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The Sick & Helpers
Special Menus & Diets
Special menus and diets are available, but must be pre-booked. Vegetarian meals can be arranged but are not known for quality or choice in France and we recommend you contact the Tangney Tours representative. Medical diets must be written out and submitted in advance.
The Sick and those requiring assistance
This pilgrimage is especially for those who are debilitated by illness or frailty.
The Westminster Diocese wishes to provide care and assistance to help these individuals enjoy the experience of Lourdes. To do this the Pilgrimage Director asks that pilgrims requiring medical, nursing or carer assistance complete a medical form and return it to the Pilgrimage Doctor.
Wheelchairs: The pilgrimage can provide wheelchairs at Stansted and in Lourdes, and has Helpers available for anyone requiring assistance. All personal wheelchairs taken must be pre-booked as we are limited to the number of wheelchairs we can carry on the various methods of travel. To assist with planning, please request a wheelchair at the time of booking.
Hotel Facilities: Most hotels have rooms to cater for special needs such as mobility problems and wheelchair access; however, the booking form indicates which hotels offer the most suitable facilities.
The Accueil St Frai
The Accueil St Frai accommodation provides 24hr nursing care and medical assistance. The St Frai does not have private rooms, but the accommodation is modern, well designed, comfortable and has good nurse-led facilities. It is in easy distance of the Grotto within the Sanctuary. If you would like more information or need to ask about eligibility and availability please contact the Chief Handmaiden:
Ann Montier. Tel: 0207 9377711 or
email: montierann@hotmail.com
Helpers
The pilgrimage needs volunteers to help provide assistance for fellow Pilgrims. You can offer to help in one of the roles outlined below. Please do volunteer.
Doctors & Nurses: Doctors and qualified nurses (in current practice with a valid pin number) are strongly welcome. For more information please contact the Chief Nurse: Catriona Gilmore.
email: irishcatseyes@yahoo.co.uk
Red Caps : Young adults who are 16 or over can offer their services to work as Red Caps for the pilgrimage.
The Red Caps work with the sick, the frail and pilgrims requiring special assistance, collectively known as Malades. Pushing wheelchairs, helping with shopping, assisting with travel, carrying bags and acting as interpreters are all part of the daily duties. Red Caps also assist the Hospitalite de Lourdes with processions, liturgy and crowd control. Please contact the Youth Director: Bernard Lavery
email: Bernard.Lavery@clovershipping.co.uk or
Tel: 07802 268550
St Frai helper: St Frai helpers work in the Accueil St Frai, assisting the nurses with the care of pilgrims, helping with washing and at mealtimes, and caring for and serving those who, without them, would be unable to take part in the pilgrimage. Please contact Chief Handmaiden: Ann Montier
email: montierann@hotmail.com or
Tel: 020 7937 7711
Training
All volunteer helpers will be expected to attend an induction day prior to the pilgrimage. Details of the date, venue and induction schedule will be circulated in May 2008.
CRB
It is a requirement, in accordance with the policy relating to the protection of Children and Vulnerable adults, that CRB clearance will be required for all volunteers over the age of 18
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