Joining us as a Volunteer

Our volunteers come as either medical helpers (doctors and nurses) or non-medical helpers (brancardiers and handmaids). Please read on below for more information about the types of duties and work our volunteers undertake, as well as information about Stage (more on this below)!

If you would like to come to Lourdes with the CA but need help with funding, please click on the button below to find out more about the financial assistance we offer.

In 2024, our pilgrimage will be travelling to Lourdes between Friday 23 August to Friday 30 August 2024. Full application forms are not yet live but you can register your interest via the form below!

Thinking of joining us? Register your interest via the link below!

 
 

Brancardiers & Handmaids

Non medical volunteers are traditionally referred to as Brancardiers (male volunteers) and Handmaids (female volunteers). Anyone aged 17 and over may volunteer in this capacity and volunteers under 25 may also opt to attend as part of the Young Helpers Group. Brancardiers and Handmaids undertake a variety of duties throughout the week - make sure to click on the button below to find out more!

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Stage

‘Doing a Stage’ means volunteering for the Hospitalite de Notre Dame de Lourdes (“HNDL”) by helping to organise and run things around the domain at the station or airport. The CA group usually goes out to complete a stage the week before the regular CA pilgrimage and is generally comprised of our most experienced helpers.

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Safeguarding

You can find out more about the CA’s Safeguarding efforts by going to our dedicated page, Or you can download our safeguarding policy below

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Doctors & Nurses

Nurses spend the majority of their time working in the Accueil. As a Nurse on our Pilgrimage, you will be expected to have valid clearances in accordance with applicable regulations. Similarly, Doctors look after our assisted pilgrims in both the Acceuil and the hotels. Normally there will be a duty doctor per day. Please click on the button below to find out more about joining us in this capacity.

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Glanfield Children’s Group

The Glanfied Children’s Group has travelled to Lourdes since 1987 as part of the Catholic Association Pilgrimage. The Group provides care to children with learning difficulties as well as chronic and terminal illness.

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Families

Have children? HCP can help!

If you're an assisted pilgrim or visiting Lourdes as a volunteer with children, HCP can help with free childcare so you can make the most of your Lourdes experience.

HCP can care for children from 0-15 during the daytime. We have a friendly, DBS checked and safeguarding trained team who, in addition to making sure your child is safe, can provide fun activities and experiences to help your child get as much out of Lourdes as you do.

We work with OFSTED ratios plus one so there's lots of adults around, including first aiders, and help the children get involved with many of the sacred experiences of Lourdes such as exploring the Sanctuary and masses. Our aim is to give them a spiritual understanding of the joy of Lourdes but also to make sure the children have lots of opportunities to let their hair down, have fun and make new friends.

To find our more, please email HCP or use this Contact Form

Can you help?

Do you have experience of childcare, either in education or youth groups etc? Then we would also want to hear from you!

Please contact us as HCP always want volunteers.