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.
30th May 2022
Pilgrims Hospices’ Wellbeing team help patients celebrate Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
Time to Create sessions at Pilgrims Hospices, run by the Wellbeing team, offer patients an opportunity to express themselves through arts and crafts activities in a group setting. This can help with the physical, emotional and spiritual challenges they may face after a diagnosis and referral to hospice care.
The team at Pilgrims Hospice Thanet has been busy getting ready to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Patients have designed custom pieces of art using the Queen’s famous silhouette as inspiration; drawing on different artistic techniques and styles, the team curated a unique collection to display in the Therapy Centre at the Thanet hospice.
Janis, a patient, shared what she has enjoyed about the project:
“The Queen has been a constant and stabilising presence for the country through so much adversity. It has been fun painting her.”
A Time to Create session at the Pilgrims Hospice Thanet Therapy Centre
Billy Williams, Wellbeing Practitioner, said:
“Working on such an iconic and world-famous image has been so much fun. Celebrating the Queen’s Jubilee is something that brings the whole country together; everyone at the hospice has been admiring the finished pieces, which we’ve displayed throughout the Therapy Centre.
“Time to Create sessions are a great way for patients to improve their overall wellbeing, meet people going through similar experiences and unwind in a calm and friendly environment. The group has really enjoyed working on these pieces; patients have experienced reduced anxiety and stress, and been able to focus on something positive.”
The feedback from patients is overwhelmingly positive, too:
“I was introduced to Billy and Time to Create after attending a breathlessness management group. I had no idea the hospice offered a wide range of Wellbeing activities. Time to Create is a wonderful way to spend a few hours every Thursday afternoon. I can completely switch off and enjoy the company of the group. It’s been fabulous.”
– Angela
“This is my first time at Time to Create and I have found it friendly and relaxing. I have really enjoyed it.”
– Donna
“Great company and great fun! I come to Time to Create to do many different arts and crafts, completely out of my comfort zone but so enjoyable.”
– Janis
“We all enjoy Time to Create, such fun and super company.”
– Henry
Wellbeing at Pilgrims is an essential part of the holistic care provided by the charity; mental health and wellbeing are vital in helping patients to live well, cultivate a positive mental attitude and develop a sense of purpose.
Pilgrims’ Wellbeing team offer a variety of both patient and carer-focused support, including art-based therapeutic activities like Time to Create and walking groups for carers. They work alongside the wider therapies team to ensure a holistic and person-centred approach is taken when supporting patients, carers and 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 March 2022
“The Pilgrims ethos is special”: Nurse Clare retires after 21 years of caring service
Clare Stewart from Chartham joined Pilgrims Hospices as a staff nurse at the Ashford hospice when it opened in 2001. For 21 years, she has cared for patients and families at the most difficult time of their lives.
Now preparing to retire from her role, Clare reflects on her nursing career and palliative care journey.
As a teenager considering her career prospects, Clare wanted to be a physiotherapist, but ultimately she decided that nursing was the role for her.
She said: “I had a friend who was a nurse, and I was inspired by the stories she told me. I’m so glad I chose this path; now, I can’t imagine being anything other than a nurse.”
Clare completed her training at the South East Kent School of Nursing in January 1984, qualifying in 1987. Her first post was on a busy orthopaedic ward, but she developed an interest in surgery and gained a placement on the general surgical ward at William Harvey Hospital in Ashford.
It has been a privilege to care for patients and their families at such a difficult time in their lives. Being part of a multidisciplinary team is very rewarding; the high standard of nursing care we’re able to deliver has been so satisfying for me. I’ve really enjoyed making a positive difference to people in their time of need.
Clare
She continued: “As my surgical nursing experience widened, I became interested in palliative care. Being able to care holistically for patients and families really appealed to me. When the Ashford hospice opened, I joined as a staff nurse working night duty shifts. I also briefly worked as a community palliative nurse, which was valuable experience, but it made me realise that my passion was working on the in-patient unit.”
Reflecting on her time at Pilgrims, Clare shared what she has loved about being a Pilgrims nurse:
“Pilgrims has been like a family to me over the years; as a team, we’ve shared laughter, tears and all the emotions in between.
“It has been a privilege to care for patients and their families at such a difficult time in their lives. Being part of a multidisciplinary team is very rewarding; the high standard of nursing care we’re able to deliver has been so satisfying for me. I’ve really enjoyed making a positive difference to people in their time of need.
“The Pilgrims ethos is special, that’s why I’ve loved my time here and found it so fulfilling.”
Clare encapsulates everything that Pilgrims stands for; she is kind and caring, and always goes the extra mile to ensure our patients and their families get the best experience possible.
Karen Mowat, Senior Ward Sister at the Ashford hospice
Like so many healthcare workers, Clare has faced challenges working through a pandemic.
She said: “It’s been stressful. Initially, I felt scared about caring for COVID-positive patients. PPE has also been a barrier to communication, especially with patients who are hard of hearing.
“I remember the days where we were unable to have visitors at the hospice; for patients to die without their loved ones at their side was so upsetting. It was such a big contrast to our usual open-door attitude and that was hard to accept.”
But over the years within nursing generally, Clare has experienced first-hand how things have changed for the better.
She continued: “Patients are now treated as individuals; their needs, preferences and wishes are taken into account. Technology has also enhanced the care we’re able to deliver, making processes faster and more efficient.”
Karen Mowat, Senior Ward Sister at the Ashford hospice, said: “I have had the pleasure of working with Clare over the past 21 years. To me, Clare encapsulates everything that Pilgrims stands for; she is kind and caring, and always goes the extra mile to ensure our patients and their families get the best experience possible. She nurses with empathy and compassion, which means that patients and their loved ones receive the support and care they need.
“As well as being an incredible nurse, Clare has kept both staff and patients entertained over the years with her wicked sense of humour and ability to make people laugh, even at 3am! Clare is an integral part of the Ashford team and will be sorely missed by us all. I wish her every happiness in her retirement and hope she enjoys some well-deserved rest!”
Clare
Upon retiring, Clare plans to spend valuable time with loved ones and enjoy walks with the family dog, Olive. She is also a keen crafter and baker and has lots of creative projects on the horizon:
“We recently converted our daughter Alice’s old bedroom into a craft room, so I’m excited to get on with making cards, crocheting and trying out painting.
“I also have several cakes to make for birthdays and weddings. Our son, Matthew, is getting married soon and I’m making the cake! I’m also looking forward to doing a cake decorating course in the near future.”
We’re looking for people to join us in providing outstanding quality care and support to those who need it most.
If you’re interested in a nursing or care career at Pilgrims, we’d love to hear from you.
Check out our current vacancies for more information and apply today:
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to thousands of 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, 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 February 2022
Bob encourages everyone to embrace Pilgrims Hospices care
When Bob Jager from Greenhill, Herne Bay was offered Pilgrims Hospices care, he didn’t think it was for him. That changed when he visited the Canterbury hospice; now, he wants to spread the word and encourage others to make the most of Pilgrims’ vital services.
Bob, a retired painter and decorator, recently spent time in the Canterbury hospice before returning home to his wife and family. Like so many people, he had heard about hospice care but never experienced it himself.
He said: “My wife, Dot, and our daughter, Lorraine, convinced me to give it a go. When I came to Pilgrims for the first time, I saw how beautiful it is.
“I thought it would be a horrible place. I’d only heard others talk about hospices and the things they said scared me, but I shouldn’t have listened to them. This is why we need to talk about it, because it’s been such a wonderful experience for me.”
Bob’s friend of 60 years, Denis Berwick, added: “Everybody fears it, especially as you get older. I always thought the same as Bob, but coming to see him at Pilgrims was the first time I’d been inside a hospice and I realise now how nice it is.”
Denis and Bob at the Canterbury hospice
Bob and Denis are keen fishermen and members of the Canterbury and District Angling Association (CDAA). Inspired by the care his friend is receiving, Denis plans to organise CDAA fundraisers for Pilgrims in the future to help ensure that others can benefit from Pilgrims’ compassionate care across east Kent.
Bob continued: “The care I’ve received has been wonderful, absolutely marvellous; I’ve been overwhelmed by the kindness, the politeness, the attitude and the friendliness of everybody here. I’m sleeping at night, I’ve got peace and quiet, contentment, and I’m happy. The Pilgrims staff are truly wonderful. The food is really cracking, too, you just can’t knock it.”
“My advice to anyone who is unsure whether hospice care is for them is: Go for it, most definitely. You’re silly if you don’t.”
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.
13th January 2022
Pilgrims nurse Peter retires after 44-year career
Peter Hall from Folkestone was a familiar face at Pilgrims Hospices since its first hospice opened in Canterbury in 1982. Originally a staff nurse, he eventually joined the community team and spent most of his career supporting patients in their own homes across east Kent.
Peter was born in Germany; his father was in the army, so the family travelled often before settling in Folkestone in 1977. He married his wife, Brigid, in 1982 and together they have three daughters: Ruth (36), Rosie (33) and Ann (31).
He said: “I left school with very few qualifications, just an Art O-Level at Grade C. Whilst loafing around, I bumped into a friend doing a pre-nursing course and became inspired by a desire to help people, particularly those who were ill. So, I gathered a few more O-Levels and was accepted into nurse training at Kent and Canterbury Hospital. As part of this, I also completed mental health training at Horton Road and Coney Hill hospitals in Gloucester.”
Pilgrims was built on a foundation of loving people and wanting to serve them at a difficult time. Although initially a Christian organisation, this broad, compassionate ethos laid the foundations for the holistic secular care we have now.
Peter
Peter qualified in April 1982 and shortly afterwards became a Pilgrims nurse; he received a royal handshake from the Queen Mother when she opened the Canterbury hospice that year.
From 1982-83, he worked on the Cheerful Sparrows ward at Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital in Margate. He also nursed on the intensive care unit (ICU) at Kent and Canterbury Hospital. Peter returned to Pilgrims in 1988 as a community nurse, supporting patients in the Herne Bay, Thanet and Folkestone areas.
He continued: “I was interested in the holistic nature of palliative care and felt it was a good way to combine my general nursing skills with my mental health training. Interestingly, myself and several ICU colleagues transitioned to palliative care around the same time – Frances Guthrie, the first community nurse at Pilgrims, Penny Coe, Debbie Corke and Jenny Farran. On the ICU, even if a patient is unconscious their families are there for us to talk to, so there are similarities in the way Pilgrims care for the whole family and support them after bereavement, too.
A local newspaper article from 2 November 1990, featuring Peter with his Pilgrims colleagues.
“I loved being out and about and visiting people in their own homes, it’s a different dynamic to the wards. Even though a patient is unwell, they’re still the boss – we don’t come to take over, just to advise and help them achieve their goals as best they can. I especially enjoyed Christmas, it’s fun to see how different families celebrate!”
Peter also worked short spells on the hospice wards. This helped to remind him what the ward environment is like and how colleagues work there, and he would often liaise with them to arrange patient admissions from home to hospice. They also support the community team with syringe driver training, so that nurses like Peter can set them up for patients at home or advise via telephone.
He added: “I worked with lots of lovely people and we were lucky to have access to many different specialities between us – occupational therapists, physiotherapists, counsellors, to name just a few – which is probably something I took for granted over the years. I’ve always found teamworking really enjoyable.
“It also ties in with what drew me to palliative care; Pilgrims was built on a foundation of loving people and wanting to serve them at a difficult time. Although initially a Christian organisation, this broad, compassionate ethos laid the foundations for the holistic secular care we have now.”
I worked with lots of lovely people and we were lucky to have access to many different specialities between us
Peter
During his long career, Peter saw much change within the nursing profession:
“When I started, each nurse had their own caseload, which helped maintain continuity of care but had its downsides, too. The move to corporate caseloads, although more bureaucratic, enabled colleagues to manage your patients if you had a day off. This is where multidisciplinary teamworking shines; everyone pitches in. On the whole, it’s much better for organisation and patient care.
“Over the years, the admissions process from community into the hospice has also greatly improved, which has been nice to see.”
Spending the last part of his career nursing through a global pandemic has presented both challenges and opportunities for Peter and the wider Pilgrims workforce.
He said: “We had to do alot more online so it was tricky; IT is my nemesis! Fortunately, I had lovely colleagues who were very helpful and understanding – I’m not bothered about looking silly so am happy to ask for help. Everyone was so supportive of each other.
“I’d gone part-time by the time the pandemic started, so that eased things and not much changed for me. Telephone contact was a challenge initially, but it made me appreciate being able to visit people again when we could. We also realised that some things can actually be done more efficiently over the phone or online, so this learning will be taken into future practice. For example, we used to have in-person meetings at GP surgeries, which is very time-consuming with needing to travel back and forth, so doing these via Zoom is much better.”
Kate White, Head of Nursing at Pilgrims, added: “Peter has been the fabric of Pilgrims for so many years. His retirement is a great loss to us, but mostly to our patients and their families. Peter has always gone the extra mile, putting the patient at the centre of all he does. I have no doubt he will be remembered fondly by all the people whose lives he has touched. He takes with him a wealth of experience and knowledge as well as a great sense of humour. Peter is genuinely one of the kindest, nicest people you could wish to meet. He doesn’t have a bad bone in his body. He always smiles and has a moment to ask how you are.
“I wish Peter the very best for a long and happy retirement; I am sure he will fill his time continuing to help people, he won’t be able to stop himself!”
Upon retiring, Peter has no immediate plans other than to spend time with his wife and family.
He said: “I’m going to drift into it. I’ve got a 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle that I’ve always wanted to do but never had the time, so that’s first on my list!
“My wife and I are going to tidy up our church’s garden. Our daughter, Rosie, gets married soon and we’re also planning a trip to Oklahoma, USA next spring to visit our eldest daughter, Ruth, and her family, which will be lovely. We have lots to look forward to.”
We’re looking for people to join us in providing outstanding quality care and support to those who need it most.
If you’re interested in a nursing or care career at Pilgrims, we’d love to hear from you.
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, 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.
11th January 2022
Bousfield family’s fantastic fundraising for local hospice care
Charlotte, Mark and Hugo Bousfield from Canterbury are keen supporters of Pilgrims Hospices; to date, they have raised more than £1,300 for the charity.
They fundraise in memory of Charlotte’s mum, Jane Mounter, who received Pilgrims’ vital end-of-life care at the Thanet hospice in 2017.
Jane
Jane lived in Beltinge, Herne Bay, where she was a well-known member of the local community. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, and a much-loved ophthalmic nurse in the outpatients department at Kent and Canterbury Hospital.
Charlotte said: “She was the life and soul of the party and has left a big hole in our lives.
“When Mum was admitted to the hospice, I was frightened because I thought it was a place of sadness where everything would be very clinical – but I was amazed from the moment I walked in. I was overwhelmed by the kindness and care that Pilgrims’ staff offered, not only to Mum but to our whole family. We could use all the different spaces, including the beautiful gardens, the family room – which was ideal with Hugo, who was four at the time – and the small chapel area for quiet moments of reflection. My mum was made to feel comfortable, reassured and, most importantly of all, normal.”
Mark and Hugo have taken part in Pilgrims’ festive fun-run, Santas on the Run! in Herne Bay, every year since 2017. The family has also supported Pilgrims’ annual Trees of Love remembrance campaign and been involved with several other fundraising activities.
As a family, they fundraise to give back and say thank you for the care Jane received, helping to ensure that others can benefit from local hospice services.
Hugo with his granny, Jane
Charlotte added: “Pilgrims has become a cause incredibly close to our hearts; the work they do day in and day out to make the most painful moments in life a little bit easier, more bearable and totally human, is nothing short of amazing. We will always be grateful for those last moments with Mum in such a safe place.
Mark and Hugo at Santas on the Bay!
“They’re a great local charity, and we are forever connected to them through my mum. Pilgrims help thousands of people every single day to make their last moments with special people matter. Through fundraising, we hope to raise awareness of this great cause and offer a small gesture that might help other families in difficult times.”
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.
