. Her dedication exemplifies the spirit of our team of staff and volunteers, who bring comfort, joy, and a sense of normality to the hospice environment.”
Pilgrims Hospices wishes everyone a warm and caring Christmas.
Thank you for supporting our services in your area.
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.
24th September 2024
Super fundraiser Sian raises over £1,000 for Pilgrims Hospices in memory of mum
Sian fundraised in memory of her mum, Denise, who received Pilgrims care in 2022.
Sian and Denise
Sian felt so supported by Pilgrims during her mum’s illness that she wanted to give back.
She said: “Pilgrims regularly checked in, ensuring she was comfortable with the huge changes in her life that she was about to face. They fitted aids throughout our home to support her as her physical strength gradually worsened.
“In the days leading up to her passing, she got sick. We phoned Pilgrims for advice, and they informed our GP and requested a scan. On the morning of the scan, Mum struggled to get up. I called Pilgrims and they told me to phone the hospital. This became one of the last days we spent with Mum; without Pilgrims’ guidance, we wouldn’t have had that extra time with her before she passed.
“During this period when Mum was unwell, I was on my own caring for her whilst trying to balance working a full-time job as well as making time for myself. Pilgrims acted as a friend, offering advice and support.
“No one can prepare you to lose a parent. Life is short, and although I would’ve loved to spend the rest of my life with Mum, having those extra days with her made me eternally grateful – and it’s all thanks to Pilgrims for listening to me on the other end of that phone call.
Sian took on The Big Half on Sunday 1 September 2024.
Sian at The Big Half 2024
Her friends, family and local gym – Muscle Hut in Ashford – helped her to raise more than £1,000 for Pilgrims.
She added:
“I’m so grateful for the support Pilgrims provided throughout a very difficult time on our family. They were always within arm’s reach, and I’m extremely excited to be giving back to them in any way I can.”
Pilgrims has a limited number of charity places in The Big Half 2025, you can secure your spot on the start line today, for free, with a pledge to raise at least £350 sponsorship for hospice care.
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.
18th March 2024
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.
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.
