Wallasey To Lourdes

Wallasey 2 Lourdes Youth Group (W2L for short) was formed at the end of 1999, after a young parishioner of St Alban's went to Lourdes with the Diocese of Shrewsbury Pilgrimage, as a sick pilgrim. The young person was looked after and befriended by the young volunteer helpers and had such a good time, decided to volunteer as a helper as soon as he was well enough. The young person persuaded Chris Matthews and Fr Mike McCormack, the assistant priest at that time, to form a youth group, to travel to Lourdes to help to care for the sick and elderly, with the Shrewsbury Pilgrimage. Young people from the parishes of St Alban's and St Joseph's formed that first group.

This group proved to be very popular and the following year the group welcomed young people from all the Wallasey Parishes and also from St Mary's College. W2L was born.

We meet on a regular basis throughout the year, to raise funds and also to ensure that the young people have the necessary training, such as Moving and Handling of patients to enable them to work with the sick and elderly. We also ensure that they have an understanding of policies concerning Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults, Confidentiality and Health and Safety Issues before we travel to Lourdes.

Our Fund raising events are planned, not only to raise the necessary money but are also dsigned to build the confidence of the young volunteers and to encourage team building among the members If you are interested in joining the group or require more information about the work, please phone Margaret Matthews on 0151 638 0882.