8 October 2021

Leave no one behind: Equity in access to palliative care on World Hospice and Palliative Care Day

World Hospice and Palliative Care Day is an annual unified day of action to celebrate and support hospice and palliative care around the world. 

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.