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My Work

Explore a featured selection of my writing work below.
Pilgrims’ Friend Society •

A joyful return to Spring Harvest

Throughout the week, our stand was full of energy as we spoke with visitors about our care homes, housing schemes, and resources, while also giving out goody bags containing a copy of our magazine and information about our partner charities, Faith in Later Life and Christians in Care. Whether people were discovering us for the first time or already familiar with our work, each conversation provided a valuable opportunity to connect and reflect on the importance of care, community, and later life...
Pilgrims’ Friend Society •

Flippin' fun

The event was organised by Barbara, Activities and Community Engagement (ACE) Facilitator of the home, along with Lisa, the home’s chef, expertly preparing the pancake and making sure it was flip-ready. 'Family members' (those who live with us) and staff gathered round, eager to take part and see how their flipping skills would measure up.

The fun really began when Barbara stepped up for her turn. As she flipped the pancake, she started making some very unusual noises - apparently a key part of...
Pilgrims’ Friend Society •

Outrageously bold

That belief is evident in her poem ‘For Peter’, written for a friend she has made at Royd Court. Peter lives with significant hearing and sight loss and lost his wife to dementia two years ago. Despite this, Alison describes him as someone who brings lightness wherever he goes. “He loves life,” she says. “He teases people, especially the ladies, and he has such a generous, open spirit.”

The poem is inspired by Jenny Joseph’s poem ‘Warning’, best known for the line ‘When I am old, I shall wear p...
Pilgrims’ Friend Society •

Meet Wellbeing and Dementia Lead…Eve

Working with older people is just where I fit. I began my career at Evington as a carer, later becoming a senior carer in what was then a nursing setting. In 2007, I briefly moved to Framland, Wantage in a senior relief role, stepping up to support the team in a leadership capacity. I then spent time at Royd Court, Mirfield, where I took on a variety of responsibilities—from practical day-to-day support to developing and leading a growing staff team. After a period away from the organisation, I...
Pilgrims’ Friend Society •

Meet a volunteer...Tim

Some of my most special moments have been deeply personal. My mother-in-law lived at Milward House for several years, and it was wonderful to see her there while also serving others. Another family member I knew, Shirley, ended up in the same room my mother-in-law had occupied – it was such a lovely coincidence. One moment I’ll never forget was praying with a relative at the bedside of their dying mother. They asked me to take the funeral afterward, which was a real privilege, even though I hadn...
Pilgrims’ Friend Society •

Morning moves

Radio Taiso is a three-minute exercise routine using gentle, rhythmic movements to energise the body and improve circulation. It began in the United States in the 1920s as a public health initiative by Metropolitan Life Insurance, before being introduced to Japan in 1928. There, it became a much-loved daily ritual, broadcast on the radio and practised by people of all ages as a shared moment of movement.

At Shottermill House, Radio Taiso has become just that: a shared moment of joy, laughter an...
Pilgrims’ Friend Society •

Our love story: Michael and Joan

Michael was born on the 9th September 1927 in Gelli, a small Welsh village known for its coal mining heritage. He was the youngest of ten children, raised in a Christian home by his coal mining father and devoted mother, Emma, known as a prayer warrior.” Life in Gelli was tough but the strong family bond shaped Michael’s values from a young age. When Michael was nine, the family moved to London, a change that would eventually lead him to a new chapter entirely.
Michael joined the Navy at aged 17...
Pilgrims’ Friend Society •

Windows in the Psalms

In the summer of 2015, Mary arrived at Royd Court on a bright, sunny day. She describes the light that day as “very bright,” almost a metaphor for the new chapter unfolding in her life. With macular degeneration affecting her sight and after years of caregiving for her beloved husband, Cecil, Mary sought rest and solace in our housing scheme at Mirfield. Little did she know that unpacking her long-forgotten art folder would open the door to a remarkable creative journey.

Mary’s story is one of...
Pilgrims’ Friend Society •

Huddle haven at Royd Court

Today, the huddle meets three times a week on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays, and attendance can range from four to 18 residents. It is intentionally simple. The group avoids politics and even small talk about the weather whenever possible. The focus is on conversation, company and the gentle rhythm of hands busy with yarn or crosswords.

The group is open to everyone, both women and men. One gentleman, who can neither see nor hear well, comes faithfully because he simply loves being part of the...
Pilgrims’ Friend Society •

A circle of friendship

Christine is the sort of person who makes you feel welcome before you’ve even sat down. At 87, she still has a quick smile and a twinkle of humour that puts people at ease. Every Monday afternoon at 2pm, that warmth fills the lounge at Strathclyde House in Skelmorlie, where a group gathers for Ladies Together. For those who attend, it is a community of fellowship that carries them through the week.

The group began quietly, almost by accident. Christine noticed that some of the ladies at the hom...
Pilgrims’ Friend Society •

My story...Christina

I loved living on the farm,” Christina recalls, her eyes brightening at the memory. “We named all the horses, played in the barns, and had fun with the machinery. I loved it. But you always had to do what was necessary.” Life on her grandfather’s farm in Old Denaby, near Doncaster, meant chores, but for a lively little girl it also meant space to roam. Christina remembers playing with her cousins among the hay bales and sneaking peeks into the sheds where farming equipment loomed like mysterious...
Pilgrims’ Friend Society •

Meet a trustee...Frances

I was also active in commercial business life as a part-owner and adviser to businesses and charities. This gave me wide experience in management, governance, compliance, and strategy, both in crises and steady growth. My work as a professional adviser was especially intense during Covid-19, though I eventually became unwell and retired from practice. With the support of my husband, retirement became a privilege as it freed me to give my time voluntarily. That is how I became a Trustee of Pilgri...
Pilgrims’ Friend Society •

Meet a Hummingbird...Lesley

My mornings always start with smiles. I never walk past anyone without saying hello, and I often put calming music on to set the tone. greet those who are bed-bound and spend time with our ‘family members’ (those who live with us) living with dementia, who especially love singing hymns with me. Along the way, I update calendars and weather boards, play word games, chat, or simply sit quietly—sometimes offering nothing more than a hug or the comfort of holding someone’s hand when they feel low. I...
Pilgrims’ Friend Society •

Meet a volunteer...Isabel

Spending time with older people, especially those living with dementia, has taught me so much. It can be hard when someone is confused or having a difficult day but when you sit down, look them in the eye, and listen, there’s a real connection. Some days, you get to have incredible conversations about their lives. Other times, it’s the simple comfort of sitting quietly together or singing a hymn.

One family member who really stood out to me was Alan. He sadly passed away a few months ago, but w...
Pilgrims’ Friend Society •

Meet Wellbeing and Dementia Lead...Mark

I joined Emmaus House as Wellbeing and Dementia Lead, where I felt called to serve. When my wife and I arrived in Harrogate, we had few roots or connections outside church, so I was looking for a way to belong. I saw this job advertised, showed it to my wife, and she said, “That role has your name written all over it.” I wrestled with doubt before the interview, but while decorating the house one day I asked God, “Is this from You?” The phrase came: “I don’t give you a scorpion; I give you an eg...
Pilgrims’ Friend Society •

Celebrating 40 years of the Christian Resources Exhibition (CRE)

Throughout the exhibition, the atmosphere was lively and full of energy as we chatted with visitors, answered questions, and shared stories. We also took the opportunity to interview people about older individuals who have had a lasting impact on their lives. Hearing those personal reflections was deeply moving and reminded us just how much wisdom, faith, and encouragement older generations continue to bring to our communities. See video.

We were thrilled by the number of people who signed up t...
Pilgrims’ Friend Society •

Meet a carer...Nadia

Since then, I’ve taken every opportunity to grow. I completed a year-long apprenticeship, earning my Level 2 NVQ in Health and Social Care, which combined practical work with study. I began my Level 3 last December and, once I finish, I’ll be able to apply for a senior carer role within the home. Alongside this, I’ve completed functional skills in maths and English, and this year I took my GCSEs, with results due in August. It’s been a lot to balance, but I’ve really enjoyed the journey so far....
Pilgrims’ Friend Society •

A family's journey to care

When Elaine speaks about her brother David, there’s a mix of admiration, sadness, and deep affection. At 74, Elaine is the younger sister to David, who is now 78. Despite the age gap and their lives often taking them in different directions – David spent ten years living and working in Kenya while Elaine was raising a family in the UK – their bond has always remained strong, anchored by shared holidays and family traditions like spending Christmas and Easter together.







After their mothe...
Pilgrims’ Friend Society •

Blooming bright at Middlefields House

I’m a great-grandmother now. I have two daughters and one grandson, and he has two little boys of his own. My family means everything to me. Interestingly, my two sisters-in-law were residents at Leonora Home in Chippenham before Middlefields House was built and the old home closed.

My faith has carried me through everything. Life hasn’t always been easy, but the Lord has been with me every step of the way. Even in the most difficult times, I’ve felt led and cared for. Coming to Middlefields Ho...
Pilgrims’ Friend Society •

Joy by the calendar

Dave, the Activities and Community Engagement (ACE) Facilitator, plays a key role in making each celebration memorable for our ‘family members’ (those who live with us). With his creative planning and knack for spotting quirky national and international days, he turns these occasions into fun and engaging activities that bring everyone together.

“I like to find out what’s special about each day,” Dave explains. “The more unusual, the better, which is a great way to spark a chuckle or start a co...
Pilgrims’ Friend Society •

Meet a Manager...Timothy

Timothy was born in Lagos, Nigeria, and moved to the UK in 2006 to study accountancy, eventually qualifying with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). After working in the banking sector for several years, he felt drawn to the care sector where he has dedicated himself to supporting individuals with diverse needs, from learning difficulties to mental health challenges and to ultimately managing person-centred care for older people in care home settings.

A typical day for Ti...
Pilgrims’ Friend Society •

Making connections at Spring Harvest

In the run-up to Easter, staff from Pilgrims’ Friend Society headed to the Butlin’s resort in Minehead to take part in the annual Spring Harvest event. We were proud to be part of the Skyline exhibition, surrounded by inspiring organisations like Faith in Later Life, Redeeming Our Communities (ROC), and OM UK. Our stand soon became a lively focal point, drawing in visitors and sparking engaging, thought-provoking conversations about what it means to be older.

Just behind us, live music from the...
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