The heart of hospice care: Celebrating our Health Care Assistants
Behind every moment of comfort, every reassuring smile and every act of kindness at Pilgrims Hospices, there is often a Health Care Assistant (HCA) helping to make it possible.
Health Care Assistants are an essential part of our clinical teams, providing skilled, hands-on care, practical support and emotional reassurance to patients and those closest to them. Working alongside registered nurses and the wider multidisciplinary team, they help ensure everyone receives personalised care that respects their wishes, dignity and independence.
Whether supporting patients on our inpatient wards or visiting people in their own homes through our community services, HCAs play an important role in helping people live well and make the most of every precious moment. But the role of a Health Care Assistant is about much more than the care they provide.
Our HCAs are often the people who notice the little things that make a big difference – recognising when someone needs a cup of tea, a quiet conversation, a helping hand, or simply someone to sit beside them.
They provide personal care with kindness and dignity, support independence wherever possible, and offer reassurance to patients and families during some of life’s most important moments.
They also help create special memories, supporting celebrations such as birthdays and weddings, and helping to arrange cuddle beds so loved ones can spend precious time together.
Alongside their clinical skills, our HCAs bring warmth, humour and compassion to their roles. They help create the calm, welcoming atmosphere that makes Pilgrims Hospices such a special place.
4 Theresa HCA
5 Marife HCA
6 Sharon Amber And Sarah HCAs
Making every moment matter
For many of our HCAs, the privilege of supporting patients and families at such an important time in their lives is what makes their role so rewarding.
Melanie has been a Health Care Assistant with Pilgrims for nine years.
“It’s all about the patients and their loved ones. It’s a very special job,” she said. Michael, who has been part of the Pilgrims team for three years, shares the same passion for making a difference every day.
Theresa joined Pilgrims Canterbury around seven months ago following a 20-year NHS career, which began in end-of-life care at Kent and Canterbury Hospital.
“It’s a wonderful, calm environment with caring colleagues, it’s a team that makes everything work so well, everyone plays their part.”
For many HCAs, the sense of belonging and the support of their colleagues is one of the things that makes working at Pilgrims so special.
An essential part of the team
Tina Ivanov, Director of Clinical Operations at Pilgrims Hospices, said: “Health Care Assistants are an essential part of our clinical teams. Their compassion, dedication, and commitment makes a huge difference to patients and families every day.
“They provide skilled and compassionate support, working closely with nurses and colleagues across our services to deliver the personalised care that Pilgrims is known for. Their ability to notice the small things and bring comfort at exactly the right moment is truly special.”
Nurses across Pilgrims also recognise the important contribution HCAs make, describing them as trusted colleagues who bring valuable knowledge, experience, and insight into every aspect of patient care.
Kate White, Senior Nurse Manager, said: “Our HCAs are at the heart of the care we provide. Their compassion, dedication, and ability to bring comfort, dignity and reassurance to patients and families every day is truly invaluable.”
3 Carole HCA
2 Michael HCA
1 Monica HCA
The moments that matter
Carole has been a Health Care Assistant at Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury for 18 years and loves being part of a team that helps make every moment special for patients and families.
“I love supporting the patients and families and helping to make every moment special,” she said. “Being part of a team and knowing that we all care so passionately about what we do means so much.”
Alongside her caring role, Carole enjoys creating seasonal displays on the ward, from Wimbledon-inspired decorations to autumn leaves and festive scenes, bringing smiles to patients, visitors and colleagues alike.
Amber has been a Health Care Assistant at Pilgrims Hospice Thanet for two years, having previously worked at the Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital in Margate. After taking time away from work to care for her daughter, Amber reflected on what was most important to her and discovered a real passion for end-of-life care.
“I truly love the relationships we’re able to build with our patients at Pilgrims,” she said. “Being part of the team is really special. We communicate so well, support one another, and always come together when it matters.”
Sharon has spent the past two years as part of the HCA team at Thanet, following previous experience with Pilgrims’ Hospice at Home service. With 11 years of valuable Pilgrims experience, she knows how important teamwork is.
“Patients never realise what a jolly place it is here,” she said. “To hear the laughter and spend time chatting with the HCAs can make a world of difference to patients and their families.”
At Pilgrims Hospice Ashford, the team shared the same feelings; Monica and Marife said: “It’s a privilege to care for people when they need us most.Every day is different, but knowing we’ve made someone’s day a little easier is incredibly rewarding.”
Every day, our Health Care Assistants bring compassion, dignity, reassurance and kindness to patients and families across east Kent. Whether offering practical care, sharing a quiet conversation, or helping to create lasting memories, they are at the very heart of hospice care.
A day in the life of a Health Care Assistant
Providing personal care with dignity and compassion
Helping patients maintain their independence
Working alongside nurses and the wider clinical team
Supporting families through precious moments
Creating special memories and celebrations
Offering comfort, reassurance and companionship
Helping make every moment matter
Thank you to every one of our Health Care Assistants for the extraordinary difference you make every day.
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.
18th August 2026
A tribute to Alex Miles: “Pilgrims go above and beyond”
Alex Miles from Folkestone was a family man; a devoted husband to Ruth and father to Millie, Jake, Mason, Layla and Bailey, he served as a sergeant in Kent Police and played football for Folkestone Invicta FC.
In 2019, Alex, then aged 44, was diagnosed with lung cancer, which had spread to his bones. He began treatment and, with his condition managed, was able to live relatively well and even continue working.
But in 2024, Alex suffered two strokes, after which he was admitted to Pilgrims Hospices for end-of-life care.
Alex died at the Ashford hospice in September 2024, aged 49.
Alex and Ruth with family on their wedding dayAlex with his son, Bailey
Ruth shares how Pilgrims helped their family to make the most of their precious final moments with Alex, and supported them in their grief after his death:
“Alex was transferred from hospital; after the second stroke, he wasn’t really conscious, but Pilgrims made him comfortable – it was noticeable as soon as he got to the hospice.
“As a family, we had such a positive experience of Pilgrims’ care. Alex was only in the hospice for a few days, and although it was never going to be easy, it was as comforting as it could possibly have been. We had a family room, so a few of us could sleep in there with Alex. Friends and family could visit any time to say their goodbyes.
“I was breastfeeding our youngest child, Bailey, who was just five months old at the time. The kind nurses and staff were so supportive – they made us countless cups of tea and toast, took Bailey for walks and played with him to give us a break, answered our questions, held our hands and simply listened. They even shared their own stories with us; we learned that so many of them have personal experiences of hospice care, which is what inspired them to work for Pilgrims. They did all this whilst keeping Alex comfortable; they really do go above and beyond.”
“After Alex died, myself and one of Alex’s older children were offered bereavement counselling; we really appreciated that continuity of care. I also had massages from the complementary therapy team, which were lovely.
“I can’t fault Pilgrims, they’re fantastic.”
In April 2025, Alex’s family launched the inaugural Miles Memorial Cup – a football match in honour of Alex to celebrate his life, which they plan to make an annual event. On 18 April 2026, the match was held in aid of Pilgrims, raising £4,000 for local hospice care.
Ruth said:
“We wanted to give back to those that helped us on Alex’s journey; Pilgrims were able to offer the specialist, compassionate care that Alex needed at the end of his life, when no one else could. If our fundraising helps just one other family to have that same support and peace, it will mean so much to us. We’re lucky to have such brilliant hospice care in the UK, but it is only available thanks to peoples’ generous support and donations – that’s why it’s so important for us to fundraise for Pilgrims.
“Any opportunity to talk about Alex and have other people remember him, I’ll take it, because he deserves that. It’s very comforting for me. Although Alex’s life was cut short, this is how we can keep his memory alive.”
Alex Miles With His Wife Ruth
Alex Miles With Family
Alex And Ruth Miles With Their Children Mason, Layla And Bailey
Alex Miles With His Children L R Jake, Mason, Millie And Layla
Alex Miles With His Children Mason And Layla
Top Alex Miles With His Sister Nicola And His Uncle
Follow @milesmemorialcup on Instagram for news and updates about the annual Miles Memorial Cup.
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.
14th August 2026
Introducing Dr. Tina Ivanov: “I have a genuine interest in how we get death and dying right for people”
Dr. Tina Ivanov is the Director of Clinical Operations at Pilgrims Hospices; she joined the charity in March 2026, following a long career as a paramedic in both Australia and England.
She has also worked in clinical education and service development, helping to keep patients safe, engaging staff, and leading on clinical governance.
Tina shares what drew her to palliative care, and her hopes for the future at Pilgrims.
Originally from Melbourne, Australia, Tina moved to the UK in 2015:
“People always ask me why I left Oz. Firstly, I love to travel, and the world seems much closer when based in England. But the other reason was work; I thought I could learn so much being part of the healthcare system in England. It’s not perfect, but there’s a lot to be excited about in the way we deliver health and care here.”
What is your professional background?
“It’s a lovely mix of clinical, people and education. I’ve been a registered paramedic, which is one of the Allied Health Professions, for nearly three decades. I also have a professional membership with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, and I’m a Doctor of Education.
I’ve worked in ambulance services and a hospital, as well as in universities, in lecturing and course development, for most of my career. I’ve been a manager for about 20 years, leading teams and services, and working at senior levels across operations, people and service development.”
Tina at work as a paramedic in Australia
What drew you to palliative care? What is your personal experience of palliative care?
Tina’s mum, Dorothy, with her grandson (Tina’s son), Luke
“As a paramedic, I’ve seen the full spectrum of palliative patients, dying and death. In my early career, I felt I needed to “save” everyone, but as I learnt more and saw the reality, my approach to death and dying changed. I saw that having dignity in death and allowing the dying person to feel supported and in control, and providing information to them and their family, was far more beneficial than medication or intervention – so I have a genuine interest in how we get this right for people.
I experienced this personally through my mum, Dorothy, who lived with Parkinson’s disease for many years before being diagnosed with terminal cancer. Although one part of my family remained in denial right to the end, my mum wanted a safe space to talk about her wishes and to die at home. The support provided by the hospice team was exceptional, and my mum died at home with us there. Being able to support that outcome for her was one of the most privileged positions I could be in.
These two experiences made me curious about best practice in palliative and end-of-life care; not just from a medical point of view, but with the whole picture in mind – psychological, environmental, the family, support – everything.”
Why did you choose Pilgrims Hospices? What do you enjoy about your role?
“The more I learnt about Pilgrims, the more I felt this is the right place for me. It has such a strong connection to the community we serve, which is so important to me. When I asked people about the charity, everyone spoke with such pride and connection, and I wanted to be part of that. And now that I’m here, I feel it; it’s not words on a poster on a wall, it’s real, and something I experience every day. Our people, staff, patients and volunteers all really matter.
I love working with individual teams and hearing about those stories where families and patients are supported, the stuff that goes on behind the work. Because we get to know our patients, we can do the very personal things that make such a difference. I love that, as Pilgrims, we champion that and give people the space to do it properly. It gives me a real positive energy in my role, and it’s what makes Pilgrims a very special place to work.”
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.
13th August 2026
Tiles of Joy, creativity, connection and moments of happiness at Pilgrims Hospices
Photograph: Palak Sharma, Wellbeing Practitioner with Kavita Sodhi, Wellbeing Practioner Lead
A beautiful community art project, kindly funded by the Cantiacorum Foundation, is bringing colour, creativity and connection to Pilgrims Hospices, as patients, carers, staff and volunteers come together to take part in Tiles of Joy.
Led by ceramic artist Jayne Wright of JAW Ceramics CIC, Tiles of Joy began in 2023 in partnership with Power of Women (POW) Thanet, with an inspiring workshop at the Margate Caves.
Since then, the project has grown into something truly special, with more than 2,000 handcrafted tiles created by people across Thanet and beyond.
The project has united a wide range of community groups, from local schools and heritage organisations to social inclusion initiatives and arts groups, nurturing creativity and connection across the area.
More recently, Pilgrims’ Wellbeing groups have been taking part in the inspiring Tiles of Joy project. Patients, carers, Stepping Stones bereavement groups, staff and volunteers were invited to create their own ceramic tiles, each reflecting what brings them happiness. During the sessions, participants explored clay by scraping, indenting and shaping their designs, supported throughout by Jayne, who then carefully fired each piece before returning them ready for display.
Now proudly displayed at the hospices in Ashford and Thanet, these unique artworks form beautiful, fixed installations, each tile telling its own story and together creating a lasting celebration of community, creativity and care.
The experience has been both thought-provoking and uplifting. Participants have not only enjoyed the hands-on creative process, but also the special experience of seeing their work become part of a shared piece of art, something that will continue to bring comfort and joy to all who visit.
The project has also inspired Pilgrims’ Wellbeing team to explore how clay and creative therapies could play a bigger role in future sessions, opening up new opportunities to support patients and families through creativity and wellbeing activities.
Ann with the Tiles of Joy mural at Pilgrims Hospice Ashford
As the Wellbeing team shared:
“It has been such a meaningful experience for everyone involved. Seeing people relax into the process, express themselves so freely, and then light up when they see their finished tile on display, has been incredibly special.”
Ann Mapley, a Wellbeing patient at Pilgrims Hospices who took part in the sessions, said:
“The brief was to design tiles that meant something to us, and for me that was my grandchildren. One of them loves George’s Dragon and the other loves snails, so I created a dragon and a snail on my tiles. It was such a fun afternoon, there were lots of laughs and giggles as we all tried to get everything just right with help from the lovely ladies running the session.
“Seeing the mural come together has been wonderful; it looks so lovely now. I first found out about the project through a leaflet that had been brought in, and I’m really glad I took part.”
Tiles of Joy is a reminder that even small moments of creativity can have a lasting impact, bringing people together, sparking reflection, and creating something truly meaningful.
Anne Mapley Tiles Of Joy 2
Anne Mapley Tiles Of Joy 1
Ann’s tiles
Follow Tiles of Joy on Instagram to find out more:@tilesofjoy
Pilgrims run a wide range of wellbeing groups and activities designed to support patients to live well, stay connected and enjoy the best quality of life possible.
For more information on Pilgrims Hospices’ Wellbeing Programme:
Call the Pilgrims Hospices Advice Line on01233 504 133
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.
21st May 2026
Pilgrims Hospices patients get creative with Hamlet writing project
Pilgrims Hospices has been working with The Marlowe Theatre to offer patients the opportunity to get involved with various creative projects, with the aim of improving wellbeing through engaging in something meaningful.
Beginning with a Hamlet-inspired musical theatre project in 2024/25, the collaboration continued with a Hamlet-themed creative writing project in Spring 2026. Over four weeks, patients came together at Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury Therapy Centre. Icebreaker activities in the first session helped them feel at ease and get to know each other; they chatted about their favourite biscuits, with one patient expressing outrage at the “betrayal” of smaller-sized biscuits these days!
Patients then began their journey to becoming storytellers, starting with a game; taking turns in a circle, each person said one word in order to build a collective story. The group also had fun experimenting with words and rhyme, creating a song inspired by Hamlet and What’s Up Pussycat by Tom Jones.
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Winston the Pets As Therapy (PAT) dog also visited the workshops with Trina, his helper. The project culminated in a final session where patients showcased their creative writing to friends and family, followed by a delicious lunch, lovingly prepared by the Pilgrims catering team.
The sessions were delivered and facilitated by Margate-based creatives, Tom Adams and Ellie Ward. Tom is a socially-engaged composer, making music and sound for theatre, installations, workshops, and film; his work connects directly with real social issues like community, education, and justice. Ellie is a comedian, cabaret performer and theatre-maker.
They said:
“We aimed to inspire participants to access their creative side, using Hamlet as a springboard to empower them to write creatively. We were led by the group, so the sessions were very much directed by them and what they wanted to achieve.”
Elizabeth Goodwin, Wellbeing Practitioner, with Tom Adams and Ellie Ward
Paul Mount from East Studdal, a village in between Dover and Deal, has been attending Pilgrims Wellbeing groups for several months:
“I’ve particularly enjoyed the Shakespeare projects – I didn’t do this stuff at school! I’ve learned so much just by listening, and it’s had such a positive impact on my everyday life.
“I look forward to coming; it gets me out of the house and I enjoy spending time with people I can talk to. No one judges you here, we’re all the same.”
Paul, who attends Wellbeing groups at Pilgrims Hospices
The Hamlet projects are funded by the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC); Shakespeare Nation is a collaboration between The Marlowe Theatre and the RSC to celebrate the works of Shakespeare and explore their relevance to modern-day Kent.
For more information on Pilgrims Hospices’ Wellbeing Programme:
Call the Pilgrims Hospices Advice Line on01233 504 133
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.
14th May 2026
Pilgrims patients’ artwork features in Beaney exhibition
Pilgrims Hospices is proud to offer a range of wellbeing groups for patients, supporting them to feel empowered and live well in the time they have left.
Rachelle Francis
In February 2026, Margate-based textile artist, Rachelle Francis, led a series of workshops – Mind to Stitch – at the Thanet hospice Therapy Centre, supporting patients’ wellbeing through creativity and connection. Patients collaborated to create cloth books inspired by the hidden work of Rachelle’s late mother and fellow artist, Diana Francis, whose creative practice became a vital outlet while living with anxiety, depression, and life-limiting illness.
The Mind to Stitch workshop programme was part of a wider project called With & Without Diana: Stitching for Mental Health, supported through funding from Arts Council England. The project was developed with project partner Olivia Schelts-Harris and delivered with the skills, care and creativity of an incredible team across Thanet.
Rachelle said: “It was especially poignant to introduce the Mind to Stitch project to Pilgrims patients. Sharing both my own and my late mother’s artworks, alongside Diana’s experiences of anxiety, depression, and life-limiting illness, created a deeply moving connection within the group. Participants felt inspired to express themselves creatively, just as Diana had done, and many embraced the opportunity to create artworks that would form part of their own legacy. This made the Mind to Stitch cloth books deeply personal and significant.
“The Wellbeing team at Pilgrims were incredibly supportive throughout the process. I was stunned by the detail, imagination, and individuality in each participant’s creations; it was wonderful to see not only artistic confidence grow, but also the connections within the group blossom. The two Mind to Stitch cloth books created by Pilgrims participants are truly bursting at the seams with life.”
Mind To Stitch Book 7
Mind To Stitch Book 6
Mind To Stitch Book 5
Mind To Stitch Book 4
Mind To Stitch Book 3
Mind To Stitch Book 2
Mind To Stitch Book 1
The project culminated in an exhibition – My Hands Are My Voice – at The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge in Canterbury, which featured artwork by Diana, Rachelle, and hundreds of community participants. Blooming with Diana’s patterns and repurposed materials, these collaborative works celebrate the expressive, connective and therapeutic power of textiles; the tactile pages invite visitors to touch and listen closely to the stories shared in stitch.
Shaped by pattern, repetition and gesture, the exhibition traces a shared visual language across generations, where making becomes a means of expression beyond words – and so the conversation expands outward, revealing how hands can hold memory, connection and voice.
Rachelle continued: “At the exhibition opening, it was an absolute joy to see patients and their families visiting the artworks on display. The group lit up the room with their collective energy, and we all shared in the excitement of knowing their work would be seen by thousands of people over the coming weeks.”
Cloth books at the My Hands Are My Voice exhibition
Peney’s story
Peney at the exhibition
Peney Reynolds lives in Margate and was referred to Pilgrims Hospices in 2025 after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, a lung cancer caused by asbestos. After the initial shock, she has found hope and positivity through attending Pilgrims’ wellbeing groups; meeting Rachelle and being involved with My Hands Are My Voice has been a particular highlight:
“My journey began in a dark, scary tunnel, and I saw no light at the end of it; despite having a loving, caring family, I felt very alone.
“When the oncology nurses at the hospital suggested Pilgrims to me, I thought: “God, they think I’m going to die soon”, but Pilgrims put me right – “No, Peney, you’re not coming here to die – you are coming here to live.” I soon found out that the hospice helps people like me to live with dignity, empowers us to have faith in ourselves, and encourages quality of life.”
“I was attracted to the Living Well group immediately and joined a wonderful group of people in the same position as me; people I could talk to (without upsetting close family with my inner thoughts). I met Katie Brewer and Jane Stanley, two amazing Wellbeing Practitioners who have been my rocks. They’ve inspired and encouraged me to explore myself and I haven’t looked back since; a wonderful experience of love and kindness that turned my darkness into bright sunshine.
Mind to Stitch workshop at the Thanet hospice Therapy Centre
“Taking part in the Mind to Stitch workshops with Rachelle was a real joy; I have a deep regard for her and Diana. I chose to make my page about my little dog, Jodie, who sadly passed on 23 December 2025 – I called it “My Paws Are My Voice”. As a group, we’re so proud of each other, and I was honoured to attend the opening day of the exhibition at The Beaney.
“Thanks to all the Wellbeing staff and volunteers who have made me realise life is an amazing gift, I can now embrace my journey with hope and faith. With their continued support, I’m planning to make four memory boxes for loved ones, for when my time comes. I have some prints of Diana’s work from Rachelle, which I will write personal messages on, and I’m recording fond memories via The Blackbird Project. All will have one message in common – my proudest moment, which is having a bit of me live on in those textile books.
“Thanks to Pilgrims, I’m living well. The hospice is the most beautiful place I’ve had the pleasure to be, and I’m so grateful for each and every person there.”
Rachelle added: “I am very proud to share in the exhibition the incredible power of Diana’s once hidden artworks – not just their personal impact on me as her daughter, but also their ability to inspire the 222 people in the community through the Mind to Stitch workshops.
“The public response to the exhibition has been overwhelming. Visitors have been deeply moved and inspired by the exhibits, and hundreds of personal reflections have been left on the interactive wall. I still don’t think I’ve fully taken it all in.
“It has been especially beautiful to see young children animatedly exploring the cloth books created by Pilgrims participants, while parents and carers explain who stitched each page and the story behind the Pilgrims books. Hearing those conversations is a real reminder of how creativity, care, and shared stories can connect strangers and people across generations.”
A selection of works from the exhibition have been acquired by the Wellcome Collection and are due to enter the collection in 2027.
Pilgrims run a wide range of wellbeing groups and activities designed to support patients to live well, stay connected and enjoy the best quality of life possible.
For more information on Pilgrims Hospices’ Wellbeing Programme:
Call the Pilgrims Hospices Advice Line on01233 504 133
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.
