Kev Rob and Eddie are making the most of Pilgrims therapy groups
Pilgrims Hospices Wellbeing groups offer a holistic approach to improving the quality of life for their patients. The groups provide a variety of activities and sessions that aim to enhance both mental and emotional wellbeing.
Therapy Group users Kev, Rob and Eddie share their thoughts on the benefits of Pilgrims Wellbeing.
Kev – when I initially came along to the Wellbeing Groups at Pilgrims, I went home and said to my wife Gwenn, this isn’t for me. She persuaded me to give it a little time; I’m so pleased that I did, I have met friendly and interesting people in the groups and enjoyed some of the variety of entertainment and talks that have been provided by the Wellbeing teams.
I discovered that talking and listening to people who are experiencing similar symptoms, and things that I’m experiencing, is really good therapy. I’ve had a chance to express my feelings in a relaxed and friendly environment.
I was a plumber in my working career, and have met people from all walks of life; here at the Therapy Centre, I’ve found lots in common with so many people here, and laugh a great deal when we’re all together.
We’ve made great friendships, and will exchange telephone numbers in order to stay in touch; we hope to continue to meet even after our therapy sessions have finished.
Rob – I’ve been very lucky and blessed with an interesting life. I had my own taxi cab firm in central London, then noticed there was a greater need for ambulance services. I introduced a private ambulance service, which supports the London hospitals including the NHS. I’ve had an interesting and varied career, and have been fortunate to learn to fly a plane amongst many other interesting things.
I’ve been managing my brain cancer diagnosis since May 2022. I had been very fit and healthy until then. I woke up one morning to find myself shuffling, and not really able to pick my feet up. After scans and consultations with the neurological doctor, it was a shock, as there really hadn’t been any warning that I was becoming unwell.
Rob who is 67 years of age, said, “We take our health for granted, I’m doing as much as possible to remain active, and enjoying life as best I can. I have my wife, children and grandchildren for support which is really special for me. My visits to the Pilgrims Therapy Centre keep me feeling very positive, and I enjoy the company of others using the Wellbeing services, and the Pilgrims teams are always there full of positive messages, and useful information about support services, and how to look after myself.”
Eddie – I was a plumber and have worked in a huge variety of properties for a wide variety of companies and people. We often laugh a lot while we’re here at the Therapy Centre, when we’re chatting about our life’s experiences. I can’t express enough how important the groups are, to keep everyone focused on looking after themselves and making the very most of our own skills.
Although I have to keep my meals to quite simple foods, I’m always so well catered for at the group lunches. It’s a pleasure to sit and catch up with the group, we talk about our families, what’s happening locally, how we’re all feeling, what happens next and so much more. But perhaps more than any other thing, we laugh and relax with the Pilgrims care team.
The gentlemen are soon to move on from Pilgrims Hospices Wellbeing Groups, having had support to give them skills and confidence to live life to the full in every moment. With new friendships forged, they hope to continue to meet socially and share their experiences moving forward.
Pilgrims team of nurses, doctors and therapists work together to offer a range of Wellbeing programmes to support patients, their families and friends.
Offering services to help people live better at home; these are available through the Wellbeing and Social Programmes held at our Therapy Centres. By helping to manage symptoms, the care teams can support people to cope with the changes in their lives, giving practical advice, and helping people to think about the future.
Pilgrims’ Wellbeing Programme is free if you live in east Kent and you have been diagnosed with an incurable illness. It aims to enhance your wellbeing – in mind and body. To find out more click here.
Each year Pilgrims supports thousands of local people coping with a life-limiting illness and their families. The charity offers a range of services: from end-of-life care given on its wards, to its Wellbeing Programme supporting people after they are diagnosed to live well and stay independent.
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.
2nd February 2022
Kathleen retires after 13 years with Pilgrims Hospices Wellbeing team
Pilgrims Hospices much loved Wellbeing Practitioner, Kathleen Steele, recently retired from the Thanet hospice after 13 years of caring and supporting patients’ wellbeing needs. She leaves behind a wealth of creative knowledge and a legacy of virtual therapy videos for patients to help them interact with the Wellbeing team from the comfort of their own homes.
Kathleen joined Pilgrims from a career in supported learning services for people with learning disabilities.
She told us: “I noticed the vacancy with Pilgrims and immediately felt it was a good match for my skills and I definitely wanted to remain in vocational services.
“I have loved my time with Pilgrims, it’s such a rewarding role helping to support people to live as actively as possible earlier in the course of their illness and assisting them to remain independent and positive by sharing time with our support team and others using our services.”
Kathleen at a Therapy Centre session
During her time with Pilgrims, Kathleen contributed to the wellbeing of thousands of service users who have come to the Therapy Centre day services for a wide variety of therapy sessions.
Kathleen with her colleague, Chris
Kath from Cliffsend, said that she’s looking forward to spending more time with her husband Alan, and becoming even more proficient on her paddleboard; they have some well-earned holidays planned too. She has been studying the ancient Chinese art of brush painting, and looks forward to spending more time on her creative hobby.
Kath said: “I’ve always been a creative person and the Chinese brush painting is so therapeutic, and relaxing. The art form has been around for more than 6,000 years, it’s the traditional art of painting on rice paper or silk with a natural animal-hair brush and ink. I describe my style as abstract and I’m looking forward to challenging myself with some imaginative painting with my newfound free time.”
Kathleen with her colleague, Sophie
Kyla from Pilgrims’ Complementary Therapy team said: “I’ve worked closely with Kathleen on many projects and her legacy of ideas and creative thinking will continue to be part of Pilgrims Wellbeing programmes. I wish Kathleen a very happy retirement, and hopefully she will pop in to see some of her friends here at the hospice now and again.”
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,comm 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 November 2021
Wellbeing blanket is all stitched up
Kathleen Steele, Pilgrims Hospices Wellbeing Practitioner with Kyla Szukala, Pilgrims Complementary Therapist, were pleased to display the finished crochet blanket made by patients during lockdown virtual therapy sessions.
Kathleen explained: “We ran a virtual crochet therapy group during COVID lockdown, where our services users could learn crochet as a new skill or take part in something they already enjoyed. Patients were invited to crochet squares, they would be combined to make a beautiful blanket at the end of the wellbeing sessions. Now, the squares have been collected and Kyla has crocheted them all together to showcase a very beautiful finished blanket.”
The group met via Zoom calls when the hospice Therapy Centres were closed.
“Some of us were more technically minded than others, therefore it took a little time to get the whole group online together to enjoy the therapy sessions, we laughed a lot which is great therapy in itself. Crafts can help focus the mind, release stress and ease the burden of health conditions, and help in decision making which is good for wellbeing.” Kathleen told us.
The blanket has been handed to the Pilgrims fundraising team, who will use it to raise funds for continued hospice care.
Crafts can help focus the mind, release stress and ease the burden of health conditions, and help in decision making which is good for wellbeing.
Kathleen
The Wellbeing team know it’s vitally important to continue services during such difficult times, and while patients were unable to attend the hospice Wellbeing and Therapy Centres due to the COVID restrictions, the care team looked for alternative ways to engage with them. Zoom calls were a brilliant method of keeping in touch.
By holding the group virtually, all participants were able to speak together, share experiences and generally enjoy some additional company and interaction, which is so important during these difficult times.
Crochet Together was just one of many virtual therapy groups provided by the Wellbeing Practitioners. The group was inspired by Kyla, who helped to plan the creative therapy group with Kathleen.
Kyla and Kath with the finished blanket
Pilgrims Wellbeing Programme is free if you live in east Kent and you have been diagnosed with an incurable illness. It aims to enhance wellbeing, in mind and body.
A whole team of Pilgrims expert nurses, doctors and therapists work together to craft a personalised individual plan for each person.
By working alongside GPs and healthcare professionals, the team can identify the best options for individuals. All programmes are flexible to allow the right support when it’s needed most.
Services are also available for carers, who can be friend or family, to support them too with self-care.
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.
8th October 2021
Leave no one behind: Equity in access to palliative care on World Hospice and Palliative Care Day
On Saturday 9 October, Pilgrims Hospices will celebrate palliative care, showing how vital it is, and why we must make sure everyone has access, no matter where they live, who they love, what their age or their background.
Pilgrims Hospices is taking the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the care we provide to the people of east Kent. It’s a chance to demonstrate the value of support, care and share what matters to us as individuals at the end of our lives.
Sophie Van Walwyk, Head of Psychosocial and Wellbeing Services
The pandemic has had a huge impact on the hospice and end of life sector. We’ve had to adapt, and have been working continuously to create new, innovative services to keep patients safe and connected, both at home and in our inpatient units. From setting up virtual exercise classes to bereavement counselling and therapy sessions online, we have gone above and beyond to reach out to patients and families with care they so desperately need.
Sophie Van Walwyk, Pilgrims Head of Psychosocial and Wellbeing Services said:
“Hospice care isn’t just about caring for people in the last few days of their life.
“Adjusting to and living with a life limiting condition, or caring for someone who is, can have a huge impact, and it is so important to recognise and support an individual’s whole wellbeing and not just their physical health.”
Pilgrims Therapy Centre Wellbeing services are an integral part of the specialist care and support provided to patients and families.
Pilgrims Wellbeing groups and programmes are all designed to enable patients and carers to live well in both mind and body for as long as possible.
A dedicated team of nurses and carers, along with a broad range of therapists and support staff, provide the very best way to:
Support people to cope with the practical and emotional challenges they are facing when living with a life limiting condition, or caring for someone who is
Help people to understand their condition, to prepare and plan for their future
Inform people of the help and support that is available to them and ensure they are receiving all their entitlements
Give people opportunities to learn from each other through shared experiences and gain peer support from others in similar situations
Teach people strategies to manage and cope with common symptoms and to improve their wellbeing through physical activities and relaxation methods
Encourage people to engage in new activities and learn new skills to promote a greater sense of wellbeing
Link people with other groups and services in their local community that can also support their wellbeing
Do you want to learn more about Pilgrims Hospices care?
Are you someone who needs our support, do you need to speak to a member of our team for advice?
Would you like to learn more about working or volunteering for Pilgrims Hospices? There are many rewarding opportunities to consider, it will surprise you.
Visit pilgrimshospices.org or call our helpline on 01233 504 133, and the team will signpost you to the correct departments for more information.
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.
1st October 2021
Pilgrims Hospices celebrate Hospice Care Week 2021
Hospice Care Week (4 – 8 October 2021), is all about raising our voices to show how important hospice and end of life care is for people; it’s an opportunity to recognise and celebrate hospices and the care they provide.
It’s a chance to demonstrate the value of support, care and what matters to us as individuals at the end of our lives. After an incredibly difficult 18 months, Pilgrims would like to take Hospice Care Week as an opportunity to celebrate and thank everyone for working so hard to ensure vital services can continue, no matter who you are.
Therapy Centres re-open and new Walk and Talk group for carers launches
After the long period of delivering services virtually, Pilgrims Hospices therapy team welcome patients and carers back to the Therapy Centres as services re-open.
Chris Jones, Wellbeing Practitioner Team Leader
Chris Jones, Pilgrims Wellbeing Practitioner Team Leader said: “It will take some time to re-engage with our service users face to face, and make the necessary arrangements to get groups together and safely back to the hospice Therapy Centres, where we can once again provide the wellbeing sessions that we’ve missed during the COVID-19 lockdown.
“We are delighted to say we are already running a new Walk and Talk group for carers.”
The carers walking group is an informal, easy paced walking group, taking place in the relaxed and beautiful environment of Pegwell Country Park Nature Reserve, offering an opportunity for people to connect, share, re-energise and learn from others who have similar experiences to their own. The walks are supported by Wellbeing Practitioners and trained volunteers.
Chris added: “We welcome Pilgrims carers from across east Kent to join us at the Pegwell Country Park walks.”
The Therapy team have identified two additional walking routes – Canterbury, Toddlers Cove and along the Stour and Ashford, Conningbrook Lakes Country Park.
These new Walk and Talk groups will start in October 2021.
“We share stories and talk about what we’re going through”
Freda Thomas from Minster told us: “The Walk and Talk group is fabulous, I look forward to Wednesdays when I can join with like-minded people; we share stories and talk about what we’re going through, it feels so good to talk about it. Being out in the fresh air is so uplifting, Chris and Kath from the hospice Wellbeing team are lovely and have lots of useful advice.
“Our group finish the walk with a coffee stop and always feel refreshed, and ready to take on the rest of the week.
“I’ve made new friends, and Judy and myself have become particularly good friends and now go swimming together on Tuesdays which also helps with my wellbeing.
Freda and Judy
“My husband had used Pilgrims services for exercise and breathing classes and more recently the Hospice at Home nurse comes to support him. On one of her visits she explained the benefits of the Walk and Talk group, and put my details forward to the Wellbeing team. It’s definitely helping to make a difference.”
I look forward to Wednesdays when I can join with like-minded people; we share stories and talk about what we’re going through, it feels so good to talk about it.
Freda
Walking with others builds connections, helps ease feelings of loneliness and isolation and research has shown that walking with others reduces anxiety and helps build resilience. Walking in nature can improve wellbeing, mood and self-esteem whilst reducing depression and stress.
Benefits of walking and talking
“Therefore, the aim of the carers’ walking group is primarily to improve health and wellbeing and give them some time out of their caring role. It provides an opportunity for carers to meet, keep fit and make new friends and also enables us to listen to their experiences and offer support in a relaxed and informal setting.” Chris explained.
The group is proving extremely popular and Pilgrims hope to extend the programme to those using their Stepping Stones bereavement services, who may find some additional therapy benefits.
Find out more about Pilgrims wellbeing programmes
Pilgrims wellbeing groups and programmes are all designed to enable patients and carers to live well in both mind and body for as long as possible.
We support people to cope with the practical and emotional challenges they are facing when living with a life limiting condition, along with those who are caring for them.
Get in touch to find out more about Pilgrims Hospices wellbeing services and how to access our therapy sessions:
As we re-introduce our Wellbeing sessions for patients and carers, we welcome back the amazing support of our volunteer workforce in order to make this happen in a seamless fashion.
We’re always interested to hear from people who would like to offer their skills as a volunteer.
There are many interesting and rewarding opportunities to volunteer within Pilgrims Therapy Centres and we welcome volunteers who have a range of skills and experience to support the Wellbeing team.
Some ways that you can volunteer are:
Meet, greet and befriend patients and carers attending Therapy Centres
Support Wellbeing Practitioners to facilitate wellbeing groups and programmes
Help design and deliver creative, relaxing, social and fun activities for patients and carers
Provide wellbeing support calls to patients and carers who are isolated and unable to come to the hospice
Become a Walk and Talk group leader
Provide admin support to the Wellbeing team
If you’d like to find out more or to express an interest in volunteering, please contact Pilgrims’ HR team on01227 812 612.
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.
