Helper Information
This page has been created to assist volunteer helpers. Any information which may be useful for helpers will be posted here when it is available.
Individual Role Descriptions:
Lady Helpers
The Lady Helpers form the biggest group of helpers and fulfil an essential role on the pilgrimage. Our team of Lady Helpers is made up of women from all walks of life. They generally perform a range of non-clinical care to sick Pilgrims from around our Archdiocese, who stay in the St Frai Centre in Lourdes . This includes tasks like:
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Assisting sick pilgrims with washing, dressing and feeding
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Cleaning wards
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Taking pilgrims out to ceremonies, a cafe, or shopping
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Liaising with the doctors and other helpers
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Supporting sick pilgrims
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Making tea and coffee
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Helping to serve food in the refectory
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Participating in the full range of pilgrimage activities - Masses, Ceremonies, Processions and social gatherings
Male Helpers
Male helpers (or "Brancardiers" to use the French term) are involved in a range of duties and are primarily called on to perform the more physical/active tasks depending on ability. Brancardiers work primarily with sick pilgrims from our own Archdiocese, who stay in the St Frai Centre in Lourdes. Their duties may include:
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Pushing wheelchairs
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Pulling 'voitures' (special carriage for sick pilgrims)
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Assisting male pilgrims with washing, dressing and feeding as required
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Taking pilgrims out to ceremonies, a cafe, or shopping
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Supporting sick pilgrims
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Working an occasional night shift
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Participating in the full range of pilgrimage activities - Masses, Ceremonies, Processions and social gatherings
Medical Helpers
Doctors and Nurses form a vital part of the helper team. Our medical team consists of qualified registered doctors, nurses and Auxiliary/Domestic staff. Our team provides the highest quality of clinical and personal care to sick Pilgrims from around our Archdiocese, who stay in the St Frai Centre in Lourdes. Their duties may include:
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Assisting sick pilgrims with clinical needs and personal care needs
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Administering medication
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Taking pilgrims out to ceremonies, a cafe, or shopping
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Liaising with other helpers
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Supporting sick pilgrims
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Working occasional night shifts
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Participating in the full range of pilgrimage activities - Masses, Ceremonies, Processions and social gatherings
Clergy
Clergy are a key part of the Pilgrimage and are involved in a wide range of tasks such as saying Mass (or concelebrating during Mass), ministering to Pilgrims and participation in other ceremonies and events. If you are interested in joining us please get in touch and we will put you in contact with the Pilgrimage Director.
Helper Declaration
If you plan to be a helper on the 2024 pilgrimage we need to hear from you as soon as possible. This is so that we can check the status of any existing clearances and arrange for any new checks to be put in place in time for the pilgrimage. We ask you to click on the link below and complete the form:
Helper Bookings
Once you have completed your helper declaration (see above) then you should think about booking your trip via the Travel Agent. Details of the travel package are posted on the
Lourdes 2024 page.
Online Training
In addition to practical training, helpers will be required to complete online training prior to the practical preparation day. This is provided by the BLMA (British Lourdes Medical Association). Once you have booked you will be sent a link to enrol for this training.
Practical Training
Helpers are required to undertake practical preparation. This normally tales place on a Sunday in June and will involve instruction on practical elements of the helper role. Typically it will involve sessions on manual handling, wheelchairs, infection control, and other tasks. Dates and details will be posted here when known.
Summary of Helper Requirements
Below are the requirements for helpers, however some of these may already be in place so may not be required. We will advise you further on your own individual requirements once we learn of your intention to be a helper.
Church Checks:
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PVG Check for Vulnerable Adults (updated every 5 years)
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Archdiocesan Application Form & References (once only)
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Safeguarding Induction Training
Lourdes Pilgrimage Checks:
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Practical Preparation attended
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Risk Assessments and Code of Conduct read
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BLMA online training completed - all 5 modules
Helpers Travelling Independently
Helpers who are booking their travel and/or accommodation separately from the official Travel Agent should refer to the information on medical registration. If you will be booking through the Travel Agent then you can ignore this. To access the medical registration page: click here
Role Specific Information
Please see below for information on each specific helper group.
If you are interested in volunteering for any of the roles listed below, or if you simply would like to ask questions, please get in touch via the Contact Us page.
