Michael: “Volunteering is one of the best things you can do”
Michael Reynolds from Ramsgate volunteered within Pilgrims Hospices’ retail team from 2021-2022. He enjoyed his role at the Ramsgate shop, helping with the day-to-day operations that keep it running smoothly and provide an excellent experience for both customers and donors.
The Pilgrims team helped Michael to develop his skills, and he felt so supported that he ultimately found permanent employment as a Retail Supervisor at a local Morrisons Daily store.
The thank you card that Michael gave to the Ramsgate shop team when he left his volunteer role at Pilgrims
Michael shares how his volunteer role made a positive impact in his life and why others should get involved.
Michael’s mum, Sara, was diagnosed with cancer in 2017 and cared for by Pilgrims towards the end of her life.
Michael said: “Before I started volunteering, my mental health was not at its best. My mother passed away in 2019, after which I’d planned her funeral and had to try to find somewhere to live. I didn’t think I was ready for work, or even ready for anything. I’d barely had time to grieve.
“But I couldn’t stay at home, moping around. My friends had been so supportive but I needed to get out there.
“I heard that Pilgrims’ Ramsgate shop was looking for volunteers and decided to go for it. Pilgrims had been so wonderful and supported Mum and my family during her battle with cancer – some of the staff even attended her funeral. I wanted to give back however I could; volunteering seemed like a fantastic way to do that.
“When I started, I was very much “in my shell”, but over time I gained confidence. At the Ramsgate shop, I didn’t have colleagues, I had a family. I loved every moment. I operated tills, processed donations, priced them up and helped move furniture donations. I had a wonderful relationship with staff and customers alike and thoroughly enjoyed my time as a volunteer.”
It’s one of the best things you can do; you meet great new people, gain valuable experience, and develop truly helpful life skills. Volunteering is a crucial part of supporting your local community and the charity you are volunteering for.
Michael
Alex Hancock, Shop Manager, added:
“When Michael started with us, he was very shy. As time went on, his confidence grew. He was always very polite, helpful, and an absolute credit to the store. So many customers and volunteers would compliment his manners and courteousness. He became a real asset to the team, willing to step in at short notice if needed. I was delighted when Michael got the job at Morrisons Daily, but also gutted for the store as I knew we were losing a valuable part of the Ramsgate family. We wish him all the very best in his role and future career.”
And what would Michael tell someone who is considering volunteering for Pilgrims?
“It’s one of the best things you can do; you meet great new people, gain valuable experience, and develop truly helpful life skills. Volunteering is a crucial part of supporting your local community and the charity you are volunteering for. Never, ever, pass up the opportunity.
“By volunteering for Pilgrims, you become part of a family who all want to do right by the community. Pilgrims pulled me out of a depressed state and pushed me to do better for myself, and now I’m a Retail Supervisor.
Volunteers’ Week celebrates the amazing contributions volunteers make to communities across the UK. The celebration starts on the first Monday in June every year. It’s a chance to recognise, celebrate and thank the UK’s incredible volunteers for all they contribute to our local communities, the voluntary sector, and society as a whole.
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.
8th September 2023
Margate community volunteers are recognised with Mayor’s awards
The Mayor’s Community Awards were hosted by Margate mayor Rob Yates, and director of Resort Studios, Ayanna Bulale on Saturday 19th August. A community picnic in the Westbrook Sunken Gardens enabled the community to share in the success of friends, neighbours and colleagues who had been recognised for their commitment and dedication. Visitors enjoyed entertainment, a raffle with prizes from local authors, artists and restaurants, along with celebrating the achievements of grassroots community groups and individuals.
Mayor Rob said: “As Mayor of Margate, it gives me so much joy to be associated with the numerous community groups who are the heart of our Town.
“It has been my pleasure and privilege to personally thank these groups, a lot of whom work without the recognition they deserve.”
Almost 50 individuals and organisations received awards during the event, with everyone enjoying a community picnic in the sunshine, while being entertained by the Social Singing Choir.
Steven Turner – Pilgrims’ Ward Support Volunteer accepted the award on behalf of the Volunteer Team.
Pilgrims Hospices amazing ward support volunteers, received recognition for their dedication to the clinical team and patients in the hospices.
The Mayor personally thanked and presented handcrafted awards from Clayspace to the community groups across the seven wards of Margate, they all had an opportunity to speak about the important work they deliver day in day out.
The speakers from the organisations continually highlighted the kindness and talent within the community. The hard work of all the volunteers who dedicate their time to support organisations and charities, is highly valued and speakers agreed the community awards were a fine opportunity to say thank you.
Annie Hogben, Pilgrims Hospices Expert Volunteer Project Lead, spoke at the event, and shared her delight with all those present, acknowledging the importance of her volunteer team, and the value they add to the care that Pilgrims provide for the local community.
Steve Turner, Pilgrims Ward Support Volunteer with Health Care Assistant (HCA) Cathryn Weston attended the event. Steven accepted the award and thanked his fellow volunteers at the presentation.
Artist Tracey Emin and Margate councillors Jack Packman, Heather Keen, John Edwards, Leo Britcher and Elysa d’Abbro, county councillor Barry Lewis, Margate mayoress Iris Johnston and Ramsgate mayor Pat Moore were among the guests.
It’s heartening to learn that the Margate Community Awards event recognised individuals with awards. Acknowledging and honouring the efforts of these dedicated individuals and organisations can have a positive impact on the community, fostering a sense of belonging and appreciation.
Community events like this often serve as a platform to showcase the incredible work that often goes unnoticed in local neighbourhoods. By celebrating these grassroots efforts, the event helps inspire others to get involved and make a difference as well.
Each year, Pilgrims Hospices care for thousands of people who are facing a terminal diagnosis, and their families, by providing skilled and compassionate care and enabling them to live well in every moment. Your donation can help us to be there for the next family who need us.
3rd November 2022
Jim Richards on being a Pilgrims Hospices trustee: “It is a very rewarding role”
Pilgrims Hospices makes a difference each day to the lives of people across east Kent who are living with an incurable illness. Its leadership team reports to and is guided by a Board of Trustees, who voluntarily give their time and expertise to support the charity.
Each decision made always leads back to the reason Pilgrims is here: to support and empower patients and families to live well in every moment.
Jim Richards became a Pilgrims’ trustee in 2021; he shares what inspired him to get involved, and how the charity has a positive impact both within east Kent and beyond.
What motivated you to become a Pilgrims trustee?
I moved to Canterbury four years ago, having lived in Faversham for nearly 20 years.I’d previously been a governor at both Ethelbert Road Primary School and Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Faversham, and had enjoyed those roles. Following the move to Canterbury and taking up a new job in early 2019, I wanted to settle into a routine before committing myself to further voluntary work within the local community.
I’ve known people close to me who received wonderful care from the hospices in Canterbury and Thanet, and I have also supported Pilgrims through their walking and cycling charity fundraising events. My motivation for being a trustee is a combination of believing passionately about the fantastic work that Pilgrims delivers to local communities, and to become involved on a voluntary basis with a local charity.
During 2021, I became aware of a vacancy for a trustee and put myself forward, and was formally appointed in September 2021.
There are undoubtedly challenges to the jobs that people within Pilgrims do, but the enthusiasm and purpose to help others and deliver a fantastic service with compassion and care to patients and those closest to them is remarkable.
Jim
Is being a Pilgrims trustee different from what you expected? If so, in what way? Has anything surprised you?
Given my previous role as a school governor, I think I was prepared for the type of activities that might be expected. But that has not stopped me from being humbled by the incredible energy and commitment that those who work for Pilgrims demonstrate on a daily basis, whether it be the care teams within the hospices, the volunteers in the shops and support teams, the leadership team, the catering staff, the community teams, the event organisers and everyone else.
The hospice sector is not an area where I have had previous experience; my background is transport. But it is a changing sector, with developments in funding models, the importance of care in the community and a much greater awareness of end-of-life services in our society.
Why do you think it’s important to talk about death and dying? How is Pilgrims Hospices helping to lead the conversation and encourage change within wider society?
Death is inevitable for us all, and yet it is something that as a society we have not been good at sharing and discussing. It seems to me that unlike other cultures and societies, we have treated death as something to be handled privately.
The terrible and tragic losses experienced by far too many during the COVID-19 pandemic has perhaps galvanised the opportunity to have more open conversations. The loss of loved ones and questions over one’s own mortality have provided a platform for charities like Pilgrims to stimulate debate and awareness around the subjects of death and dying.
Pilgrims has been running a series of events across east Kent as part of itsTHINKcampaign, designed to get people talking about death and bereavement, and to start planning for their end-of-life arrangements. In so doing, it can provide comfort and reassurance to individuals as they live out their final days, and to families, friends and loved ones during those emotional and challenging periods.
Pilgrims also curates an online blog,After Wards, that features insights and ideas from people and organisations who can help us all to re-imagine this essential part of life, and to live well until we die.
It is a very rewarding role, and indeed a privilege, to be part of a charity that is forward-looking and plays such an important part in our communities.
Jim
What is your favourite part about being a Pilgrims trustee?
The people I’ve met have all been so welcoming and friendly. There are undoubtedly challenges to the jobs that people within Pilgrims do, but the enthusiasm and purpose to help others and deliver a fantastic service with compassion and care to patients and those closest to them is remarkable.
I don’t really need an excuse to attend various events and fetes, but I have to say that the cake stalls and food at some of the events are a particular favourite – and I don’t even need to be a trustee to enjoy those!
What does Pilgrims mean to you?
Pilgrims means several things to me based on my experiences over recent years, and I am sure these will develop further over time.
As a trustee, I have become involved in the future strategic direction and governance of the hospice, and that is both a responsibility and a privilege. From a personal perspective, I have valued the care and support as loved ones have spent their final days in one of the hospices. Participating in the charity walking and cycling events count as real physical challenges that have helped raise money and pushed me to personal achievements. Finally, I love browsing the Pilgrims shops when I am in Canterbury, looking for a bargain book or items of clothing.
What would you say to others who might consider becoming a Pilgrims trustee in the future?
It is a very rewarding role, and indeed a privilege, to be part of a charity that is forward-looking and plays such an important part in our communities.
I have been a trustee for a little over a year, but I am learning a tremendous amount and hope that I have been able to offer something to support Pilgrims as they look to the future.
Trustees’ Week (7-11 November 2022) is a time to come together to celebrate the achievements of over 1 million trustees across the UK.
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.
“There’s nothing I don’t enjoy about my role in Pilgrim’s retail.
“I love the people I meet every day, and the staff and volunteers create such a positive atmosphere, we make a great team.”
She told us: “I’ve enjoyed a career in hairdressing, owned a property development company and later spent time as a publican in Wiltshire.
“I returned to my hometown of Whitstable with my daughter to be closer to family who needed our support. While we settled here as part of the family support network, I decided that dedicating some time to volunteer for a local charity, would be very positive for me too.
Being a Pilgrims volunteer is an amazing experience, the atmosphere was very special, everyone gets along and really appreciates the fact that they are doing something very positive for a very special charity.
Vanessa
“I applied to volunteer at the Pilgrims shop in Whitstable, it’s such a good way to make new friends and keep in touch with what’s happening locally. As well as helping others, volunteering was great for my wellbeing too.
“I started by helping for one morning each week initially, the manager Lorraine was managing two shops in Westgate and Whitstable and needed her volunteer workforce to help with the smooth running of the shops. I really enjoyed being part of the team and definitely wanted to offer my time to charity rather than work for a local supermarket or business.”
Vanessa found great satisfaction in her role as a volunteer, helping people to find and make a purchase, match an outfit or find a gift, she quickly progressed to four and five days each week and became a supervisor at the weekends; and eventually joined the Pilgrims team as a paid manager at the general retail shop.
She added: “Being a Pilgrims volunteer is an amazing experience, the atmosphere was very special, everyone gets along and really appreciates the fact that they are doing something very positive for a very special charity.
“Even though I don’t have a background in retail, I absolutely love sharing the shopping experiences with our customers. They come back time after time, to support Pilgrims, and most love to chat in a friendly environment and really enjoy finding something special or just a little different from the high street experience. People enjoy knowing that their purchases (and donations) are truly making a difference for the people who need our help the most.”
Our volunteer workforce is absolutely invaluable, we couldn’t run our shops without them.
Mandy Hawkett, Retail Area Manager at Pilgrims Hospices
Vanessa’s daughter also volunteers at the Whitstable shop, and finds the time she spends helping customers, really boosts her confidence and helps her to achieve new skills.
Mandy Hawkett, Pilgrims Retail Area Manager said: “The family are a brilliant addition to the Pilgrims retail team in Whitstable.
“Our volunteer workforce is absolutely invaluable, we couldn’t run our shops without them. Volunteers Week takes place 1-7 June every year. It’s our chance to recognise the fantastic contribution they make. Our volunteers truly make a difference to the lives of people across east Kent who are living with incurable illness. Thank you!”
Volunteers’ Week is a chance to say thank you for the fantastic contribution millions of volunteers make across the UK. It takes place 1-7 June every year and is an opportunity to celebrate volunteering in all its diversity.
We’re accredited by REVAMP, a quality mark for Volunteer Involving Organisations developed by Stronger Kent Communities, a leading provider of support for the voluntary sector in Kent.
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.
Volunteer June brings a smile to Wednesdays for patients and staff at Pilgrims
June from Ashford, dedicates her Wednesdays to Pilgrims Hospices as a Ward Support volunteer on the in-patient unit.
Having retired from a career as a registered nurse of 48 years, she is a first-time volunteer, and a very welcome one at the Ashford hospice.
June turns 68 this month; on retirement, she decided that using some of her new-found free time to volunteer, would be a really positive thing to do. She said: “I haven’t any connections to Pilgrims Hospices, but knew of them as an important local charity offering end-of-life specialist care to our local community. I contacted Pilgrims to find out about volunteering opportunities, but then everything changed, the country went into COVID lockdown and all volunteering stopped.
“When things improved, Pilgrims got in touch with me, they were very keen to find candidates to train in new roles as Ward Support volunteers. The role was explained and I definitely thought my skills would be useful. Not because of my nursing background, but because I’m a real people person, I love to chat and listen to people, it’s a role that requires enthusiasm and compassion to say the least.
“It’s quite a diverse role, sometimes supporting the care team with some fetching and carrying; but, most importantly, spending time with the patients in positive engagement along with being a welcoming face and emotional support for visitors.”
June on the ward
June completed her application, and was invited to meet Annie Hogben who supports volunteer training and development, and was consequently offered the role. The role comes with appropriate training and ongoing support to ensure volunteers are fully skilled in safety, Pilgrims’ high standards in diversity and equality and, very importantly, a full DBS check.
Annie said: “It’s wonderful to see volunteers from all walks of life, supporting Pilgrims care in these roles.
“The response from the local community has been fantastic, we’re incredibly proud to work with such dedicated and caring volunteers.”
June continued: “I have been volunteering since December 2021, and really enjoy being part of the team. Between the nurses, relatives and patients, I’ve had the most amazing conversations, and feel very privileged to have people share some of their fears and honesty with me at such difficult times.
“People are very appreciative of the time I’m able to give, it’s good to know they are reassured and comforted, I feel valued as part of the team, and value the skills of my fellow volunteers and the dedicated Pilgrims staff.
“Everyone that I’ve met at the hospice, whether in care and nursing, domestic support or catering, have all been very lovely. The hospice is most definitely a happy place, not sad at all.”
Please note: We are not currently recruiting additional Ward Support Volunteers.
Volunteers’ Week is a chance to say thank you for the fantastic contribution millions of volunteers make across the UK. It takes place 1-7 June every year and is an opportunity to celebrate volunteering in all its diversity.
We’re accredited by REVAMP, a quality mark for Volunteer Involving Organisations developed by Stronger Kent Communities, a leading provider of support for the voluntary sector in Kent.
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.
Danielle grows kitchen garden for Pilgrims Hospices
Danielle Duttson, a former teacher and now gardener, from Ramsgate, has been a Volunteer Kitchen Gardener at Pilgrims Hospice Thanet since January 2022.
She is helping the hospice team to grow vegetables, fruits and herbs that will be enjoyed year-round by patients, staff, volunteers and visitors.
Hugo and Wilbur helping out in the Thanet hospice kitchen garden
Danielle is using previously-installed raised beds to create a kitchen garden that will provide the hospice with fresh, seasonal produce throughout the year. Her sons – Wilbur (8) and Hugo (6) – sometimes join her to help out.
She said: “Ideally, it will be a space that everyone can enjoy. Hopefully, patients who are well enough will be able to potter and pick their own peas, salads, strawberries and much more. It’s early days, but by July the garden will be in full swing.”
Danielle’s volunteering is appreciated very much by the whole Pilgrims team.
Drew Fowler, Chef at the Thanet hospice, said: “Dannie is fantastic and an amazing asset to us; she plants, tends and nurtures all manner of plants and herbs for us to utilise in the kitchen.
“We struggled to maintain the garden ourselves due to staff levels, and would like to thank Dannie for her time and dedication to help towards us producing healthy and nutritious meals for our patients, staff and visitors. It’s so nice for us to be able to tell our patients that some of the food on their plates has been grown right outside, in our hospice gardens. As a team, we thrive off the feedback we receive; it inspires us to go that extra mile and do even more for the people we care for.”
Danielle with Drew Fowler, Chef at the Thanet hospice
Danielle is inspired to support her local hospice charity because some of her close family members received end-of-life care, and she wants others to benefit.
She added: “When it can seem like the bleakest time, having a place that feels like home, where nothing is too much trouble and you’re surrounded by nature and compassion, can make a real difference.”
“Wilbur and Hugo love planting seeds and watering the beds. Hopefully, they will grow up without the fear and sadness often associated with hospices.”
Pilgrims is in need of donations for its kitchen garden, particularly:
Seeds
Plug plants
Herbs
Mulch
Compost
If you can help, please contact George Braithwaite, Head Chef at Pilgrims Hospice Thanet:
Volunteers’ Week is a chance to say thank you for the fantastic contribution millions of volunteers make across the UK. It takes place 1-7 June every year and is an opportunity to celebrate volunteering in all its diversity.
We’re accredited by REVAMP, a quality mark for Volunteer Involving Organisations developed by Stronger Kent Communities, a leading provider of support for the voluntary sector in Kent.
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.
