On this page you will find the basic information you need to know before applying to Lourdes. If you are applying for the first time, please read this carefully. If you have any questions after reading this and the 'Lourdes information' document below please email Lily (Volunteer Coordinator)
COST
A place on this year's pilgrimage will cost £525 for a general helper (this is subsidised by the charity, the actual cost per volunteer is £720).
COMPULSORY PREREQUISITES
For all volunteers:
If you are not yet 17, you must be in year 12 at school and turn 17 before 23rd July 2015 before the start of the pilgrimage
TRAINING
The OMV Training day is on 25th May 2015 at the London Oratory School, West Brompton, London.
This is compulsory for 1st time volunteers and experienced volunteers every two years - if you are required to attend the training day we will only accept your application if you commit to attending.
BURSARIES
The Lourdes bursary scheme was created to ensure that the most experienced helpers can continue to volunteer after they are no longer supported by school, parents or guardians to pay for the cost of the pilgrimage. We consider your experience in Lourdes, your experience in other OMV activities, your income and other relevant skills.
The OMV, as a charity, has a limited bursary fund and awards are made at the committee’s discretion.
If you are less experienced, or a first time volunteer, the bursary system is not closed to you, however we would strongly advise you to seek support from your school, university, parish or workplace.
The OMV will also ‘match fund’ you. If you independently fundraise for the OMV, we will give you a £1 discount off the cost of the pilgrimage for every £3 you raise.
BURSARY APPLICATION PROCESS
The deadline for bursary applications is 24th April.
If you need to apply for a bursary please do so before you apply for a place on the pilgrimage. Please note, we will not be able to award you a bursary if you have already applied and paid in full for a place on the pilgrimage.
Applications are made via a bursary application form, which can be accessed via the 'bursary information' link at the bottom of this page. The Lourdes team will respond to all bursary applications on 28th April. You will then have until 1st May to pay for your place via the main Lourdes volunteer application form.
If you are not awarded a bursary you are still welcome to apply for a place on the pilgrimage via the main Lourdes volunteer application form.
REFUND POLICY