At Pilgrims Hospices, every volunteer is unique and every contribution counts.

Across east Kent, our diverse volunteers support people with life-limiting illness, bringing compassion, time and personal skills to make every moment count. Whether you have a few hours a week, or specific skills to share, there's a place for you here.

Why Volunteer with Us?

People are drawn to Pilgrims for difference reasons. Some have experienced our care through a loved one and want to give something back, others are looking to support their local community, meet new people, or simply try something new. So whether your motivation is personal, creative, practical, or professional, there is something for everyone, and it's this variety that makes volunteering with Pilgrims so rewarding and dynamic.

With three hospice sites working closely together in Canterbury, Ashford and Thanet, plus a network of retail shops across east Kent, there's a strong sense of cohesion and family across all locations. Volunteers and staff support one another like a close-knit community, united by a shared purpose and compassion.

No matter where you get involved, you'll be welcomed as part of the Pilgrims family, working together to make a real difference.

Whatever your motivation, we'll support you to make a difference - your way.

We Celebrate Individuality

We know every volunteer brings something different and we welcome your individuality with open arms.

Whether you're a great listener, a people-person, a problem solver or just want to lend a helping hand, your contributions make a lasting difference.

From retail and fundraising, to ward support, administration, gardening or driving, there's a role that's right for you.

What Our Volunteers Say

In our latest Hospice Survey, conducted by Birdsong in partnership with Hospice UK, over 1,000 Pilgrims volunteers shared their thoughts:

%
feel comfortable being themselves

We're proud to create a welcoming, inclusive space where everyone feels accepted and value for who they are.
%
would recommend our care to friends or family

Many volunteers have seen our care firsthand. Their trust in us speaks to the compassion and quality we offer every day.
%
value the flexibility in how and when they volunteer

We know life can be busy. That's why we offer a range of roles with flexible hours - so you can give your time in a way that best suits you.
Volunteer with Pilgrims Hospices, it's time to make a difference.

Volunteer vacancies

How to apply for a volunteer role

To apply for a volunteer role with Pilgrims, please download and complete an application form below and send it to the relevant email address included on the volunteer opportunity listing.

For volunteer roles in Pilgrims Hospices shops, please drop your completed volunteer application form into the shop in person.

Application form for Clinical Volunteering Roles (directly working with patients)
Application form for Non-Clinical Volunteering Roles

Click below to see full details about our current volunteer opportunities.

As part of the recruitment process, Pilgrims Hospices collects and processes personal data relating to volunteer applicants. Pilgrims Hospices is committed to acting in a transparent manner at all times in relation to how it collects data and for what purposes, and will not retain the data of unsuccessful applicants for more than 6 months.

More information is available in our Privacy Policy.

With posts that are subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.