HCPT Group 134

"We had an amazing time and all of Group 134 were lovely. Thank you all for a great week"
Klara & Becky 2009

The Group
Group 134 has a team of volunteer helpers and our group size varies from 21

(7 sponsored children and 14 helpers) to 30 (10 sponsored children and 20 helpers). As we take different children each year and as helpers personal circumstances change the group dynamic is constantly changing. This means that we are always on the lookout for fresh and keen new helpers.

The Application Process
Applying to become a helper is only the first step and does not automatically gain the applicant entry into the group. Applicants must provide two character references and undergo a full and enhanced CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check to the Trusts standards. We check all references and all applicants must have an interview with the Group Leaders.

We have an excellent team and each year we have more applicants than we do places so we therefore reserve the right to be "picky" on who we allow into the group. Our goal is simple:

'To give the children we take to Lourdes each year an amazing unforgettable experience'.

In order to do this we need a team of volunteers who are fun, responsible, hard working, flexible, easy going and the list goes on. We endeavour to meet with all applicants and if we feel you have these qualities and you'd fit into the group then we'd love to have you on board.

What's Required?
As a new helper we need you to make the following commitments

• Undertake fundraising activities with the group throughout the year
• Attend monthly meetings between August and April
• Attend two group preparation days and one group preparation weekend

When do we go?
Group 134 travels from Easter Saturday for a one week trip returning the following saturday. This means you will need to be available from the 23rd April to the 30 April for the 2011 pilgrimage.

How Much Does It Cost?
In 2010 the fare set by the HQ was £689 for the weeks pilgrimage. We appreciate that this is a lot of money for one week in the south of France notwithstanding the fact that you will be giving up your time to work extremely hard throughout the week. Our fundraising priorities are to firstly pay for all of the children's full fare together with the associated cost of excursions, cafe visits, equipment etc. Our secondary fundraising activities are to provide a subsidy for the helpers to bring this amount to a more managable figure in the region of £300 to £400 per helper. This is of course dependent on the amounts we manage to raise each year.

Minimum Entry Requirements
We normally ask that the minimum entry age is 17 years old but in certain circumstances we will accept younger applicants if we feel they have a good level of maturity and that they would fit into the group well. There is no upper age limit however a lot of the children we take can be physically and mentally demanding and so a minimum level of fitness and ability is required. We currently have helpers between the ages of 17 and 75 and everyone of them brings different skills and abilities to the group.

What Can We Offer?
The reason the places in Group 134 are so few is because we have so many helpers wishing to return each year. Every year is different but each year provides not only the children with an amazing experience but the helpers too. It's difficult to put into words how your self esteem, confidence and general outlook on life is affected by being part of a HCPT family week in Lourdes with 7 to 10 very special children. The more you give to the group the more you receive back. We will also provide you with opportunities to grow and develop as a volunteer carer and can provide you with opportunities such as certified paediatric first aid training. As well as the emotional & character benefits you will receive, these experiences also look pretty good on university applications, employment forms and CV's!