Changes to Helper Structures
In 2025, we’re making some changes to the structure of our helper teams. These changes are based on feedback from helpers and are designed to better meet the needs of our supported pilgrims.
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We will be transitioning from our current arrangements to a role-based structure. There will be several new teams, and all helpers will be asked to consider which team they feel they are best suited to.
Click on the buttons below to see a description of the duties for each role.
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Once you've reviewed the information, kindly click the button below to complete a form which lets the organising committee know your helper group preferences:
If you have any questions or would like to discuss the options further, please don’t hesitate to contact David Bald at 07816 761922.
Transport Team
There will be two groups working within the Transport Team.
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The first group, which will be a larger team will concentrate on transporting supported pilgrims to and from wherever they need to go. This may be to a Mass or ceremony, to a social event, cafe, or shopping. Helpers on this team will work around the pilgrimage programme so the daily shift pattern will vary depending on the programme. The main duty is pushing wheelchairs and pulling voitures (purpose build carriages). This task requires helpers to be able to cope with the physical demands of this work.
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The second group will be a smaller team and will involve supporting the helpers who are transporting pilgrims by coordinating the movement in and out of the Saint Frai centre. This may involve reserving a lift, or matching up helpers with supported pilgrims in the loading bay.​​
Healthcare Team
​The Healthcare Team is comprised of registered doctors, nurses and care assistants and provide care to our supported pilgrims.
Saint Frai Team
The Saint Frai team supports the work that is done in caring for our supported pilgrims in the Saint Frai Centre
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The work may involve assisting the medical team with personal care, cleaning of the wards and related areas, or assisting pilgrims in the refectory.
Helpers on this team may choose to be involved in one or more of these duties (care, cleaning or refectory) depending on their skills and preferences.
The rota structure on this team will likely be more fixed than the Transport Team, for example:
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Day 1 early to 1pm & 8pm to end of day
Day 2 1pm until 8pm​
​Please note that work in the Saint Frai does not restrict people on this team to the Saint Frai itself as they would also take part in the full pilgrimage experience and so may get involved in others tasks - for example assisting pilgrims at Mass, and socialising with pilgrims in cafes and at the excursion.​​​
Other Information
Helpers will be asked to stipulate their first and second preference for the team that they would like to be part of. The organising committees will do their best to accommodate all helper preferences but may also need to assign helpers to a different team in order to ensure appropriate care for supported pilgrims.
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It is envisaged that most young helpers will be involved in the Transport team but it may also be possible for helpers to gain experience in other teams should they wish to do so.
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It is also important to note that helpers who are part of one team will also be involved in the wider range of general duties - for example, socialising with supported pilgrims, helping at the airport, and giving out water at Mass.
