SVP: St Vincent de Paul Society
You are invited to join the SVP.
The Society was founded in 1833 by Frédéric Ozanam in France and took off in England about ten years later. It has various “Conferences” all over the county and many links abroad, particularly in India, Romania, Sudan, the rest of Europe, particularly in France.
We aim to combat poverty, isolation and loneliness, particularly among the elderly, where families have moved great distances from their parents or the elderly do not have any family help. We simply “Love thy Neighbour” by visiting, chatting, befriending, shopping or taking someone shopping, going on trips outdoors, and helping with trips to medical appointments. Our aim is to make someone who is lonely or in need feel part of our society!
GET INVOLVED
Meetings are held every 4th Monday at 18.30, in St Brigid’s Room in the Parish Centre at St Edwards Church. Our meetings begin and close with our Society prayers. We have updates on our visits to beneficiaries and discuss any new requests for help to see if we have sufficient resources to assist. Our treasurer presents a short statement regarding finances and further discussions take place on Society matters and requests, training, DBS qualifications, and planning for any events such as afternoon teas and our Christmas Day lunch.
For several years we have put on a Christmas Day Lunch for people who would otherwise be on their own on Christmas Day, which is enabled by our fabulous volunteers.
We also take some of our wheelchair users to The Savill Garden in the summer but we do need help to push the wheelchairs – any volunteers would be very welcome!
We need new members to help with one or two hours of your time each week, fortnight, month, or whatever you can spare. We need befrienders, drivers, and individuals who enjoy administration to help with running the local group – thank you.
HOW TO JOIN US
Please contact the President, Barry Thompson: presidentb170321@svp.org.uk
FIND OUT MORE
If you would like to find out more please visit the National St Vincent De Paul Society website:
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
