Pilgrims therapy sessions are making a huge difference for Edgar
Edgar Evans is 91-years-old, he regularly attends Pilgrims Hospices Therapy Centre in Ashford not only to help him maintain his fitness and independence but to join with others and try activities that interest him and keep his mind and body active. Every visit is an opportunity to engage in a friendly and welcoming environment with people who are also managing life-limiting symptoms and conditions.
Edgar’s story
My first experience of Pilgrims Hospices came in 2017 when my wife Edna was cared for by Pilgrims community care team. After Edna passed away, Pilgrims visited me on several occasions to check on my wellbeing. I can only describe the care we both received as exceptional.
Edgar with his wife Edna
In 2018 I was diagnosed with cardiac and kidney problems myself. Upon my return home from the hospital, Pilgrims made contact to discuss the support they could offer and shared a number of options available within their Therapy Centres.
At first, I admit I felt dubious and a little anxious about attending the hospice, however, I agreed to ‘give it a go’.
The whole experience was wonderful. I was collected from my home in Hythe by a Pilgrims volunteer driver and greeted by nurses at the Ashford hospice. I was escorted to a lovely comfortable day room, which I can only describe as being like a top-class hotel. After introductions to the warm and friendly staff and others attending the therapy sessions, we were offered refreshments and a chance to get to know one another. I felt welcome and comfortable straight away.
Edgar at a Time to Create session
I’ve been able to try a number of activities that I really never thought would be of interest to me. It’s given me new skills and helps me keep my mind and body active. I’ve tried sugar icing on cakes, painting, Christmas decorations, crafts and flower arranging to name but a few.
The massage, gym sessions and sit down and get fit classes have helped with aches and pains and given me the confidence to exercise and maintain my fitness.
It’s been nice to share some of Pilgrims’ kindness with my family, Pilgrims invited them to enjoy a pamper day with me, which helped them to understand the benefit of my time spent at the hospice.
It’s definitely the highlight of my week, being with the care team who really understand my needs and talking to people who are also dealing with similar conditions and symptoms helps me to speak with confidence about my needs in a relaxed atmosphere.
I’m always treated to a tasty lunch and the staff provide therapy, care, and kindness in abundance.
If you are offered an opportunity to take advantage of a Pilgrims Therapy Centre, please do say yes, you will definitely find benefits within the warmth of the hospice team and develop new friendships along the way.
If you or someone you know is coping with a life-limiting illness and you think you may benefit from Pilgrims support, talk to your GP or Healthcare Professional about the options or click here for information on the Wellbeing and Social Programme.
29th March 2019
Maureen intends to leave her mark on life
Joining the therapy sessions at Pilgrims Hospices has made a remarkable difference to the life of Maureen Meltzer. With new-found confidence and new friends, she has been inspired to take on different interests and challenges to help her live well in every moment.
Maureen was diagnosed with breast cancer and knows her symptoms will not improve. Pilgrims are helping her to embrace the chance to make every moment count. Maureen’s GP made the referral to Pilgrims in order to help meet her individual needs and assist in getting the right support to maintain her wellbeing at home.
I knew nothing about hospice services prior to attending Pilgrims, it was a big step to take and I’m so glad I made it.
Maureen
Maureen from Faversham is 72 and attends the therapy sessions at Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury day services: “When I was offered the opportunity to get involved, I initially thought I don’t need any therapy? However, after some thought, I said, ‘I’ve nothing to lose’, and read through the booklet and discovered much more than I had imagined.
“There’s a surprising variety of classes, including crafts, chair yoga, relaxation and exercise along with therapeutic programmes to help people feel better and do more.”
“Being quite a private person, I never thought I would enjoy coming to the support sessions. I’ve been attending on Mondays for about 6 weeks and really look forward to meeting everyone at the group. I now thoroughly enjoy the company of others and the atmosphere is so relaxed and the staff are very knowledgeable and caring. I feel like I’m amongst friends.” Maureen added.
I now thoroughly enjoy the company of others and the atmosphere is so relaxed and the staff are very knowledgeable and caring. I feel like I’m amongst friends.
Maureen
Maureen explained: “I knew nothing about hospice services prior to attending Pilgrims, it was a big step to take and I’m so glad that I made it. I’m not treated as though I’m fragile because of my illness, I’m treated as an individual.
“I don’t know what’s around the corner but Pilgrims most certainly has helped me to think positively about my wellbeing and keeps me motivated not to give in.
“My husband David and the children are very proud of me, which helps me to remain positive about the future. I’m not brave, in fact, I’m often quite scared; knowing I have Pilgrims to lean on is definitely a bonus. I hope that sharing my story will inspire others who need support to speak to their healthcare professional or GP for more Pilgrims information.”
Each year Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to more than 2,300 people in east Kent 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.
21st May 2018
Pilgrims Therapy Centre share royal wedding celebrations
No royal wedding celebration would be complete without tea and cake at Pilgrims Hospices.
On Tuesday the hospice in Canterbury gave a warm welcome to patients, staff and volunteers in advance of the royal wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and Megan on Saturday 17 May.
Pilgrims Associate Practitioners, Jenny Aylward, Sian Webb, Kelly Richard and Kathleen Steele opened the Wellbeing and Therapy Centre for visitors to enjoy afternoon tea and entertainment from volunteer supporters Alice and Andrew Mussett.
A delicious selection of cakes and pastries were baked by staff and volunteers, Pilgrims catering team supported with party sandwich platters.
Jenny said: “Prince Harry and Meghan will marry on Saturday; we agreed it would be lovely to share a celebration with our Therapy Centre users and friends, it’s a great reason for getting together with tea and cake in a relaxed and informal environment.
“I would like to send a huge thank you to the staff, volunteers andButterfly Garden Tea Parties for all of the generous contributions that made the afternoon tea really special.”
Visitors were able to meet the royals in knitted format when they arrived. Jenny had been busy knitting a full complement of royals including some of the Queens corgis bringing a smile to the face of everyone. She said: “It’s so nice to make people smile, I think everyone enjoyed a little giggle, especially at all the individual details that each member of the royal family had been given.”
Pilgrims run a wide range of support groups and activities for patients and families in order to enhance wellbeing in mind and body. The social events give service users opportunities to meet and connect with other patients and gain an understanding of the full range of services available. The groups always take place in a warm and inviting social setting.”
Cate Russell, Pilgrims Chief Executive joined the celebration and said: “Not only were we celebrating the forthcoming royal wedding, it was lovely for some of our non-clinical staff to share time with patients on the ward and those who use our Therapy Centre services. It’s also really important for our carers, friends and families to feel supported and to have the opportunity to network with people in similar situations.
“Traditional tea and cake how delightful, we hope Prince Harry and Megan have a wonderful wedding celebration.”
If you or someone you know is coping with a life limiting illness and you think you may benefit from Pilgrims support, talk to your GP or Healthcare Professional about the options or and read about the Wellbeing and Social programme.
