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.
26th May 2021
Crochet creative: With a trusty hook and some colourful yarn, patients enjoy great therapy
Crochet is proving wonderful therapy for service users who are currently unable to attend Pilgrims Hospices due to the COVID restrictions.
Crochet Together is the first of the virtual therapy groups provided by the Wellbeing Practitioners. The virtual group was inspired by Kyla Szukala, Pilgrims Complementary Therapist, who has planned the creative therapy group with Kathleen Steele, Pilgrims Wellbeing Practitioner.
Kathleen said: “My colleague Kyla was showing me some of her amazing crochet work when it got us thinking about how crafts focus the mind, release stress and how being creative can ease the burden of health conditions and help in decision making, thus being really great for wellbeing.
“We agreed to get our heads together and work out how we could deliver a crochet course that could be enjoyed from a distance by people who use our services.
“We contacted our service users with information on how to get involved from the comfort of their armchair, which was met with a warm and positive response. We’ve always run creative groups but this is our first virtual group to help support people during the long period of lockdown. It is so very important for us to maintain high quality contact with those who use our services. It’s not always easy to support from a distance, however, we’ve worked closely with patients and colleagues to arrange Zoom meetings which have been of great benefit to everyone, staff included.”
The crochet has inspired us to look for more creatives to support people, it’s great for physical and mental health for all of us.
Kathleen, Wellbeing Practitioner
Kathleen explained that everyone involved with the creative therapy had been referred for support by Pilgrims Wellbeing team and that it was important to get involved with some of the sessions that are outside of the regular support telephone calls.
Kathleen and Kyla in a Crochet Together session
Kathleen added: “The crochet has inspired us to look for more creatives to support people, it’s great for physical and mental health for all of us. It has been the driver that has inspired us to look for more projects to help even more people who need support to live well in every moment.
“Some of the attendees we’ve had to teach from scratch, discovering how to cast on and start a stitch, others had some prior knowledge but we all had fun working our way through the first session with everyone getting to know the other members of the group.
“Challenges make us who we are and overcoming them is truly helpful for our wellbeing.
“We sent each member of the group a lovely starter pack containing wool, patterns, a crochet hook and a measure; in fact, all that was needed to make the very most of the course. Everything was beautifully packed in tissue paper and I think everyone really enjoyed the delight of receiving the parcel that looked just like a gift.”
The Wellbeing team will be running the crochet creative group for six weeks. With Kyla’s support everyone will be following a pattern to create squares with the wool provided. At the end of the course they hope to have sufficient squares to create a blanket which Pilgrims fundraising team will be able to raffle for donations to the hospices.
We know that having the support people need can help them stay independent, improve symptoms and make a difference, enabling them and those close to them to live each day well. We can work with people and help manage their symptoms and support them to cope with the changes in their life, give practical advice and help them think about the future.
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.
16th April 2021
Clare’s legacy to Pilgrims Hospices
Clare Horne, Lead Physiotherapist at Pilgrims Hospices will retire from the much loved local charity in April 2021 leaving a legacy of a fully trained and committed team of physiotherapists and physiotherapy assistants.
Clare has dedicated her career to caring for people affected by injury, illness or disability through movement and exercise. Her 18 years with Pilgrims have been a vital part of helping patients to manage pain, and to continue to live life to the full.
Clare told us: “I trained as a physiotherapist at West Middlesex University Hospital 1979-82 straight from school. My first job was at William Harvey Hospital, Ashford as a “rotational” physiotherapist.”
Physiotherapy is so important to our patients; by empowering them with the techniques to retain good movement and continue to exercise, many can remain independent for as long as possible.
Clare
Clare’s career has taken her across the world to Hong Kong in 1984, Reykjavik in Iceland, on to Saudi Arabia, and Toronto in Canada before she returned in 1989 to the UK and the William Harvey Hospital as a Superintendent Physiotherapist working in ICU.
“I came to work for Pilgrims at the Ashford hospice in 2003, this memorable date always sticks in my mind – 03.03.03.
“Physiotherapy is so important to our patients; by empowering them with the techniques to retain good movement and continue to exercise, many can remain independent for as long as possible.
During this challenging year my team has been busy filming virtual therapy sessions for patients who we’ve been unable to meet with face to face. We now have a range of videos that are available on YouTube… We’ve all found new skills and adapted those we regularly use to provide vital care for those who need our care the most.
Clare
“Initially I was the only physiotherapist employed directly by the hospice, and only worked at the Ashford hospice at the time. At first I had a clinic room to work from but as Pilgrims recognised the importance of physio support for patients, with the charity’s encouragement I was able to establish a patient gym and a variety of equipment to suit individual needs.
Clare in the hospice gym
“As time went on, I took on the role of lead physiotherapist and now have physiotherapists and physiotherapy assistants, one of each at the three hospice sites. Now each site contains a well-equipped gym, I’m very proud of the work we’ve done to support patients to live well. I think the phrase is ‘From small acorns…’ I started at Pilgrims as the sole physio and now, look at the fantastic service we offer to the community patients, in-patients, out-patients and in Pilgrims Therapy Centres.
“During this challenging year my team has been busy filming virtual therapy sessions for patients who we’ve been unable to meet with face to face. We now have a range of videos that are available on YouTube that include seated exercise, managing breathlessness and many more. We’ve all found new skills and adapted those we regularly use to provide vital care for those who need our care the most.
“Being with patients and seeing them benefit from our service in many different ways, also their families, is rewarding, working with a great team who have the common goal of doing the best for their patients is extremely satisfying.
“Services during the pandemic have had to change dramatically, and my role has taken on many different beings, from Tea Lady, to fit mask tester, with a bit of physiotherapy thrown in, however it is so exciting that in my final week we are inviting back our first out-patient to the gym!”
Everyone at the hospices wishes Clare a very happy retirement and will miss her very much.
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 Programme.
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.
5th March 2020
Early referral to hospice care helps Hamid to live well
When Hamid Hajilou from Broomfield near Herne Bay was diagnosed with stomach cancer, little things that most people take for granted – including walking, sleeping and cooking – became a struggle. Thankfully, an early referral to Pilgrims Hospices helped him get back on his feet and resume the active lifestyle he has always enjoyed.
Hamid worked as a car sales manager for more than 20 years, with previous experience in the retail trade and catering industry. He retired in April 2019, but after returning from a family holiday later that year he began to feel unwell. Hamid started experiencing sciatica-like leg pain in October 2019. It became difficult for him to stand and impacted his ability to cook, a hobby he loves: “I’m a big Rick Stein fan, I could watch his shows for hours!” The pain was so debilitating that he didn’t know where to turn.
I can’t speak highly enough about Pilgrims, not only of the staff but of the concept – they just listen to you. My life changed when I got to know the hospice team. They asked about my wellbeing and mental health, including my spirituality, everything. I’m not religious but I really appreciated it, just the fact they cared enough to check.
Hamid
Hamid’s wife Peyma is a Maternity Matron at East Kent Hospitals. She said: “I had my medical head on and I knew that his pain wasn’t being managed. We didn’t know what to do, but because I have an NHS background I was able to navigate and help us access the care he needed. Once Pilgrims was involved, everything changed within two weeks.”
Hamid added: “The Pilgrims care team are angels, particularly the hospice nurse who saw me initially and the consultant Dominique who prescribed me the correct pain relief – she spent two hours with Peyma and I in between her already full day.”
Hamid was diagnosed with stomach cancer in December 2019, which has spread to his back. He had radiotherapy treatment at Kent and Canterbury Hospital on 31 December 2019 then transferred to the Canterbury hospice as an inpatient, before being discharged nine days later. His pain was managed so successfully by Pilgrims that he could stand up out of a wheelchair, something which hadn’t seemed possible before his referral. He was anxious about going home in case things took a downward turn again, but Pilgrims is continuing to support him.
Hamid and Peyma with their son Ashcaan
Hamid said: “I’d been in so much pain that I didn’t even care about the cancer, I just wanted the pain to stop. When I was offered a room in the hospice, that seemed dreamy. I sobbed with relief.”
Peyma added: “I couldn’t believe my eyes; it was like five-star accommodation.”
Hamid continued: “I can’t speak highly enough about Pilgrims, not only of the staff but of the concept – they just listen to you. My life changed when I got to know the hospice team. They asked about my wellbeing and mental health, including my spirituality, everything. I’m not religious but I really appreciated it, just the fact they cared enough to check. Any food I wanted was cooked to order and hospice nurses would come and talk to me. One nurse, Seema, gave me a foot massage in the early hours of the morning. That humanitarian aspect blew me away. The hospice staff are always so accommodating, saying with a smile, “Just call us if you need anything.” That means so much.”
Pilgrims has shown us so much kindness and compassion. If I won the lottery, I would make a large donation to the charity because it has made such a difference to my life. Thanks to the hospice team, I’m pain-free.
Hamid
Hamid and Peyma
Pilgrims got Hamid’s symptoms under control, ensured he was on the correct medication and facilitated a smooth return home. Social workers helped him secure a disabled badge and the occupational therapy team arranged home aids including a bed, chair cushion and stool for cooking in the kitchen. Hamid has also accessed physiotherapy services. At a recent hospital appointment, his consultant was amazed at how well he is doing since his referral to Pilgrims care.
Peyma said: “We need to change the perception of hospice care, because it can affect prognosis and quality of life in such a positive way. There is so much to be offered; even little things you take for granted like being able to shower or being made a cup of tea. It feels like home.
“When you’re not in pain, you’re not thinking about cancer; it’s not shadowing our lives anymore. Who knows what’s around the corner? We just take each day as it comes.”
Hamid added: “Pilgrims has shown us so much kindness and compassion. If I won the lottery, I would make a large donation to the charity because it has made such a difference to my life. Thanks to the hospice team, I’m pain-free and that’s the most important thing. With their support, I hope this means that I can have a few years of good quality life with my beautiful wife and lovely son.”
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 Programme.
