Have you heard about Pilgrims Hospices Stepping Stones Bereavement Services?
Grief is a natural yet overwhelming experience that often leaves us feeling isolated and unsure where to seek support.
Pilgrims Stepping Stones Bereavement Support services are here to help, offering comprehensive support to any adult in east Kent, regardless of the circumstances surrounding their loss.
Stepping Stones provides a variety of support groups in Ashford, Canterbury, and Thanet. These groups are open to all adults in east Kent. The program’s specially trained volunteers guide individuals through the grieving process, helping them understand and navigate the complex emotions that come with loss. By sharing experiences and listening to others, participants often find comfort in knowing they are not alone, forming new friendships and support networks that can extend beyond their grief.
In 2019, Pilgrims introduced Stepping Stones Bereavement Cafés, held monthly at each local Pilgrims hospice. These cafés offer a relaxed, safe environment for bereaved adults to meet others, share their experiences, and learn strategies to cope with grief. Each 1.5-hour session is limited in size to ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate as much or as little as they wish. The Ashford café meets on the first Friday of each month, Canterbury on the first Saturday, and Thanet on the last Friday, with refreshments provided.
Recognising the benefits of nature, gentle exercise, and social interaction, Pilgrims also launched Stepping Stones Bereavement Walk & Talk Groups. These weekly walks (weather permitting) offer a tranquil setting for bereaved adults to support each other through their grief. Walks take place in various locations across east Kent, including Conningbrook Lakes in Ashford, Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury, and Pegwell Nature Reserve or The Westcliff in Ramsgate.
Pilgrims is eager to expand these invaluable services by recruiting new volunteers. We are especially interested in volunteers to help establish new walking and coffee groups in the Romney Marsh and Deal areas. If you are passionate about supporting others through their grief, please contact our Bereavement Services Coordinators at [email protected]or call 01233504 127 (Option 2) to learn more about volunteering opportunities.
What participants say
“It was invaluable to have a safe space to express my feelings.”
“I always feel better after a meeting.”
“A fantastic group, so cathartic!”
Join us in supporting the bereaved community of east Kent.
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.
11th September 2024
From grief to giving back: Carol Todd’s journey as a Stepping Stones volunteer
When Carol Todd first experienced the care and compassion of Pilgrims Hospices, she knew she wanted to give back.
“I wasn’t ready to volunteer immediately after losing my husband,” Carol reflects. “But when the time came, I wanted to give back to the charity that had given us so much.”
Carol taking on a wing walk
Carol’s journey as a volunteer is nothing short of remarkable. Not only has she taken on a role as a facilitator at the monthly grief cafe meetings and occasionally helps with the wellbeing group, but she has also embraced fundraising with enthusiasm and courage. In 2021, Carol completed her third wing walk, raising £3,800 for Pilgrims Hospices. Recently, she took to the skies once again, raising an additional £900 for the charity.
“I’ve done four wing walks now,” Carol says with a smile. “I suppose that makes me a frequent flyer!”
But for Carol, it’s not just about the thrill of the wing walk, it’s about giving back to the community that supported her during one of the most challenging times of her life. “Pilgrims Hospices allowed my husband to spend his final weeks at home, and for that, I am forever grateful. Volunteering is a way for me to help others going through similar experiences.”
Carol’s dedication to Pilgrims Hospices extends beyond her volunteer work. She has also been involved with local organisations such as the Chamber of Commerce, the local tourism association, and the Thanet Good Neighbours group during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her commitment to her community is evident in everything she does.
“What makes volunteering for Pilgrims Hospices special is the people,” Carol explains. “It’s the wonderful volunteers, and the staff like Annie, Simone, Jane and Zoe, and the incredible group of people we meet during such a difficult time in their lives. It’s a privilege to be part of this.”
Carol’s story is a shining example of how one person can make a difference. Her journey from grief to giving back is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of community support.
To learn more about how you can support Pilgrims Hospices or become a volunteer like Carol, visit pilgrimshospices.org/volunteer.
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.
2nd May 2024
Pilgrims Hospices leads conversations on death and dying ahead of Dying Matters Week 2024
As Dying Matters Week approaches from May 6–12, 2024, Pilgrims Hospices gears up to lead conversations on #TheWayWeTalkAboutDyingMatters.
This annual event aims to empower people to engage in honest conversations about death and dying with healthcare professionals, family, and friends.
This year, Pilgrims Hospices is taking a proactive stance by bringing discussions to the forefront. Through the use of chalkboards, the charity will facilitate the ‘Before I Die’ conversations in key locations in Canterbury and Thanet. These conversations will focus on addressing fears and worries surrounding death and dying, as well as planning ahead for grief and loss.
“We believe that open conversations about death and dying are crucial for individuals and communities to navigate these challenging topics with dignity and understanding,” said Sophie Van Walwyk, Head of Psychosocial and Bereavement Services at Pilgrims Hospices. “By providing platforms for dialogue, we hope to normalise discussions about end-of-life care and provide support for those facing these difficult realities.”
The events are scheduled to take place at the following locations:
Broadstairs Library, The Broadway, Broadstairs CT10 2BS Wednesday 8 May – 10:00am – 2:00pm
Whitefriars Shopping Centre, Canterbury Saturday 11 May – 10:00am – 2:00pm
All members of the community are encouraged to participate by sharing their thoughts and feelings about what is important for them to achieve before they die, on the chalkboards. Additionally, Pilgrims Hospices will be on hand to offer guidance and signpost attendees to relevant services and resources, including Pilgrims Hospices Stepping Stones bereavement services.
By providing platforms for dialogue, we hope to normalise discussions about end-of-life care and provide support for those facing these difficult realities.
Sophie Van Walwyk, Head of Psychosocial and Bereavement Services
“We want to inspire a compassionate and supportive community where individuals can express themselves freely and honestly,” added Sophie. “By encouraging open dialogue, we hope to alleviate some of the fears and stigma surrounding death, dying, loss and grief, and promote greater knowledge and understanding within our communities.”
Furthermore, Pilgrims Hospices offers Grief Awareness Training packages from their training centre in Canterbury. To find out more, visit: pilgrimshospices.org/courses
For more information about Dying Matters Week events and Pilgrims Hospices initiatives, please email [email protected].
Pilgrims Hospices is a charity providing specialist end-of-life care and support to individuals and their families across east Kent. With a focus on compassionate care and dignity, Pilgrims Hospices strives to enhance the quality of life for those facing life-limiting illnesses.
26th February 2024
Pilgrims Hospices volunteers dedicate time and passion to Margate Bookshop: A heartfelt commitment to community and care
Nick and Gavin (the Volunteer Managers), alongside a team of 34 dedicated volunteers covering 14 shifts throughout the week, are the driving force behind the success of Pilgrims Hospice Old Bank Bookshop. Their unwavering commitment to literature and end-of-life care has made the bookshop a beloved institution in Margate, where locals and tourists alike find solace and fascination among the shelves.
The team curates a diverse selection of books, ranging from modern classics to literary prize contenders. For some of the volunteers, like Geoff, their dedication to Pilgrims Hospices is deeply personal, inspired by the exceptional care provided to his late wife, Jane, by the Canterbury Hospice team.
In addition to his role at the bookshop, Geoff actively supports Pilgrims Hospice’s Stepping Stones Bereavement Support Services. As an active listener, he leads a walk-and-talk group for bereaved individuals within the community. His caring personality, passion for walking and nature serve as a source of comfort and support for those in need.
Ruth, another valued volunteer, brings her retail expertise to the forefront, ensuring captivating and ever-changing book displays. Her commitment is fuelled by both her love for literature and the support she received from Pilgrims Hospices during her husband Colin’s illness and passing.
Gavin, finding solace and purpose in volunteering after his wife Joy’s illness, ensures the shop remains open on weekends, demonstrating the profound impact of hospice care during difficult times.
Nick, with a background in local government, volunteers three days a week, embodying the spirit of community support. His love for the written word shines through as he assists customers and showcases the shop’s collection of vintage and collectible records, all in support of Pilgrims Hospices.
Together, these and the many other volunteers form the heart of the Old Bank Bookshop, where every purchase contributes to providing essential end-of-life care to those in need. With over £100,000 raised last year alone, the shop’s success is a testament to their dedication and hard work, as well as the community’s generosity and compassion.
As Geoff, Ruth, Nick, Gavin, and their fellow volunteers continue to pour their hearts into Pilgrims Hospices Margate Old Bank Bookshop, they serve as a beacon of hope and support for their community, embodying the true spirit of volunteerism and kindness.
For those visiting Margate, the Old Bank Bookshop is on the Parade, opposite the harbour, and is open all week, including Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in winter and until 5pm in summer. Stop by to support this vital independent bookstore or learn more about Pilgrims Hospices’ pre-loved shops throughout East Kent at Pilgrims Hospices Shops
Pilgrims Hospices provides compassionate end-of-life care and support to individuals and their families across East Kent. With a team of dedicated staff and volunteers, Pilgrims Hospices offers a range of services aimed at enhancing quality of life and providing comfort during difficult times. Learn more at Pilgrims Hospices .
