A Glanfield helper's story: Jo B-A
Johan Bergström-Allen (Jo B-A) writes ... I was invited to join the Glanfield Group as a helper in 1995. I'd first come to Lourdes with the Catholic Association as a young helper on the main pilgrimage, caring for sick and disabled adults, but when an appeal came for more men to join the children's group I was keen because I knew the Glanfield Group had a great reputation for being lots of fun.
Though I had no previous experience of caring for children with disability or adults with learning difficulties, I was quickly welcomed into the Group Glanfield and made to feel part of the family. 20 years later I can say with confidence that 'family' is exactly what Glanfield is, in Lourdes and out of Lourdes.
The first year I came to Lourdes with Glanfield I was asked to care for a young lad called Andy who has Downs Syndrome. We're still good friends two decades later! During the week I came to realise what so many Lourdes volunteers discover; although you're there to help someone else, you also get so much out of the week. The people we are 'caring for' are also caring for us, and reminding us of what's really important in life: friendship, kindness, patience, compassion.
The first year I came to Lourdes with Glanfield I was asked to care for a young lad called Andy who has Downs Syndrome. We're still good friends two decades later! During the week I came to realise what so many Lourdes volunteers discover; although you're there to help someone else, you also get so much out of the week. The people we are 'caring for' are also caring for us, and reminding us of what's really important in life: friendship, kindness, patience, compassion.
These days my role in the Glanfield Group is a bit different, because I have various responsibilities within the 'adult section' of the Catholic Association pilgrimage. But I'm still a member of the Glanfield family, sharing a room with another helper and an amazing guy called Errol. Like Andy, Errol also has Downs Syndrome, and although he rarely speaks using words, he has no problems in communicating with you, often sharing a visual joke or keeping us entertained with his various antics! Errol recently turned 50, and I can honestly say that he is a dear friend who has taught me so much about what really makes us human.
I would encourage anyone thinking about coming to Lourdes as a Glanfield Group volunteer to give it a go. You need a number of things - a sense of humour, good energy levels, patience with others and yourself, and a willingness to sing silly songs - but all of these develop over the week. In terms of personal care, no one is asked to do anything they might feel uncomfortable doing, and all our volunteers receive appropriate development and support.
Lourdes is, for me, a little glimpse on earth of what heaven is like. Everyone is welcome. Everyone is valued. Everyone is loved. It's impossible to describe it fully, so come along and see for yourself.
Lourdes is, for me, a little glimpse on earth of what heaven is like. Everyone is welcome. Everyone is valued. Everyone is loved. It's impossible to describe it fully, so come along and see for yourself.