Pilgrims Hospices has 31 shops across east Kent where we sell the generous donations we receive, and our shops have many positive impacts.
Firstly, they help to provide the much-needed funds that support the work of the hospices across east Kent. This is, of course, our primary objective, and we are very proud that each year we are able to grow the contribution we make to the hospices. Our shops will have a turnover of over £5m in 2023, which is a huge help to the hospices.
Each year, we sell around 1.3m items through our shops, many of which would end up in landfill if it wasn’t for charity shops. Of course, not everything is fit for sale, so we sell some stock to textile recyclers, who then sort it and sell it on to other countries or recycle it. Each year, we sell over 250 tonnes of ‘rag textiles’, which would otherwise end up in waste streams.
The shops also form part of their local communities and are a welcoming place for people to volunteer. Volunteering is cited as having a really positive impact on mental health, as it makes people feel good about what they are doing, provides company and conversation, and offers the chance to learn new skills.
Pilgrims’ Kilo Sale event, May 2022
As people move away from fast fashion due to the negative environmental impact it has, sustainable fashion is becoming increasingly popular. Charity shops have always been advocates of sustainable fashion, and people are now more comfortable buying pre-loved fashion than ever before; 54% of people in the UK are happy to purchase pre-loved or vintage clothing. As the demand for sustainable fashion grows, we are going to need even more stock in our shops!
A recent survey by the organisation WRAP* found that almost half of us buy new clothing at least once per month, and around half of the new garments bought are either never worn or only worn once or twice. This is a shocking statistic, but one that is of particular interest to Pilgrims Retail. The report goes on to say that, on average, each UK adult has 118 items of clothing in their wardrobe, and that 26% of those items have not been worn for over a year, and are likely never to be worn again.
Just imagine how useful those unworn, unloved items of clothing would be to our shops! We could turn them into funds for our hospices.
How about having a declutter for Pilgrims? Our shops would welcome your donations. We especially need items of clothing, small electricals (that are working), toys, household items (ornaments, kitchen goods, dinnerware etc.) and furniture.
*WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme) is a climate action NGO working around the globe to tackle the causes of the climate crisis and give the planet a sustainable future.
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to thousands of people in east Kent coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured. The charity supports patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress. Care is provided from three hospice sites in Ashford, Canterbury and Thanet, as well as in patients’ own homes. To offer these services to patients and their families the charity must raise £11 million each year from the generous local community.
5th March 2023
The fine art of looking after Pilgrims supporters
Pilgrims Hospices Supporter Relations team are the listening ears, guiding people through the immensely important journey of making a donation, whether through fundraising, in memory or legacy giving.
This team is surprisingly small, consisting of just three dedicated and knowledgeable individuals, whose skills help to make gifting to Pilgrims Hospices a warm and memorable experience.
Picking up the telephone to make a donation could be one of the most challenging things to do, especially as this can evoke memories of troubled and sad times. Speaking to a skilled and compassionate member of Pilgrims Supporter Relations team can be the beginning of a long and successful relationship as a donor, making a difference to people who need Pilgrims’ care now and into the future.
Hannah Sole, Supporter Relations Manager has a wealth of almost nine years of experience with the team. She joined with her administration skills, and now heads up the team who can handle hundreds of calls and enquiries from supporters each month.
When we volunteer at events, it’s lovely to meet face to face with some of the people we’ve spoken to on the phone, they are always heart-warming moments.
Hannah, Supporter Relations Manager
Hannah explained: “It’s a diverse role, and the team is trained to handle all aspects of the job, therefore any one of us can help with any enquiry.
“We process donations, event registrations, and compile the data for colleagues in order for them to run challenges and fundraisers throughout the year.
“Last year, the team processed almost 54,000 donations from our generous supporters. We deal with most departments across the charity, and on all three sites in Canterbury, Ashford and Thanet, whether it’s financial or supporter and fundraising led. We mail more than 7,000 letters each year, conveying thanks for donating or registering to get involved.
The team are regularly found volunteering at events on the registration desks, marshalling supporters or presenting finishers medals, amongst many other things.
Hannah added: “When we volunteer at events, it’s lovely to meet face to face with some of the people we’ve spoken to on the phone, they are always heart-warming moments. And, this can really help us to understand more about the people who support us and how we can best help them with our roles within the team.”
Toby Frost is the newest member of the team with 18 months of Pilgrims experience, he said: “I never get a Monday morning feeling with this job.
“It really is no accident that people come to work for Pilgrims Hospices, my mother-in-law was cared for by the Ashford team, and I’d seen first hand how people have the very best care to support their quality of life until the very end.
“My wife Jane saw the job vacancy advertised, I had become disillusioned with working for a large company, I just wanted to have a role that would help to make things better in the world. Jane knew this would be a brilliant role for me, and I applied and was offered the job. It’s great not to have that sinking Sunday feeling anymore.”
Speaking with people about their donations and enquiries is so interesting, if not very emotional sometimes. However, I’m always rewarded with knowing I’m helping our supporters to do something very special and ensuring that Pilgrims can continue with important care in our community.
Toby, Supporter Relations team
When asked if he had a particular favourite part of the job, Toby said: “Speaking with people about their donations and enquiries is so interesting, if not very emotional sometimes. However, I’m always rewarded with knowing I’m helping our supporters to do something very special and ensuring that Pilgrims can continue with important care in our community.
“With training, I’ve learned new skills and adapted existing ones to meet the compassionate environment that I work in. I’m very proud to be part of the team.
“Everything here at Pilgrims is so inclusive, we work closely with our clinical and non-clinical colleagues to provide the very best care for the patients and their families.
“I particularly love lunchtimes at the hospice, I get a chance to meet volunteers and colleagues from across the charity in our staff cafe.
“The catering team provide the most amazing menus, to meet the individual needs of patients and also the best lunchtime meals for staff and visitors; there’s always something lovely to try!”
Pilgrims’ Supporter Relations team
Trisha Smith has been a valued member of the team for over three years.
She told us: “I’ve always been an active fundraiser, ever since I can remember, supporting charities by taking on challenges and raising funds for important causes.
“I also have personal experience with Pilgrims Hospices; my dad died at the Canterbury hospice in 2009. The care we received was very special, I was also looked after by the bereavement team after Dad’s death. Thereafter, I became a regular Pilgrims’ volunteer, helping at, or taking part in fundraising events, and helping with donation bucket collections. I have a background in administration and education and knew that I’d like to be part of the Pilgrims Hospices workforce. I regularly checked the Pilgrims website for vacancies and applied when I saw the Supporter Relations role appear.
“I really enjoy all aspects of my job, helping people with queries regarding donations, listening to their stories, and generally being able to allow them to speak freely about their Pilgrims experiences.”
The team are sometimes one of the first calls that a grieving family member has made after the death of someone close to them; people find comfort in speaking to someone who knows about the hospices and the care and support offered here.
What could appear to be a quite a simple day-to-day role within the charity, is actually a very important cog in the Pilgrims’ wheel. We hope this small insight into our friendly trio will help you to feel comfortable and able to pick up the phone if you need to, and speak with your supporter relations team.
To find out more about the different ways you can donate to Pilgrims Hospices, visit pilgrimshospices.org/donate.
Pilgrims Hospices cares for thousands of local people each year, free of charge, during the most challenging time in their lives. They offer care and support in people’s own homes, in the community and in their inpatient units as well as running a 24-hour advice line.
3rd March 2023
Take a virtual tour of Pilgrims Hospices
What do you think a hospice looks like?
Many people imagine a ward and beds, a space where people spend their last days, but that is just a small part of what they offer.
Our hospices feature beautiful, tranquil landscaped gardens, professional kitchens where fresh meals are prepared daily, family lounges where patients can spend precious moments with their loved ones, Therapy Centres where we run our popular wellbeing groups, areas for spiritual reflection, and so much more.
Kate White, Head of Nursing, explains how our new virtual tours can be a helpful first step for someone considering coming into one of our hospices, and also for healthcare professionals when referring patients to Pilgrims’ services:
“The prospect of coming to a hospice can be daunting, so being able to see what it looks like can help to alleviate that. The virtual tours give people an idea of what to expect when they come to the building, and hopefully to see how the hospice is a home from home with plenty of creature comforts. To be able to view the hospice this way can also save patients and families valuable time when this is most precious.
“The tours can also enable healthcare professionals in hospitals and other settings to show patients at the bedside what the hospice looks like, to explain facilities and view the environment before physically entering the hospice. This brings the conversation to life, aids the discussion and may help to lessen the fear of the unknown. They help to show that the hospice is a calm and homely environment with a range of facilities, allowing patients and families to make the best of one of the most difficult times in their lives.”
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices give care and comfort to thousands of people in east Kent coming to terms with an illness that sadly cannot be cured. The charity supports patients to live life as well as possible until the very end, free from pain and distress. Care is provided from three hospice sites in Ashford, Canterbury and Thanet, as well as in patients’ own homes. To offer these services to patients and their families the charity must raise £11 million each year from the generous local community.
1st March 2023
Make a Will Month returns to Pilgrims Hospices
In April 2023, eight solicitor firms across east Kent are generously giving their time and expertise to write or update Wills, in exchange for donations to Pilgrims Hospices.
In the UK, nearly 60% of adults do not have a Will. By making your appointment via Pilgrims’ Make a Will Month scheme, you can ensure your wishes will be fulfilled when you’re gone.
Solicitors across east Kent will waive their fees to write or update Wills, with all proceeds going directly towards providing local hospice care. Since its inception in 2013, the scheme has raised over £185,000 for Pilgrims, and has helped over 1,000 local people to make or update their Wills.
Each year, the participating firms are invited in to one of the hospices to discuss the upcoming scheme. This year, they were joined by Sophie Van Walwyk, Head of Psychosocial and Wellbeing Services, who gave the solicitors an insight into the vital work the hospice does with their patients in the Therapy Centres.
Sophie said: “Part of the vital work we do at the hospice is supporting our patients and their families plan for their death. If you need to make or update your Will, there really is no better way to do it, knowing that you’ll also be making a huge difference to the lives of so many people who benefit from our care in the most difficult of times.”
These local solicitor firms are taking part in Make a Will Month 2023:
Boys & Maughan
Gardner Croft
Girlings
Mowll & Mowll
Prospero Solicitors
Robinson Allfree
Stilwell & Singleton
Whitehead Monckton
Visit pilgrimshospices.org/makeawill for further information on suggested donation amounts, and to see a full list of participating solicitor branches.
Pilgrims Hospices cares for thousands of local people each year, free of charge, during the most challenging time in their lives. They offer care and support in people’s own homes, in the community and in their inpatient units as well as running a 24-hour advice line.
