Helper Information Summary to assist new helpers with checks Below is a summary of all the checks required for new helpers. If you are an existing helper then you may not need all of these so please check in with us and we will let you know what is required: NEW HELPERS... Complete a helper Declaration if not already done: https://bit.ly/helper 25 Complete a Safeguarding Application Form: https://bit.ly/STANED-app Complete a PVG Application Form: https://bit.ly/pvg-app Book on to Safeguarding Training: Go to the link below, choose a suitable course (online or face-to-face) and email the trainer to book a place: https://archedinburgh.org/administration/#safeguarding--training Tell us what helper group you want to be in : https://www.edinburgh-lourdes.com/helper-structure Other Requirements... In addition to the above you will be required to complete online Lourdes Safety modules - links will be sent to you soon. You will also be required to attend practical preparation training on Saturday 14 June 10am OR Thursday 19 June at 6.30pm. Venue is St Augustine's High School, Broomhouse Road, Edinburgh. Click to download an inforgraphic 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. Helper Declaration If you plan to be a helper in 2025 we need to hear from you as soon as possible. This is so that we can check the status of clearances and arrange for any new checks to be put in place. We only need basic contact details at this stage but may be in touch later regarding the tasks you are able to perform.. Click the button below and complete the form: Helper Declaration 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 2025 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. Essential Helper Reading The following essential reading items must be read by all helpers: Code of Conduct Risk Assessments Health & Safety Policy 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: PVG Check for Vulnerable Adults (updated every 5 years) Archdiocesan Application Form & References (once only) Safeguarding Induction Training Lourdes Pilgrimage Checks: Practical Preparation attended Risk Assessments and Code of Conduct read BLMA online training completed - all 5 modules Helper Structures The structure of helper teams is changing and helpers will be asked to express a preference for the helper team that they would like to join. More information

Bernadette Barry - Medal To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. Announcement: "It gives me great pleasure to let you know that the Archbishop wishes to recognise the invaluable contribution that Bernadette Barry has made to our Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimages and Committees over many, many years. Bernadette has been awarded the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal. This is given for distinguished service to the Church and is very well deserved. The medal was awarded to Bernadette during the February Mass in honour of Our Lady of Lourdes in St Cuthbert's on 2nd February. Canon James Tracey Pilgrimage Director

Final Bulletin Updated Wednesday 6 July Outbound Flight Arrangements Pilgrims travelling with Tangney Tours should now have received their documents. Check-in is ticketless. The flight is scheduled to leave at 8am on Friday 8th July 2022, and the Airport has asked that travellers turn up at 6am. Travellers should head to check-in desk 35 or 36 to check in. Please note that these are different gates to the ones publicised previously - this is because the Airport decided to change them. Please remember to complete your luggage label and attach it to your luggage. It is likely that a dedicated channel will be created for assisted pilgrims and their allocated helper in order to get through security. All other pilgrims can proceed through security and passport control as normal. Wheelchairs in the Airport will be available for those requiring them. COVID Measures You will be aware that COVID has not gone away and if fact, infections have been rising recently. It is therefore crucial that we all look after each other. Most of the mitigations now are recommended rather than mandatory, however we would encourage all pilgrims to take precautions wherever possible. This may include wearing a mask, washing/sanitising your hands regularly, and leaving some distance from other people where possible. For the plane journey, we are strongly recommending that all passengers wear a face covering given the number of people who will be together in a confined space. We would be very grateful for your cooperation in helping to keep everyone safe - especially our vulnerable pilgrims. When in Lourdes there are some areas where face coverings are mandatory. This includes the Accueil Centres and the Baths. Essential Items Pilgrims will be aware of the items that they need to bring for their own circumstances, so the following list is not exhaustive, but the following are essential items: Passport Proof of vaccination EHIC/GHIC Insurance Documents Medication Sun protection & Rain Protection Pilgrimage Programme Pilgrims can view the programme for the week on our website: https://www.edinburgh-lourdes.com/programme Concert On the Monday evening, some of our sick pilgrims and their helpers will attend a concern in the Domaine. It will also be possible for other pilgrims to purchase a ticket for the Concert. The cost is €30. Further information will be available when we arrive in Lourdes. Lourdes - The Musical This Musical has now been running for a number of years and has received much praise from those who have seen it. Looking at our programme for the week, there would be limited opportunities to attend with the only slot being on the Tuesday afternoon at 3pm for anyone not going on the excursion. Any pilgrims who would like to go can book a ticket at the link below. Helpers may be required for duty so should check with their head of department before booking. https://www.bernadettedelourdes.fr/en/ Questions If you have any questions, please let us know: edinburghlourdes@gmail.com

Code of Conduct The Code of Conduct is a crucial document for all volunteers as it sets out the framework for how volunteers should conduct themselves at all times. Click on the link below to download the document:

Q&A We understand that Pilgrims will have a lot of questions about Lourdes 2022, especially as we have not been to Lourdes since the pandemic started, or since Brexit occurred. This page will therefore be populated with any questions that we receive, as well as the answers - as and when they are available. Please feel free to submit any questions via the Contact Us page. To return to the Lourdes 2022 page please click here The Q&A's are organised into categories - you can either tab down through all of the questions, or alternatively click on the quick links below to go straight to a specific category. Category Quick Links: Pilgrimage General Pilgrimage Travel Package COVID-19 Travelling to France Travelling back to the UK Pilgrimage General Will the Archdiocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage be going ahead in 2022? We certainly hope so! The current position is that a Pilgrimage will go ahead if circumstances allow it. The Pilgrimage Committee is therefore planning on that basis and the decision has now been made to formally begin preparations and for the Tangney Tours package to be advertised. Which Tour Operator will be providing the Pilgrimage package? In 2022 Tangney Tours have been asked to provide a Pilgrimage package. Is it possible that plans could change? Yes. As mentioned above the decision has already been made to plan for a Pilgrimage. This is important as we have to to allow enough time to let people know and for the Pilgrimage to be organised. H owever, the COVID-19 virus can be unpredictable and there is always a possibility that circumstances could change. The situation will be monitored and it may be necessary to respond to circumstances in order to keep everyone safe. back to top Pilgrimage Travel Package When will I find out the cost of the package? Tangney Tours have provided a travel package. You can pick up a link from our Lourdes 2022 page. back to top COVID-19 Will restrictions be in place for the Pilgrimage as a result of COVID-19? Whilst it is difficult to predict what will happen in the future, there are restrictions in place just now and it is likely that there will be restrictions and mitigations in place if/when we travel. As always any measures will be designed to comply with the law and and related guidance in the UK and France. For example, mitigations may include face coverings, vaccinations, distancing, 'bubbles', isolation protocols, hand hygiene, and CVOVID-19 testing. What are the COVID-19 rules for travel to France? Currently French rules stipulate that visitors must be vaccinated against COVID-19 (if eligible for vaccination) in order to enter the country, and proof of vaccination must be provided. Proof of a negative PCR test taken within 24 hours of departure (over 12 years old) is also currently required and this rule may still be in place in July. This will remain under review as restrictions may change. back to top Travelling to France What about Brexit? Initial discussions with our Travel Agent and with other Lourdes groups would suggest that there will be additional requirements this year due to Brexit, such as new paperwork. Tangney Tours will be advising us further on this and they will ensure that you are kept informed of the situation. Do I need a VISA? The UK Government website lists current rules and these stipulate that it is possible to travel to France without requiring a visa for trips of up to 90 days in any 180 day period. Will there be any changes at the Airport in France? At Border Control it may be necessary to queue in a separate channel from EU residents, show proof of accommodation, insurance, and adequate funds (at least €65 per day) for the trip. There are also limits on the types and volumes of goods that can be taken into France. back to top Travelling back to the UK Are there any restrictions when returning into the UK. As well as the rules for France, travellers will also have to comply with the regulations that are in place for returning to the home country. The current rules relating to Scotland are: Proof of vaccination Complete a passenger locator form We will be guided further on any requirements by Tangney Tours. For any pilgrims travelling from Lourdes directly back to another nation of the UK - the rules are detailed here back to top PilgrimageGen TravelPackage COVID19 France UK Back to Top

Lourdes Pilgrimage Edinburgh - Preparation Day 2024 Preparation Day 2024 Details for the Preparation Day 2024 Date Sunday 9th June 2024 Location St Augustine's RC High School 208 Broomhouse Road Edinburgh EH12 9AD Registration Time 10.00. For first time helpers 10.45. For existing helpers Programme 10.00. Registration for New Helpers 10.15. A typical day in Lourdes (new helpers) 10.45 Registration for existing helpers 11.00 Introductions for all helpers 11.15 Workshop groups - 2 rotations 12.15. Lunch 13.00. Workshop Groups - 2 rotations 14.00. General Induction points 14.15. Looking after Yourself 14.30. Helper Groups (Ladies, Men & Medical) 15.00. Mass (Canon James Tracey) 15.30. Closing comments, thanks & questions Workshop Groups The workshop group rotations at 11.15 and 13.00 are: Communication Infection Control Moving & Handling Caring for people in Lourdes Helpers will be allocated to groups Catering Please bring your own lunch. Light refreshments (tea, coffee, squash and biscuits) will be provided. What to wear Dress code is casual. Please dress comfortably for the day. Some activities will be outside, so please also consider the weather on the day. Attendance Attendance at the Preparation Day is mandatory for helpers. Attendance for registered nurses and doctors is not mandatory but is encouraged. If you are unable to attend, please email us at enquiries@edinburgh-lourdes.com or get in touch via the contacts page . Questions If you have any questions please email us at enquiries@edinburgh-lourdes.com or get in touch via the contacts page .

Lourdes 2025 For information on the 2025 pilgrimage please visit our Lourdes 2025 page. Click on the 'Lourdes 2025' button in the menu - or click on the link below: www.edinburgh-lourdes/lourdes25

Christine Newton RIP It was with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Christine Newton, whose funeral took place on Monday 6th January 2025 in Holy Cross Parish in Edinburgh. Christine travelled to Lourdes with the Archdiocesan Pilgrimage as a supported pilgrim, and her daughter Rosie is one of the nurses on the Pilgrimage medical team. Christine's funeral was attended by family, friends, parishioners, colleagues and many Lourdes pilgrims. Christine will be greatly missed and our thoughts go out to all who mourn her. Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon her; and may she rest in peace. Amen Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for her Saint Bernadette, pray for her "Lord, for your faithful people, life is changed, not ended"

Medical Registration Pilgrims who book through the Travel Agent (Tangney Tours) do not need to complete medical information as this information is included in your booking form. Any pilgrims who are travelling independently are required to complete a form so that Pilgrimage Doctor(s) can provide appropriate assistance if required. The link will be posted below when available.

Michael Johnston - RIP 7 August 2022 It is with great sadness that we let you know that Michael died this week after a short illness. He travelled to Lourdes with us for many years since 1981, he was an active Hospitalité member and our Chief Brancardier in the 1990's. Along with his sister, Patricia Edie, they passed on their love of Lourdes to his daughters, Paula & Lisa who have also travelled on Pilgrimage as part of our Youth for Lourdes group pre-pandemic. His funeral mass will take place in Our Lady of Loretto, Musselburgh on 25th August at 10:15am. All welcome. Rest in Peace, Michael 🙏🏻 Requiescat in pace

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. 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. 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 Healthcare Team Saint Frai Team Other Information Submit my Group Preferences Top Transport Team There will be two groups working within the Transport Team. 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. 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. Back to Top Transport Team Healthcare Team The Healthcare Team is comprised of registered doctors, nurses and care assistants and provide care to our supported pilgrims. Back to Top Healthcare Team Saint Frai Team The Saint Frai team supports the work that is done in caring for our supported pilgrims in the Saint Frai Centre 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: 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. Back to Top Saint Frai Team 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. 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. 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. Back to Top Other Information

Lourdes 2025 Pilgrimage Lourdes 2025 Welcome to the 2025 Information Page This page will be your "go to" place for information on the Archdiocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes in 2025. Please check back regularly and we will add content and news when it is available. Pilgrimage Programme The Pilgrimage Programme is always subject to change. The most recent version is available to download (PDF file) Pilgrimage Programme Lourdes Pastoral Theme 2025 The theme for 2025 is "With Mary, Pilgrims of Hope ". If you would like to read more about the theme for 2025 please click here to download a document from the Lourdes Sanctuary. Travel Package In 2025, Tangney Tours have provided the Travel Package. Tangney Tours will make the package available when it is ready and we will signpost you to the package details from this website Pilgrimage Package Helpers 2025 If you plan to be a helper in 2025 then we invite you to complete a helper declaration. Click here for more information Questions I f you have any questions please get in touch via the contacts page on this site