REDEFINING THE STANDARDS FOR NEW HOMES
Discover our award-winning homes in sought-after locations in Kent, built with you and your future in mind. Come and view our showhomes today.
Proud to support ellenor and their amazing work.
For this edition, we invited ellenor supporter Amol Randhawa to write our welcome note.
Amol ran from the top to the bottom of England last summer in memory of his mum, cared for
by ellenor 20 years ago. He raised more than £40,000 for us and when the challenge got hard, it was donations, sometimes from strangers, that kept him going.
Twenty years ago, when I was just 10 years old, my life changed forever when I lost my mum to cancer. ellenor is the place that cared for her as she reached the end of her life.
At an age where life is supposed to be blissful, I was left with the biggest void, losing the person I loved the most. What ellenor gave us during that time went beyond medical care. It was warmth, patience and humanity - a feeling that I was not alone.
The impact ellenor has in our local area is something I hear about often, from people and families close to us that ellenor has helped. Just recently, ellenor nurses provided care for my wife’s grandmother in her
final days from the comfort and warmth of her home. The people at ellenor showed us kindness, care and selflessness. These experiences leave a lasting imprint, something I appreciate more and more as I get older, still struggling with the grief of losing my mum.
Running the length of England across two weeks was my way of honouring my mum and trying to give back so that ellenor can continue to help families and especially children, that may be left with a void in their lives like I was. It was more physically and mentally demanding than I could have imagined but the positive impact the funds raised kept me going.
ellenor is an amazing charity that provides a safety net for those in the most unimaginable and challenging times and I am honoured and privileged to have been able to support them and hope to again.
ellenor was there for me when it mattered most and supporting them is our way of giving back and helping ellenor comfort those most in need now.”
WE’RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT...
ARE YOU COMING TOO?
This summer, Dartford will be transformed by 30 stunning Large Bear sculptures inspired by the beloved classic We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. And you’re invited to find them all on this magical art trail.
The story’s famous mantra: “We can’t go over it, we can’t go under it… we’ve got to go through it!” - perfectly reflects ellenor’s mission.
Just as the family in the story faces obstacles together, ellenor supports patients and their families through life’s challenges.
Explore at your own pace with our map or app to follow the art trail to well-known locations across Dartford, either in one epic adventure or over different days.
You might even find somewhere new to explore, right on your doorstep.
Putting the ‘art’ in
Dartford
• Find 30 Large Bears indoors and outdoors
17 July13 Sept
WHERE AND WHEN
17 July – 13 Sept 2026
FREE ART TRAIL
At locations across Dartford and Bluewater, inside and outside – check the website, map or app
The art trail is free to visit – donations are welcome, or you might like to buy some merchandise
Art trail fundraising
For people living in and around Dartford, ellenor is their local hospice charity, there for them and their family when they need us. We hope the art trail will let them know about us and allow them to find out what we do and for who.
The art trail will help us to fundraise:
• Schools who take part are making a contribution
• Businesses are sponsoring Bears
GET INVOLVED
We’re looking for help from our community – would you like to get involved?
The Bear Necessities Team
Our volunteer team will help families, friends, and visitors enjoy the art trail by guiding them on walks, welcoming visitors, or helping at events and in our Bear Hub shops at Bluewater.
Crafters – we need you!
We’re calling on our crafty community to help us to make wonderful creations for us to sell.
We’re on the lookout for:
• Crocheted Bears
• Felted Bears
• Knitted Bears & Accessories
• Plus any other bear-themed crafts.
Please drop your finished bears to ellenor between 15 April - 15 June. We’re in Coldharbour Road, Gravesend.
Bear Hunt fundraising ideas
Can you come up with a great way to fundraise on the art trail?
Could you run it? Or walk it as a group? Maybe bake some bear paw cookies to sell?
If you have a fundraising idea, we would love to hear it! Just let us know what you have planned: dartfordbearhunt@ellenor.org
Follow us on social media for updates and art trail information
@DartfordBearHunt
#DartfordBearHunt
dartfordbearhunt@ellenor.org
dartfordbearhunt.co.uk
A Wild in Art event brought to you by ellenor.
We are delighted to be working with The Walker Books Group to bring We’re Going on a Bear Hunt to life!
Inspired by the animated adaptation of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Lupus Films, the art trail invites families to explore Dartford through art and adventure. The animation grew from the picture book by author Michael Rosen and illustrator Helen Oxenbury.
With thanks to our partners:
Thank you to our sculpture sponsors:
Sign up to the Dartford Bear Hunt newsletter for updates and information
Bear Hunt website
WELLBEING: HOLISTIC CARE
25 YEARS FOR MAY AT ELLENOR
This year marks 25 years since May Shurmer, a Senior Staff Nurse, started working with us.
‘This is where I’m meant to be. This is the place I want to nurse.’ – is what she thought the first time she came to ellenor, for the job interview that would start her long and rewarding career with us.
And she’s one of three generations in her family to follow nursing. Her mother-in-law was the original ward sister (Barbara Shurmer) when the Inpatient Ward opened in 1985. May joined us in 2001 and her daughter is a children’s palliative care nurse.
May has worked on our Inpatient Ward, with the Hospice @ Home Team, and, more recently, in ellenor’s Wellbeing team, providing practical, emotional and therapeutic support to both a patient and their family; the latter, in their bereavement too.
Today, May meets all new referrals and is a steady point of contact across a busy timetable of patient groups: from seated exercise and breath-management to arts, crafts and social sessions that fight isolation and rebuild confidence.
May’s weekly drop-in nurse clinics are for patients and their carers to pop by with questions – medical or otherwise. Sometimes, that’s explaining a letter that’s arrived – in plain English, so they understand what’s happening and how ellenor can help.
The conditions May encounters span almost the entire medical alphabet: cancers, heart failure, COPD and other lung diseases, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, MS, motor neurone disease and, very often, extreme frailty. Some patients are in their late teens transitioning from children’s services into adult care.
Despite their condition, she’s always focused on the person first: “We look at what that person can do. Some patients come to groups every week and really get involved; others I might call once every six months just to check in - and that’s fine. If they’re well and out living their lives, that’s exactly what we want. We’re here when they need us.
“Compassionate care underpins everything. It’s about listening and walking alongside people. A gardening group isn’t ‘just’ social, it’s therapeutic – but the core is still being kind, supportive and helping them live their life.”
We have a busy weekly timetable of activities, wellbeing and therapy groups.
Find out what’s on and when.
Physiotherapy
Our physiotherapists can help you stay mobile, independent, and comfortable. Improve your strength, manage breathlessness, or cope with pain.
ellenor.org/how-we-help/wellbeing-services
Occupational Therapy
Daily tasks can become challenging when you’re living with illness. Our occupational therapists help you adapt, so that you can keep doing the things that matter to you.
Complementary Therapy
Sometimes, a gentle touch or soothing scent can ease tension in ways words can’t – we offer relaxing treatments like aromatherapy, massage, reflexology, and reiki.
HOW PLAY THERAPY IS HELPING CHILDREN
At ellenor, our Play Therapist Suzi Hill describes her work as “magical”.
She sees bereaved or traumatised children, or siblings of a child living with a life-limiting condition and uses play to help them show how they’re thinking and feeling.
Sand and toys can represent how a child feels and play helps them work through their emotions. You might be surprised to know that one of the toys available to play with is a small wooden coffin.
She says: “The coffin appears in play therapy to help us work through bereavement. If a child wasn’t at a funeral because they were thought to be too young to go, they can re-enact the service in the playroom instead, placing a doll in the coffin, arranging figures in the sand like mourners, giving shape to what adults kept hidden.”
Arts, crafts and other toys like puppets and soft toy animals are also here to play with.
Suzi simply observes children, rather than attempting to lead or influence which toys they select or how they play with them during the session. She sees children adding colour to previously black paintings – showing her that they’re finding clarity with their thoughts and feelings; that they’re processing and accepting things.
Parents consistently report that after 12 play therapy sessions, their children are enjoying school more, reading at a higher level, no longer
Family Support
Emotional, psychological, and practical support for patients, families, and carers from diagnosis, through treatment and into bereavement.
Therapeutic Activity Groups
Connect, reflect, and recharge.
Knitting, arts, crafts, music, gardening, or just enjoy a cuppa and a chat.
Last year, 137 play therapy sessions were given
wetting the bed and are more confident, making friends with greater ease than before.
Visit our website for more information about our Children’s services, download our leaflet or find the referral form.
ellenor.org/how-we-help/childrens-services
Spiritual Care
A listening ear, gentle support, and space for patients, families and carers, to talk about what matters, for people of all faith and no faith.
Financial Support
Financial support to help with care, mobility, and living costs including assistance, benefits, wills, pensions and debt advice.
Last year, 199 people used our wellbeing services each week
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
FROM GRENFELL TO GRAVESHAM: MEET DANITA, ELLENOR’S INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY OFFICER
Danita Sharma is helping reshape what belonging looks like at ellenor – for patients, families, volunteers and colleagues.
Her work is rooted in her own experience. Born in the UK to Hindu Punjabi parents, she grew up navigating two cultures and often felt unsure where she belonged.
After completing a Master’s in International Human Rights, she worked with Grenfell Tower fire survivors. The resilience she witnessed inspired her, but the emotional toll was heavy. She stepped back, travelled, and realised she wanted a role that combined people-centred work with meaningful change. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, or EDI as it’s commonly known, was the answer.
When she joined ellenor, Danita discovered how little many in her own community knew about hospice care. “For some, hospices are still taboo. Older generations feel they should care for relatives themselves; younger people simply don’t know what hospices offer.”
To help bridge that gap, Danita volunteers every fortnight at the Guru Nanak Darbar Wellbeing Centre, spending time with older community members and giving talks about ellenor’s services, from nursing clinics to bereavement support.
Inside the hospice, she’s part of a small team working towards Investors in Diversity accreditation and has recently launched FREDIE – Fairness, Respect, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Engagement – a year long programme designed to strengthen ellenor’s culture. It’s so far involved training on neurodiversity, partnerships with community advocates, and Lunch ’n’ Learn sessions.
What excites Danita most is the high level of attendance and people’s willingness to learn. “You can feel when people genuinely want to be in the room.” While ellenor’s EDI goals are ambitious, the path to them is, naturally, a slow one – but Danita sees that pace as strength for sustainable change over quick fixes.
Every incremental win is celebrated - the first Sikh grandmother who now volunteers on the ward; the Traveller family who agreed to a home visit, the colleague who stopped her in the corridor to share a podcast on neurodiversity. Her vision for the future is simple: a hospice where everyone feels equally seen and heard.
“EDI is everyone’s responsibility – it should be lived and breathed.”
Would you like to get involved with EDI at ellenor?
• Share your skills as a volunteer
• Lend your voice at a community event
• Open a door to a group unsure about hospice care
• To find out about volunteering with us, visit our website ellenor.org/work-for-us/volunteering
SIKH BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUPS
ellenor now offers monthly bereavement support groups for the Sikh community at the Gurdwara Wellbeing Centre.
‘Talking Through Your Grief’ offers two groups; one for men and one for women and are open to anyone in the Sikh community who has experienced a bereavement.
No referral is needed – they are drop-in groups, and people can attend as often as they wish.
The Gurdwara was chosen as a familiar, trusted space where many community members already feel comfortable.
Holding the groups here, helps ellenor build meaningful relationships and extend support to those who may not otherwise access hospice services.
The groups began in December 2025, and are being trialled for six months initially, to allow us and our guests to review their impact.
Men’s Support Group
The men’s group meets on the first Tuesday of each month: 10.45am–12.45pm
Women’s Support Group
The women’s group meets on the first Wednesday of each month: 12.30pm–2.30pm
Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara, Guru Nanak Marg, Gravesend, DA12 1AG
Thank
you to Guru Nanak Darbar Gravesend for this stunning photo.
CATERING
THIS ISN’T ANY FOOD...
IT’S ELLENOR FOOD
Every day at ellenor, our Catering Team is hidden away in the kitchen – mixing, stirring, cooking, baking, piping and icing – to make sure patients on our ward enjoy the food they like.
The menu is varied and the team works closely with the nursing team to create food for patients to enjoy but also to be able to manage.
Their range of pureed food is made to look real – so pureed peas look like a spoonful of peas. Sausages, whilst also pureed, look like an actual sausage, allowing patients to eat a meal they can manage with dignity – and flavour.
The Catering Team’s creativity in presenting food in an interesting and appealing way to help patients to enjoy a breakfast, lunch, dinner or snack, knows no limits.
Catering Supervisor Amanda Jordan, said:
“It’s important for people to be served highly nutritious food whilst at ellenor, that’s appealing to them and what they enjoy.
“We like being asked to make something to someone’s taste, because we know that this little touch makes a big difference to them. Just because they are on a medical ward, doesn’t mean they can’t expect good food and some delicious treats. It’s so lovely to receive compliments back, because it makes the hot kitchen worth it!”
Main meals and everything in-between such as elevenses and afternoon teas and party platters were enjoyed by our patients.
The Catering Team also made several celebration cakes to order for patients and their families to enjoy at their events here in the hospice – some were pre-ordered
and some were a surprise, requested by the nursing team.
Ward Sister Nele Bohn, said: “The Catering Team provide an excellent menu and frequently help us to provide patients with a special treat, like an afternoon tea, birthday cake or special meal.
It’s so important for the patients to have food they enjoy and look forward to – they are away from home, but the Catering Team provide home-from-home meals which are very much appreciated.”
Would you like to volunteer on our ward?
Join our volunteers who work with the catering and nursing teams on the ward every day, assisting with meal service. Working on our ward with patients and their families, you will be:
• Taking meal orders
• Preparing trays
• Refilling water jugs
• Wiping down when needed
• Clearing dinner service
• Filling up the dishwasher
• Tidying the visitor area and ward kitchen
• Making drinks for patients and relatives
Volunteering from 10am – 2pm or 3pm – 7pm.
Find out more, apply online or download the application form on our website: ellenor.org/volunteering/ward-volunteer
DID YOU KNOW?
Our Catering Team has received training from one of our nursing team, to find out how the appetite changes at the end of life.
7,200 sandwiches were made
5,200 delicious fruit and cheese scones were made
HAVE YOU BEEN TO OUR CAFÉ YET?
Our café, which is just inside the hospice at Gravesend, is open every weekday.
We welcome everyone – patients and their families and visitors, friends, businesses, those celebrating, meeting up or people looking to support a charity in an easy way!
Eat in or take away – we have a full menu available in the café, including breakfasts, hot lunches, sandwiches, snacks, delicious homemade cakes, plus meal deals, and cake boxes to take home.
Our afternoon tea is hugely popular (we serve sweet and savoury) and the coffee machine is always on.
6,552 portions of cake were served
CATERING FOR YOUR EVENT
Our Catering Team can be booked for private or business events, including wakes, parties, celebrations, lunches and get-togethers at home or at a venue.
We have a large variety of platters to choose from, a buffet menu and afternoon tea choices too. There’s something for everyone, and any size event.
Pop in or give us a call to discuss an event, pre-order cake boxes, or arrange an afternoon tea to enjoy in the cafe or take home.
01474 320007 | catering@ellenor.org
EDUCATION
CHAMPIONING CONFIDENCE IN END-OF-LIFE-CARE
Anyone providing end-of-life care needs to feel competent and confident to best support both the patient and those around them – their friends and family.
Staying steady in these moments needs careful training and understanding – and that’s where ellenor’s End-of-Life Champions programme comes in. At a time when discussions around end-of-life care and assisted dying continue nationally, our training, created to support professionals along the way, was introduced to be here at the right time.
The programme is designed for all staff working in care homes, nursing homes, domiciliary care agencies and homes for people with disabilities. Course content is relevant to both clinical and non-clinical staff, providing a strong, practical foundation.
‘Champions’ learn how to remain calm in situations that might otherwise feel overwhelming.
They gain the confidence to assess what is happening, respond appropriately and support the patient and their family with calm, high-quality care.
The courses are designed and run by Sue Marshall, our Practice Development
Facilitator, who says: “I’d like our End-of-Life Champions to leave our training feeling much more empowered to deal with symptoms at the end of a patient’s life. Not to panic, and not to be so affected that they want to leave their job which we’ve seen happen before.
“We want them to learn the communication skills needed to begin end-of-life conversations with patients and families before the final days arrive.”
These conversations aren’t always easy, particularly when patient and carer come from different backgrounds or hold different beliefs. That is why cross-cultural understanding is woven into the training. Champions explore how traditions, faith and family roles shape what someone may need at the end of their life. For one person it may be a prayer or a blessing and for another, holding a treasured object or seeing a much-loved pet might be what they’d like.
Early, open communication allows carers to understand what matters most to a patient - their fears, values, the small comforts that bring them peace. This shapes care that is personal, respectful and true to the person’s wishes.
“Families will always remember the care and the carer long after their loved ones have died. Better memories can often make the journey through bereavement a little easier.”
- Sue Marshall
ELLENOR’S EDUCATION TEAM: CARING IS SHARING
At ellenor, we’re not just caring for our patients and their families, we’re training those who care for them too.
Along with training our own staff offering a wide range of courses, our Education Team is also out in our local community or delivering e-training to other professionals who can benefit from our real-world experience and expertise in palliative care.
Professionals that our own patients may also meet, who want to understand palliative care from those working passionately within it every day.
Patients and families expect high standards, with care delivered warmly. They also want the same service from capable and understanding clinical staff too – and a confidence to be working in an often emotional and unpredictable environment.
But it all takes training; walking in someone else’s shoes, having self-awareness of behaviour and language – and being shown small tweaks that make a big difference to the quality of care received by patients, their families and friends.
When professionals feel equipped, understood and supported, patients and families feel the benefit too.
CLINICAL TRAINING
Whether you’re looking to refresh your skills or deepen your knowledge, we can support your learning.
• End-of-Life Care Champions
• Principles and Practices of Palliative Care
• Symptom Control & Medication in Palliative Care
• Advance Care Planning & RESPECT
• Verification of Expected Death for Adults
• Sensitive Communications (Clinical)
• Recognising and Supporting the Dying Patient
NON-CLINICAL PROFESSIONAL COURSES
• Supporting Grief, Loss and Trauma
• No Barrier Here – Advanced Care Planning for Learning Disabilities
BESPOKE TRAINING
We can work with you to design tailored training that meets your team’s unique needs. Just get in touch with our Education Team - we’re here to help and answer any questions.
• Bereavement and Grief Awareness
• Complex, Sensitive Communication Skills
• Understanding the Dying Journey
STUDENT PLACEMENTS & VOLUNTEER LEARNING
Interested in hands-on experience?
We support student placements with universities and colleges, giving future nurses, doctors and therapists the chance to learn alongside our experienced professionals.
If you would like to join us for a placement, please enquire with your University team, or get in touch with us - we aim to offer you an unforgettable experience to enhance your learning.
Sue Marshall Our Practice Development Facilitator
Get in touch with our Education Team 01474 320007 education@ellenor.org
ellenor.org/how-we-help/learn-with-us
INPATIENT WARD
A CAMPAIGN THAT BOUGHT TIME
Last autumn, we launched a fundraising appeal asking our local community to help us raise £3,531 to replace three expiring syringe drivers used by our Inpatient Ward.
And of course, our community came to the rescue – raising £10,287.
The appeal may have focused on equipment - but the real story is how this pocket-sized piece of kit makes such a huge difference. For our families navigating their final days with someone they love, the syringe driver may be one of the most important items they have ever taken with them on a day out – but it’s this piece of medical kit that makes it possible.
Roughly the size of a paperback book, this small machine delivers life-sustaining medication steadily and silently over 24 hours, allowing memory-making or experiences that wouldn’t have been possible without it.
“It’s about making every day still feel like living - and a syringe driver gives us that chance.”
- Nele Bohn, Ward Sister.
More Than a Machine
Used primarily to manage pain, nausea, anxiety or breathlessness, syringe drivers mean patients don’t have to wait for their next dose of medication or struggle to swallow tablets. They reduce the fluctuations in pain, providing steady symptom control - allowing patients and their families the freedom to do something extraordinary: step outside with confidence.
It needs to be pre-measured, carried, stored safely, maybe refrigerated, sharps taken care of, plus nurses must be licensed and insured to transport drugs.
But a syringe driver is pre-prepared with the right dose, set to deliver it gently and consistently, safely enclosed in its casing.
For Jane, whose husband was cared for at home in his final days, the syringe driver brought back a sense of normality - if only briefly.
Last year, 203 patients were supported on our ward with palliative and end-of-life care
“Syringe drivers transform the way we can care for patients,” says Nele. “Because the medication is delivered safely and consistently, people can feel comfortable and stable - and that means they can do the things that matter most, like going to the seaside or spending time with their loved ones.”
Without a syringe driver, even something as simple as leaving the house can feel overwhelming – because taking out medication isn’t as easy as it sounds.
“We took Andy to visit his brother one last time. It was peaceful. He smiled the whole way there. That one journey, made possible by this small device, is the memory I carry with me. It’s such a small piece of equipment, but it changed everything for us. It meant Andy could still have his day out - and we could share those times together in comfort, without the stress of medication getting in the way.”
“Donors may have paid for syringe drivers, but what they really gave was time - time without pain, time to be together, time to say the things that matter. In the end, that’s what dignity looks like.
“
- Dr Soumen Saha, Consultant Doctor & Senior Lecturer in Palliative Medicine at ellenor.
SPONSOR A NURSE
WHEN YOU SPONSOR A NURSE, ELLENOR CAN BE BY SOMEONE’S SIDE
Meet Leanne Blanks - part of ellenor’s Hospice @ Home Team, which supports adults in Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley.
Having previously worked in A&E, she now gets to see people in their own homes – and as you can imagine, there’s a big difference.
As Clinical Nurse Specialist, she said: “Caring for patients in a hospital, you don’t always get that time with them, but when you care for people at home, you get a true reflection of who they are. It’s their space –things feel more equal, more give-and-take. It means you can bring far more of what matters to them into their care.”
Leanne Blanks
LAST YEAR, OUR HOSPICE @ HOME SERVICE WAS BUSY:
91% of our care was given in the community
20,564 face-to-face telephone or virtual contacts were made
Of course, community hospice care isn’t without its challenges – and a ‘typical day’ doesn’t exist.
One home visit might simply be about reassurance and looking ahead to anticipate future needs, while the next could involve urgent, high-stakes symptom control.
She adds: “The privilege of walking into a stranger’s worst day and making it better – either through managing their symptoms or simply having a cup of tea and a conversation is what makes me love this job so much.”
What your sponsorship gives our patients
Monthly donations:
£15 per month seven phone calls from an ellenor nurse in a year
£22.50 per month a nurse’s 12-hour shift on our ward
£32 per month three care assessments in a year
One-off gift:
£45 two hours of nursing care on our Inpatient Ward
£125 an initial assessment visit from an ellenor nurse
£270 a nurse’s 12-hour shift on our Inpatient Ward
Visit our website to donate: ellenor.org/sponsor-a-nurse
7,073 home visits were made
1,181 out of hours (5pm – 9am) calls were made to our Inpatient Ward from families we were supporting at home
Our Night Sitting nurses stayed with patients and families to give overnight support – care, companionship, chats and cuppas
LOOK OUT FOR AN ELLENOR DONATION STATION NEAR YOU!
We’ve made it even easier to donate – just drop your donation into one of our Donation Stations and it’ll make its way to one of our shops.
You can donate anything in good condition that we can sell in one of our shops or online via Vinted or eBay.
Nothing breakable though! Women’s, men’s and children’s clothing, books and shoes are all welcome. Check on our website for things we can / cannot accept.
Find our donation stations in the following places:
If you’d like to find out about having a donation station on your premises, contact our Director of Operations: liam.stone@ellenor.org | 01474 320007
DOG TREATS AT ELLENOR
There’s something for everyone at ellenor, including dogs!
We’ve got some tasty treats to make any tail wag – available in all of our shops
A little treat, a birthday present, a gift for a favourite furry friend – there’s always a reason to buy an ellenor dog treat!
And if your pooch loves theirs, show us on Instagram or Facebook! Tag us in @ellenorcharity
HOW TO SHOP WITH ELLENOR
DONATE OR BUY AT ONE OF OUR SHOPS
1 Blackfen: 258a Blackfen Rd, DA15 9NA
2 Welling: 5 Upper Wickham Ln, DA16 3AA
3 Bexley: 18-20 High St, DA5 1AD
4 Bexleyheath: 37 Pickford Ln, DA7 4QU
5 Northumberland Heath: 287 Bexley Rd, DA8 3EX
6 Swanley: Swanley Centre, BR8 7TG
7 New Ash Green: 7 The Row, New Ash Green Shopping Centre, DA3 8JB
8 Crayford: 134 Crayford Rd, DA1 4ES
9 Dartford: The Priory Centre, DA1 2HS
10 Dartford: 82 High St, DA1 1DE
11 Dartford: Darent Valley Hospital, DA2 8DA
12 Swanscombe: 44 High St, DA10 0AB
13 Northfleet: 73 Pelham Rd South, DA11 8QT
14 Gravesend: 27 King St, DA12 2DU
15 Strood: 98 High St, ME2 4TP
Check our website for opening times.
16 Gravesend Warehouse: Unit 11, Canal Industrial Park, DA12 2PA
Some shops require a booking slot to donate. Please call in advance to check.
HOW TO DONATE
Shops: Donations can be taken to any shop during opening hours.
Warehouse: Donations can be taken to our warehouse in Gravesend. Call ahead if possible, but otherwise, please visit us during our opening hours.
Mon - Fri 8:30am - 4.30pm
Unit 11, Canal Industrial Park, Gravesend, DA12 2PA 01474 643932
Furniture Collection
If you have furniture to donate, give us a call on 01322 626502 or visit our website.
553,516 items were sold in our shops
277,829 shoppers visited an ellenor shop
Map of: Gravesend, Swanley, Bexley & Dartford
Dartford Bexley
Swanley
Gravesend
Strood
PARTNERSHIPS
PEPPER HILL GARDEN CENTRE GROWS SUPPORT FOR ELLENOR
Pepper Hill Garden Centre in Gravesend is continuing its support for us with another year of Glorious Gardens sponsorship.
Our yearly open garden scheme gives our green-fingered supporters the opportunity to showcase their beautiful gardens to share their creativity and passion, whilst raising funds and awareness for ellenor. People can enjoy visiting private gardens, buy refreshments, raffle tickets, and at some, hear live music too.
Plan your garden visits this year – is there a garden near you? ellenor.org/events/gloriousgardens
OAR-SOME GIFT FROM THE PORT OF LONDON AUTHORITY
What a lovely present we were given from Port of London Authority (PLA) – delivered by boat!
PLA sent Santa down the river on a harbour service boat to gift us £7,500 – just in time for Christmas and on top of their sponsorship of our Christmas events and patient gifts.
Entry £5
Entry price is £5 and under 16s go free!
NETWORKING LUNCH AT MINEL IN MEOPHAM A SUCCESS
Our 20 guests enjoyed a delicious lunch while hearing exciting updates about our summer art trail, Dartford, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, with plenty of opportunities to network in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Mandy Fisher, Managing Director of Nesoi Travel, said: “It was one of the best networking events I’ve been to. The atmosphere was so friendly, informal, and welcoming, which made it really easy to chat and connect with others. The food was also very good - I’ll definitely be attending again.”
Check the events page on our website for future networking dates.
BLUEWATER SNOW GLOBE
Did you see our giant snow globe at Bluewater over Christmas? For a small donation, supporters stepped inside for a festive photo.
Our volunteers gave 150 hours to welcome guests into the snow globe and wrap their presents – which raised £3,742!
PLANTING SEEDS OF SUPPORT
RUXLEY MARKS 150TH BIRTHDAY WITH ELLENOR CHARITY OF THE YEAR PARTNERSHIP
In its 150th year, Ruxley Manor Garden Centre has chosen ellenor as its Charity of the Year for 2026.
Now led by the fifth generation of the Evans family, the award-winning Sidcup garden centre will back ellenor with a year-long programme of fundraising, events and awareness raising.
If you visit, you’re likely to catch a glimpse of ellenor – spot our pin badges being worn by staff, buy a raffle ticket for a lovely prize, and look out for their charity events throughout the year.
vulnerable moments in their lives, and the compassion, dignity and care they offer deeply resonated with us.
“Each generation has added something new, and the business today is very different to all those years ago, but what hasn’t changed is our core values - quality, care and community. Being able to mark this milestone while supporting a charity like ellenor feels especially meaningful.”
ellenor’s Corporate Partnership Manager Jemma Kemp, added: “Ruxley’s reach and reputation locally will help more families understand the support available to them from ellenor. This partnership reflects everything ellenor stands for — community, care and connection.”
They will also have a donation station for customers to bring their pre-loved items for us to sell in our shops, on Ebay or Vinted.
Ruxley is also sponsoring a bear sculpture as part of our summer art trail (see page 4), joining us for September’s Twilight Walk and volunteering with us too.
They also plan to support our Green Shoots weekly garden therapy class for patients, their families or bereaved people.
Director James Evans, said: “ellenor’s work touches families at some of the most
Ruxley Manor Garden Centre @ruxley.manor @ruxleymanor
Maidstone Road, Sidcup, DA14 5BQ ruxley-manor.co.uk
Ruxley won Destination Garden Centre of the Year UK at the 2025 Garden Centre Association Awards.
COMMUNITY FUNDRAISING
THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY!
£1,825
Milton Social Club Fun day, tombola and stalls.
£690
Erasmus Wilson and Cornwallis East Kent Freemasons Their donation paid for three nebulisers on our ward.
£2,000
Windmill Lodge, They’ve been fundraising throughout the year.
In 2024/25, £4,848,727 was raised by our wonderful supporters! Our community knows how to put the fun into fundraising! Running, baking, knitting, dancing, eating, golfing… you name it, they’ve organised it!
Here’s a snippet of what you’ve all been up to and how much you’ve raised for us…
£11,868
Gary Nicholls has run a Facebook Bonus Ball competition for four years.
Dave & James’ Annual Golf Day Their fourth for ellenor – with the fifth booked for this year!
£3,500
North Downs Run
£18,000 donated since 1999 with Istead & Ifield Harriers Running Club Gravesend.
B O I G N
£339
Rugby Football Club
The Captain’s Lunch gave us a tasty donation.
£1,170 Gravesend
Latest donation:
£500
Katrina Bailey and Peaky Blinders Re-Enactment Group.
Gravesham Choral Society, Their carol concert made us a donation to the tune of…
£587
Horton Kirby Sleigh Run
A 4-day journey through Horton Kirby, South Darenth and Sutton at Hone. Handing out sweets and collecting donations.
£3,392
The Woodville Panto / Wicked Productions Donations dropped into buckets from generous audiences.
Melvin at Northfleet Lodge Donated 130 mince pies at short notice for our Christmas events.
Chris Bradford (Morrisons’ Community Champion)
The shop’s Knit and Natter group made us wonderful pieces for our Christmas Fair.
David and Gemma Canfield They decorated their home with Christmas lights.
£217
Rock Choir Gravesend Their festive performance raised…
£4,068
£250
Your Family’s Wish, Our Family’s Honour
HOUSEKEEPING
MEET ELLENOR’S SINGING HOUSEKEEPER
You only notice the cleaning when it’s not done – and here at ellenor, it’s always done!
Thanks to our dedicated Housekeeping Team, patients, their visitors, ellenor colleagues and anyone else who comes into the hospice, finds it clean, tidy and smelling fresh. Patients on our ward also enjoy a spot of singing – from housekeeping supervisor Michelle Aldous.
She says: “I’m no good at it, but I like it and don’t always notice I’m doing it! I just sing as I go – and if the patients enjoy it, that’s great.
“ellenor is a happy place – if it wasn’t, I wouldn’t want to sing!”
ellenor’s Housekeeping Team also has a volunteer working with them, who takes care of the ironing. Bed sheets, pillow cases and patients’ nightwear all go through the ironing roller. Wrinkles come out, care goes in.
Ward Sister Nele Bohn, said: “Michelle has a hugely positive impact in the hospice. With her cheerful nature, happy attitude, and gentle singing, she brings warmth and lightness to the ward while she works, often lifting the spirits of patients, families, and staff alike.
“These moments of positivity can provide comfort, reassurance, and a welcome sense of normality during what can be a very emotional time.
She often comes round the corner with her trolley, a mop or cloth, singing away, brightening up the day as she goes.
“Michelle’s joyful presence and kindness help create a caring, homely atmosphere where people feel valued and at ease. What she does is an important part of the hospice’s compassionate care, and that’s why we love having her around.”
Housekeeping isn’t just about being clean - at ellenor, it contributes to patient and visitor comfort, infection control and providing a welcoming place to be cared for, visit or work.
If you’d like to find out about volunteering with our Housekeeping Team, visit our website volunteering page.
ellenor.org/work-for-us/volunteering
MEET JON QUINN - ELLENOR’S NEW CEO
JON JOINED US IN FEBRUARY, AND RETURNS TO THE CHARITY SECTOR WHERE MUCH OF HIS CAREER HAS BEEN SPENT.
He comes to us having spent seven years as a director with Kent Fire and Rescue Service, where he celebrated many successes.
Before joining the fire service, he was chief executive of a disability charity and previously worked at Shelter. While fire and rescue may seem a world away from hospice care, Jon sees strong parallels.
“Both are deeply people-facing, highly regulated environments where trust really matters. You’re working with colleagues who deliver critical services every day, often in emotionally demanding situations. Governance, safeguarding and accountability shape day-to-day decisions and have real consequences for people.”
Outside of work, Jon has previously been a trustee at Refugee Action, and most recently a coach and mentor to people on leadership schemes.
We asked him a few questions to get to know him a little better…
Where did you grow up?
Lewes, East Sussex.
Describe yourself in a few words… Family-focused. Driven. Team player.
If you could re-live one ordinary day from your life, which would you choose?
Well, I can't mention when each of the kids were born, so it would be my wedding day.
What’s your comfort TV when you’re exhausted and nobody’s judging?
It’s either football - or a good comedy.
Any hobbies?
I love football (I’m a Spurs fan), I like walking, cycling and art as well – visiting galleries. I like watching football and rugby and don’t go to watch as often as I’d like but I watch on TV.
What music do you like?
I like 80’s and classical music - an odd combination, I know!
Cake or wine?
Wine.
What’s on your bedside table at the moment? Wild Swans.
City break or countryside escape? City break.
Favourite holiday destination?
Italy. I love it - the food, the culture, everything. I’m even learning Italian, although my wife is much better than me. She lived there for a while, so I’m still catching up.
At 18, who did you think the future Jon would be and what would young Jon think of you now? I honestly didn’t know who I wanted to be. Careers often happen by accident. But I think my 18-year-old self would be pleasantly surprised. There have been highs and lows, but from a family and career point of view, I couldn’t have asked for more.
CHILDREN’S TEAM
NEW FAMILY ONCOLOGY GROUP
A new group has been launched at ellenor, for families of children with cancer.
The first meeting, held in early February, was a busy one – with families staying well beyond the original finish time. They didn’t want to go home, and we didn’t want them to either. When a child is diagnosed with cancer, everyday life can change very quickly. Treatment can leave children more vulnerable to
infection, which often means places like nursery, soft play, or group activities no longer feel safe. Life can become centred around hospital appointments and staying at home.
Our family oncology group was set up by our Children’s Team, in response to families who told them they’d like to meet others, where their children could play safely and ‘just be children’.
Parents can meet, chat, feel less isolated and more supported in a calm place – our Wellbeing Centre.
At the first meeting, the parents chatted together and the children enjoyed colouring and painting, playing with Play-Doh and Stickle Bricks, and also got out into our
garden to “run riot!” – says Children’s Team Lead Cat Wilde. “One of our parents had been feeling incredibly isolated, alone and was struggling to deal with her son’s diagnosis and treatment.
“She left the group looking like a weight had lifted. Her son had been laughing and having a great time and she’d been able to have an uninterrupted chat with other parents and staff who understood her situation and could relate to how she was feeling.”
The group runs monthly – and new families are welcome.
To find out more, contact:
Cat Wilde
Catherine.Wilde@ellenor.org
HOW WE SUPPORT CHILDREN WITH CANCER
At ellenor, our specialist Children’s Team brings expert care and support into family homes, helping children live as fully and comfortably as possible, surrounded by the people and places they love.
“We can’t change the diagnosis, but we can help make each day a bit easier for the children and families we care for.” – says Cat Wilde, who leads our Children’s Team.
“Our work blends specialist care with kindness and understanding, helping to manage symptoms, answer questions, and bring reassurance to families at home.
“Every family’s story is different. Some days are calm; others are heavy with exhaustion and fear. But each visit from our Children’s Team helps restore a little order - a small moment of normal life in the middle of everything else.”
Our care extends beyond the child with cancer - to parents, brothers and sisters, supporting the whole family as they navigate each day together.
Because childhood doesn’t stop for illness. There are still birthdays to mark, stories to read, and tiny victories to celebrate, just as they are in any other family.
We offer round the clock care at home to seriously ill babies, children and young people aged up to 19.
Respite care, counselling, support groups and much more is offered to families.
JANE’S STORY
From the first visit, we felt something lift. The nurse was calm and unhurried. She asked about our daughter’s favourite book before she even checked her medication. She noticed the drawings on the fridge, the sibling standing quietly in the doorway. She saw us not as a diagnosis, but as a family.
“Some days, the visits brought relief: an adjustment that eased her pain, advice that made a sleepless night a little easier. A hand on a shoulder, a quiet word.
“We realised hospice care is about helping families live well - with support, comfort, and understanding every step of the way. For our daughter, it meant being at home, surrounded by her toys, her music, and the people who made her feel safe.
“ellenor’s Children’s Team helped us breathe again, laugh again, and find small moments of joy in days that used to feel impossible.
They just became part of the family, giving us room to feel like ourselves, even when everything else was hospitals and worry.
Last year,
2,573 contacts were made by our Children’s Team how-we-help/childrens-services Find out
A BIRTHDAY, A BABY, AND A BIG ELLENOR LOTTERY WIN!
For nurse Julia Walsh, 2025 was a big year – she became a grandmother for the first time, celebrated her 60th birthday, and received a surprise from ellenor… a £6,000 win on our lottery!
Julia, Assistant Chief Nurse at Darent Valley Hospital, couldn’t believe her luck when she received the unexpected call from our lottery team with the good news!
Julia lives near the hospice in Northfleet with her partner Paul. She has two adult children, and had just become a grandmother to little Ronan, born within a week of her win.
She quickly got spending, enjoying her windfall, booking a stay at a five-star hotel in Amsterdam and treating herself to a new laptop, plus she will be starting a savings account for her grandson. She also plans to double her weekly lottery spend too, to give more back to us.
Julia started playing our lottery after her dad died in the hospice in 2019, aged 74.
“Dad had pancreatic cancer, and he was exceptionally well cared for on the ward at ellenor. I couldn’t have faulted it,” said Julia.
Lady Luck Jeanette
Her mum also appreciated the aftercare she was given by ellenor, where she attended bereavement cuppas, finding much-needed support and companionship during her grief.
“The services ellenor provides are wonderful. It just changes how you experience a relative’s death. Hospitals are noisy and less personal, and it is especially hard for a patient who is at the end of their life, and their family. There is so much more at ellenor. People say hospices are somewhere you go to die, but I absolutely see the difference between hospitals and hospices.”
Julia appreciates how hard charities need to work to bring in vital funds and sees ellenor’s lottery as an easy way to give support regularly, without breaking the bank.
“Even if you don’t win, it’s one of the most fulfilling things you can do. You’re helping to make a difference to people’s lives - in life and in death, and supporting ellenor’s vital work with patients and families. It’s just been amazing to win and finished off my 60th year beautifully.”
If anyone deserved a moment of good fortune, it was Jeanette O’Brien. Having faced cancer three times, plus treatment for a hernia, knee problem and bowel blockage, she decided to support her local hospice - never imagining she would one day scoop the £1,000 weekly jackpot.
She signed up five or six years ago, wanting to “give something back” – and had even forgotten about paying the money each month!
She has shared some of her winnings with her family, treated herself to two new pairs of Skechers, and booked a trip to her favourite hotel in Chelmsford with husband Les.
DID YOU KNOW?
Any winnings not cashed within six months are treated as donations – and come back to ellenor.
74% of the £9.6m we needed in 2024/25 to provide our services came from voluntary donations including fundraising, lottery, legacies and shops.
NEWS
HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW?
We have a new garden here at ellenor – gifted to us by an RHS Chelsea Flower Show exhibitor no less!
Joshua Fenton, from Fenton Gardens, won a Silver Gilt at last year’s show and gave us a new garden during autumn. It’s designed to be calming, peaceful and sustainable, channelling rainwater off the paved area into an irrigation system to help plants on drier days. Along with a lovely mix of plants and flowers, herbs are also in the garden, whose scents are both beautiful and can trigger memories.
If you visit, please pop into the garden – perhaps with a cuppa from our café.
RENT AN ELLENOR OFFICE! Offices available from £400 per month
We now have flexible office space ready for rent in Swanscombe. We’ve refurbished unused office space above our Swanscombe shop in the High Street and we’re looking forward to welcoming our new tenants.
Single, double or adjoining – they are ready to move into and can be rented month-by-month. Perfect for small businesses, project work, collaborations, a private space or quiet corner.
The rolling monthly rental makes the offices a flexible, affordable option for businesses without long-term contracts.
To find out more about renting an ellenor office, contact Sealeys: sealeys.co.uk
CHILDREN IN NEED - SONNY THE STAR!
ellenor was featured on Children in Need, giving us the opportunity to highlight GEMs – our children’s hospice service, which receives funding from the annual, national fundraiser.
Sonny’s dad was cared for at home by ellenor and now we support him and his mum Laura. He was invited by Children in Need to join 14 others to sing in their choir, live on the programme.
He chose to share his story to help other grieving children. Sonny’s story was featured in the programme, plus on local TV and radio!
WE’RE AN AWARD-WINNING HOSPICE
It’s official – we’re award winners! Last year, we won a few and were shortlisted too – highlighting just how amazing our teams are!
Dartford Business Awards
Highly commended in the Good for Society Award
Emerson Grange Local Heroes Awards ellenor’s Terry Ludlow was named Volunteer Hero – we’re very proud!
Gravesham Business Awards WINNER
Smiley Charity Film Awards Shortlisted
READ MORE OF OUR NEWS
At ellenor, it’s the people who make it special – meet a few of them here.
Bill – supported by ellenor after we cared for his wife Billie
Sue – who’s been at ellenor for 24 years!
Vee – who honours her dad’s memory working for ellenor
ellenor.org/ellenorstories
Cat – who found her passion in children’s oncology
Steve – the Gravesend author whose book sales help ellenor
Peter - ellenor’s Director of Finances and Resources
–
Bob - who we all go to when something needs fixing, or finding, or moving, or…!
– the
Chris
Morrisons knit and natter champion
Tina
who fell in love with ellenor as a student nurse
VOLUNTEERING
LINDA’S KINDNESS IN OUR CAFÉ
People visiting our café regularly will know Linda’s face – just as she knows theirs.
She volunteers a couple of days a week, knows their story, is looking forward to their updates and remembers what they like to order.
Linda started volunteering at ellenor after her husband spent his final days at the hospice. It all started with a cup of tea here with a friend who suggested she volunteered in the café.
Volunteers like Linda make our café much more than just a place to eat and drink. For some people, it’s a small sanctuary of normality and connection and she thrives on being part of it.
“I’m a people person. I know the regulars, their orders, their stories. Sometimes it’s just making someone a cup of tea or a scone, but those little acts matter. They remind people they’re not invisible.” Her warmth has not gone unnoticed. Regular visitors greet her with affection, and colleagues feel the energy she brings.
“Volunteering gives me purpose and connection, and if I can give someone a smile or a laugh in the middle of a hard day, then I’ve done something worthwhile.”
Linda’s story highlights the importance of accessible counselling and the vital role of hospices not only for end-of-life care but in supporting patients’ families after they have died. For Linda, volunteering is both a way of giving back and a continuation of her own healing.
“The counselling I had before and after he died saved me, and ellenor gave us both compassion at the end.
Now, through volunteering, I can pass that kindness on.”
Volunteers save us £750,000 and range in age from 16 – 100!
Faith Nursery Brandshatch Park has had a fantastic first year open – with lots of play, fun and learning enjoyed!
Our facilities include an amazing outdoor area in our safe garden, and a nurturing environment with exceptional care and learning opportunities await you.
Why choose Faith Nursery Brandshatch Park?
Experienced & Caring Staff: Our passionate and dedicated team brings 22 years of experience in nurturing children and a commitment to creating a warm, supportive environment for every child.
Proven Curriculum: We combine the EYFS with the Montessori Approach. A balanced blend of structured activities and free play, designed to encourage early learning, creativity, independence and social skills.
Strong Community: We work closely with families to ensure children feel supported, valued, and inspired to grow.
Come and meet us!
Bring the family along, meet our friendly team, and discover all the exciting opportunities at our nursery. We can’t wait to show you around!
Fantastic Facilities: Our nursery offers a range of vibrant rooms and facilities tailored to inspire and engage young learners. From imaginative play areas and a cosy reading corner to art and craft zones, each space is thoughtfully designed to foster creativity, exploration, and growth.
Sensory Room: A calming, immersive space where children can explore lights, textures, sounds, and colours. Designed to support sensory development and emotional wellbeing, it’s perfect for relaxation or focused learning.
Diverse and Inclusive Library: Our library celebrates diversity, featuring books, dolls and toys that reflect various cultures, abilities, and backgrounds. We aim to foster inclusivity and help children see themselves and others in the stories they read, and the toys they play with.
Beautiful Outdoor Garden: The outdoor play area, with slides, seesaw, climbing frames, stage, playhouse, supermarket and a vegetable garden, lets children explore nature and play freely. With diverse resources and age-appropriate activities, it’s designed for play, learning and adventure.
Engaging Mud Kitchen: Encourage creativity and sensory play in our mud kitchen, where children can enjoy hands-on learning experiences with natural materials.
Vegetable Garden: Our budding gardeners can plant, water, and watch their veggies grow, fostering a love for nature and healthy eating. Children are able to explore nature and play freely.
Children from 6 months to 5 years: Babies, toddlers & pre-schoolers
Faith Nursery Brandshatch Park, 100 Brandshatch Park, Scratchers Lane, West Kingsdown, Kent, DA3 8PU
Phone: 020 3345 7119 Mobile: 07301 024460
brandshatch@faithnursery.co.uk | faithnursery.co.uk
Opening times: 7:30am - 6:30pm
15 and 30 hours funded places accepted. Affordable, flexible childcare.
Faith Nursery Brandshatch Park is part of Faith Montessori Nursery, an Ofsted Outstanding Provider. The Forest Hill branch has been proudly serving families for over 22 years.