Tag: Pilgrims Catering

    20th February 2023

    Broadstairs College student cooks up a storm at Pilgrims Hospices

    Broadstairs College student, Jordan Herring is cooking up a storm in Pilgrims Hospices’ Thanet kitchen. The 22-year-old, second year student from Broadstairs, is enjoying undertaking a work placement as part of his Level 2 catering qualification.

    Jordan said: “I started my work experience in Pilgrims’ kitchen last year, it’s just one day each week but I’m really enjoying it. I love being part of the team, they are all so friendly; I felt immediately welcome from the very first day.”

    Georgie Braithwaite, Pilgrims Head Chef said: “It’s great to have Jordon with us, we are very happy to support him as he learns new skills, and really pleased he feels there are many benefits to learning more about the food requirements of patients here in the hospice.  

    “Being part of the catering team can be extremely busy and sometimes quite noisy. Jordan has taken everything in his stride and has blended into our team really well even taking the jokes and kitchen banter with huge smiles.

    “He needs to complete 100 hours experience as part of his on-going training, we are delighted to support him on his journey forward.

    “Jordan will have the opportunity to chat with patients about the dietary requirements and how their individual needs can be catered for in the hospice kitchen.”

    Jordan and Georgie in the Thanet hospice kitchen

    Pilgrims has worked with Broadstairs College over a number of years and as part of the on-going training, the students have provided an afternoon high tea,  complete with waiting staff and a Christmas dinner for patients and staff. “It’s always great to have these lovely treats and we hope the students gain valuable hands-on experience,” Georgie added.

    Jordan in the Thanet hospice kitchen

    Jordan explained: “I think taking the catering qualification at college was a really good decision. It’s definitely provided me with plenty of skills that we help me through life. 

    “The work placement was arranged by Natalie, Broadstairs College Work Placement Officer who engages with organisations to match work opportunities to suit people’s personality and style. I think she picked a good match for me!

    “The placement has helped me to grow in confidence, and I know the placement is helping me to make a difference to the patients, it has a feel-good factor, and it’s really worthwhile.

    “When I’m cooking the time just flies by, there’s no one thing that I’m particularly good at, but I’m absolutely enjoying learning lots of new things with the Pilgrims catering team.”

    To find out about current opportunities at Pilgrims Hospices, please visit:

    www.pilgrimshospoices.org/jobs

    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.

    6th November 2020

    Adding to Pilgrims five a day

    This week  Pilgrims Hospices would like to send a huge thank you to the Shepherd Neame pubs of Canterbury and Faversham for donating fresh ingredients to the kitchens as lockdown came in to place on 5th November.

    We are delighted to donate our stock of fresh produce to Pilgrims Hospices

    Gareth Finney, Shepherd Neame

    Gareth Finney, Shepherd Neame’s Development Chef, coordinated the local hostelries to deliver their fresh fruit and vegetables to the Millers Arms in Canterbury where Ian Ashton, Pilgrims Catering Manager was ready to welcome the donation and arrange distribution to all three hospice sites in Ashford, Canterbury and Thanet.

    The famous Faversham brewers have been supporters of local charities for many years and Gareth said:  “We are delighted to donate our stock of fresh produce to Pilgrims Hospices;  we would not wish to see the goods wasted and know that Ian and his catering team will be able to make good use of what’s available.”

    Ian said: “We are very  grateful for the continued support of Shepherd Neame, on average we need to provide nutritious meals for 600 patients each week, along with meals for our care team and the staff who are working on site throughout the pandemic.   We cater for a wide variety of dietary requirements for our end-of-life patients’.  This generous donation will help resources go that little bit further in these difficult and challenging times.”

    The hospices receive an annual NHS contribution of approximately 20% of the funds required to run the hospices, which is reviewed each year. The remaining costs have to be generated through fundraising and donations.  If you would like to find out more, and help Pilgrims to provide a continued services for the people of east Kent who need care the most, please visit Contact Us. Pilgrims would love to hear from you.

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