FAQs

An HCPT pilgrimage is a trip lasting up to a week to Lourdes, France. Children and adults with disabilities and other needs travel with volunteer helpers to enjoy a joyful, safe and welcoming pilgrimage holiday. Open to all, the experience combines fun and friendship. HCPT has been organising these pilgrimages since 1956, and they continue to be life-changing for many.

HCPT welcomes people from all walks of life. Whether you're a child or adult with a disability, a young volunteer, a medical professional, a chaplain, or simply someone who wants to help, there's a place for you.

The trips are organised by local HCPT pilgrimage groups across the UK. Each group is led by trained volunteers who work throughout the year to plan the trip, assess individual needs and raise funds. HCPT's head office arranges the booking and coordination of travel, accommodation, safeguarding and medical arrangements to ensure every group has a safe and enjoyable pilgrimage.

Each group is made up of children and adults, supported by a team of volunteers who give their time, care and energy to make each pilgrimage possible. Families, school groups and supporters are also part of the wider HCPT community, especially during Summer pilgrimages.

If you're open-hearted and ready to be part of something special, you're welcome.

HCPT groups fundraise to cover the cost of travel and accommodation for disabled or disadvantaged pilgrims. For all children who need support, the trip is offered free of charge. Volunteer helpers and supporters are usually asked to pay or fundraise to cover their own costs. The cost for a child is typically around £1,200.

Pilgrimages usually last up to a week, including travel time. The main children's pilgrimage arrives in Lourdes on the Easter weekend. Pilgrimages for adults happen between May and September. We're happy to accommodate families and other groups all year round; the length of your stay is up to you.

Each day is filled with a mix of activities, fun and worship (optional). A typical day might include:

• Shared meals and group outings
• Visiting the Grotto and taking part in Masses and HCPT events
• Trips to the mountains, zoo, or local attractions
• Singing, games, crafts and evening events

The week is carefully planned so that everyone, regardless of age or ability, can take part and feel included.

No. HCPT is a charity with its roots in the Catholic church. The pilgrimage includes opportunities for prayer and Mass, and people of all faiths and none are welcome.

Most HCPT groups travel with a qualified volunteer nurse to support the medical needs of pilgrims. At Easter, we also have a volunteer team who support all groups with any medical needs that require attention throughout the week. All helpers are trained and vetted to ensure high standards of safeguarding and care.

To get started, visit hcpt.org.uk and use the Find Your Nearest Group tool to locate your nearest HCPT group. You can then contact them directly to discuss availability, the application process and how the pilgrimage works.

If you're not sure which group to contact, feel free to email us at hq@hcpt.org.uk and we'll point you in the right direction.

The easiest way is to visit our website and use our Group Finder Tool. Just enter your postcode, and we'll show you the nearest HCPT groups and how to contact them. If no group is nearby, we may be able to link you with a regional team or suggest another way to get involved: hq@hcpt.org.uk

Most children travelling with HCPT are between 8 and 18 years old, though some groups may accept children slightly outside this range depending on their needs and circumstances. Our priority is ensuring that each child will benefit from the experience and be safely supported throughout the week.

Yes. HCPT offers Summer pilgrimages for adults with disabilities or additional needs. The pilgrimage groups stay at Hosanna House, our fully accessible centre in Bartrès near Lourdes. These trips are relaxed, inclusive and designed to offer meaningful pilgrimage holidays filled with joy, faith and friendship. Trained helpers support each adult pilgrim.

Each HCPT group raises money throughout the year to cover the cost of travel, accommodation and care for the children and adults they take on pilgrimage. Fundraising activities vary from quiz nights and sponsored events to bake sales and parish collections. Many groups are supported by generous individuals, schools, churches and community organisations.

HCPT is a charity that relies entirely on donations, grants, fundraising and gifts in Wills. The generosity of our supporters allows us to provide life-changing pilgrimage holidays to children and adults with disabilities and other needs, often at no cost to the individual.

Yes, and we would love your support. Whether you are an individual, a parish, a school, or a workplace, there are many ways to get involved. Sponsored challenges, charity events, coffee mornings and online fundraisers all help make a real difference.

To get started or request fundraising materials, visit www.hcpt.org.uk/fundraise-for-hcpt

Donating is simple. You can give online through our secure donation page or send a cheque by post. Every donation helps us offer more places on pilgrimage for those who need them most.

Donate today at www.hcpt.org.uk/donate

Every donation helps to change lives. Donations fund places on pilgrimage, provide accessible travel and accommodation, and ensure proper medical and pastoral care.

Gifts in Wills have allowed entire groups of children and adults to travel to Lourdes. These gifts create lasting impact and help future generations experience the joy and community of HCPT.

Yes. HCPT provides group travel insurance for all pilgrims and helpers travelling as part of an official HCPT group. This covers medical care, travel delays and other essentials while you are on pilgrimage. Your group leader will give you more details, including what is and is not covered.

Yes. Your HCPT group leader will guide you through everything you need for travel, including passports, visas (if required) and any health documents. If you or your child need extra help applying for or renewing a passport, your group leader can support you through that process. Everyone travelling must have a valid passport and any required travel documents before departure.

Hosanna House is HCPT's residential centre near Lourdes, purpose-built for adults and families with additional needs. It offers a peaceful, fully accessible setting in the foothills of the Pyrenees.

Adults with disabilities or complex needs, as well as families, school groups, and supporters, can travel to Hosanna House with HCPT during the summer months.

Hosanna House pilgrimages take place in summer and are focused on adults. The Easter pilgrimage is larger and centred on children and young people with a variety of needs.

Pilgrimages to Hosanna House take place throughout the Summer months. The Summer season begins in May and ends in October. Groups travel from across the UK and Ireland.

A pilgrimage to Hosanna House typically lasts one week. This can vary depending on the group and travel arrangements.

Hosanna House has accessible bedrooms, en-suite bathrooms, a dining room, lounges, a chapel, gardens and space for group activities and reflection. It's fully equipped to support guests with a wide range of needs.

Yes. Hosanna House was designed with accessibility in mind. It includes step-free access, adapted bathrooms, hoists and equipment to support guests with a wide range of needs.

Costs vary depending on the group.

Bookings are made through HCPT groups. You can find your nearest group at hcpt.org.uk or contact hq@hcpt.org.uk and we will help connect you.

Yes. Groups travelling to Hosanna House often include a qualified nurse and a chaplain to provide care and spiritual support throughout the week.

Yes. Many parishes, schools and community groups organise summer trips to Hosanna House. Whether you are a solo traveller or a large group, and no matter the length of your stay we can accommodate you. If your group is interested please contact us on: hq@hcpt.org.uk