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.
15th December 2020
Virtual reality appeal raises thousands for Pilgrims Hospices
Thanks to the efforts of our community of supporters, Pilgrims Hospices raised £14,874.72 for our Virtual Reality appeal.
Virtual reality (VR) is a technology accessed through a headset and headphones, which immerses someone within a 3D and 360-degree video to give them a sense of being physically present in that environment.
For example, through VR, someone could experience diving in the Great Barrier Reef or relaxing on a tropical beach.
Improving quality of life
The latest trials of virtual reality within a healthcare setting have shown an improvement in the quality of life for terminally ill patients by helping ease their anxiety, breathlessness, fatigue, and even reducing pain.
Through our Immerse Your Senses Appeal, we raised enough money to introduce a VR system at each of our hospices in Canterbury, Thanet and Ashford.
The system was used across all of our healthcare and wellbeing settings, including our Therapy Centres, in-patient units, and even in people’s homes, which benefitted a wide range of our patients.
Ann’s story
Ann Morris attended our Therapy Centre at Pilgrims Hospice Thanet, where she benefitted from the VR technology we offered for hospice patients.
Ann with Kristy Wells, Occupational Therapist Assistant
Why is this VR system so special?
What made this VR system particularly special is that it included its own camera so we could record and personalise the experiences we offered to our patients, whether that was a local place they were particularly fond of, or a special occasion they were unable to attend.
In this way, someone who was used to walking their dog along a beach but hadn’t been able to more recently, could once again experience this through virtual reality at Pilgrims.
Due to the simplicity of the system, we were even able to train our patients’ families to record and deliver these magical moments for their loved ones.
This sort of bespoke experience enabled our patients to escape the boundaries of their illness and enjoy treasured moments once again.
Thanks to the generous support of our local community, we were able to provide this incredible technology on each of our sites for two years.
Thank you!
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.
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.
3rd May 2018
Joe and Florence take on the Exmoor Challenge in aid of Pilgrims Hospices
Over the weekend of 20 – 22 April Joe aged 9 and Florence aged 12 Wrake took part in the inaugural Exmoor Expedition with The Children’s Challenge and raised nearly £800 in aid of Pilgrims Hospices.
The Children’s Challenge was set up as a vehicle for young people to raise money for a charity of their choice whist giving them with a genuine challenge in the form of a hike across Exmoor
There were 3 routes to choose from. Florence (and her mum Lisa) walked the 17km one and Joe the longest 21km route. It took 7 & 6 hours respectively starting at 8.30am. It certainly was a challenge for them all.
Lisa explained why they chose to support Pilgrims Hospices: “In 2011 Florence and Joe’s dad Run was diagnosed with lung cancer. Despite surgery and chemotherapy after 6 months his prognosis became terminal and his health deteriorated quickly. In a time of utter disbelief and confusion, Pilgrims Hospice Ashford became our sanctuary – providing practical, mental and spiritual support; it was a quiet, dignified and safe place for us to be together as a family in our final weeks.
“There was a garden for the children to play in, bright rooms with balconies, a living area and kitchen, doctors, nurses and a variety of therapists available around the clock. I still cannot believe this organisation is entirely free at point of use yet 77% of its funding comes from voluntary donations.”
When describing the challenge she said: “The weather was good bar for a few drops of rain towards the end, and the landscape is lovely – woodland, moorland, hills and valleys. It was nice to think about Run as we walked. It was the first time my children have ever done something like this and I am sure will want to do it again next year!”
Isabel Smith, Community Fundraising Officer said: “We are so grateful to Joe and Florence for undertaking such a challenge in aid of Pilgrims Hospices. The walk sounds amazing. The money they have raised will help Pilgrims to support another family like theirs who are facing a similar situation.
“If you would like to take part in a challenge in aid of Pilgrims Hospices please visit the events and challenges pageto see what is happening in your area. “
Each year Pilgrims supports hundreds 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 new Wellbeing and Social Programme supporting people after they are diagnosed to live well and stay independent.
2nd March 2018
Slimming World members donate Christmas goods in aid of Pilgrims Hospices
Three Slimming World consultants have brought in gifts to Pilgrims Hospices donated by slimming clubs across Ashford.
Julia Males, Amanda McLaren and Angie Bishop were delighted to present Alison Wilshire, Community Team Leader at Pilgrims Hospice Ashford, with a large selection of goodies that will be used to boost fundraising.
Julia explained: “After Christmas, many of our members are unsure what to do with some of the wonderful food gifts they’ve received, which whilst delicious are somewhat calorific and not very diet-friendly.
We would like to say a huge thank you to every member who has donated a gift. They will be used throughout the year by the fundraising team to raise much-needed funds for local hospice care.
Alison Wilshire, Community Team Leader at Pilgrims Hospice Ashford
“With a renewed enthusiasm for losing weight in the New Year, these are often temptations that are too hard to bear, but many are reluctant to simply throw them away. So the perfect solution was to collect them all in and donate to Pilgrims.”
Alison said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to every member who has donated a gift. They will be used throughout the year by the fundraising team to raise much-needed funds for local hospice care.
“Care is provided from our three hospice sites in Ashford, Canterbury and Thanet, as well as in patients’ own homes. To offer these services to patients and their families we must raise £11 million each year from the generous local community.”
If you have items you’d like to donate to Pilgrims, you can drop them off at:
One of our monthly Retail van collections at each hospice site; keep an eye on our Facebook page and Twitter for more information.
We appreciate each and every person who considers donating items to Pilgrims. Your donations raise vital funds to help us continue providing compassionate care in east Kent.
If you or someone you know is coping with a life limiting illness and you think you may benefit from Pilgrims free services, talk to your GP or Healthcare Professional about your options or click here to read about our Wellbeing and Social Programme.
28th February 2018
Barretts of Canterbury pantomime raises vital funds for local hospice care
Local business Barretts of Canterbury has raised an amazing £5,365 for Pilgrims Hospices with their annual pantomime production at the Marlowe Theatre.
This year’s pantomime was Peter Pan and saw a fantastic cast take to the stage, including Shaun Williamson, best known for playing Barry Evans in Eastenders, and Gemma Hunt, who presents Swashbuckle on CBeebies.
The annual pantomime is always at the top of local families’ festive to-do lists, and Managing Director, Paul Barrett, kindly ensures that his employees, their families and friends are able to attend. Additionally, all money raised from the discounted ticket sales is genorously donated to three local charities; this year, the chosen charities were Pilgrims Hospices, Kent, Surry and Sussex Air Ambulance and Porchlight.
Pilgrims would like to say a big thank you to Paul for choosing us to be a beneficiary of this incredibly generous gesture; the money raised will make such a positive difference to the lives of people across east Kent who are living with incurable illness.
Lydia Todd, Community Fundraising Officer at Pilgrims Hospices
Each charity is also invited to hold a collection on the night. Pilgrims volunteers made the most of this opportunity by going along and getting into the festive spirit, and those who collected were offered tickets to the show. They thoroughly enjoyed the night and were particularly touched by the generosity of the audience who donated to Pilgrims.
Barretts raised £16,095 through this year’s pantomime, and Paul Barrett hosted all three charities at the Jaguar showroom in Canterbury to present them with cheques for £5,365 each.
Pilgrims Hospices, Kent, Surry and Sussex Air Ambulance and Porchlight receiving cheques from Barretts
During the past five years Barretts’ annual pantomime has raised a stunning £24,215 for Pilgrims, which is enough to pay for 1,000 hours of specialist nursing care in east Kent.
Lydia Todd, Community Fundraising Officer at Pilgrims Hospices, said: “Pilgrims would like to say a big thank you to Paul for choosing us to be a beneficiary of this incredibly generous gesture; the money raised will make such a positive difference to the lives of people across east Kent who are living with incurable illness. Barretts is a long-standing supporter of Pilgrims and we can’t thank their staff enough for always ensuring the Marlowe pantomime is such a great success.”
If you or someone you know is coping with a life limiting illness and you think you may benefit from Pilgrims free services, talk to your GP or Healthcare Professional about your options or click here to read about our Wellbeing and Social Programme.
