SVP – St Vincent de Paul
ST VINCENT DE PAUL
The St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP)* is part of an international Christian voluntary network dedicated to tackling poverty in all its forms by providing practical assistance to people in need. Founded in Britain in 1844, we foster diverse and inclusive connections, as a Society that is welcoming of people of all faiths and none. We joyfully extend our hand in the care and personal service of individuals and families who need support.
Motivated by faith, SVP teams visit vulnerable or isolated people across England and Wales and offer them friendship and practical support. The essence of our work is person-to-person contact and spending time with people is our greatest gift.
The role of the Whitby Conference of SVP is to support and offer the help we can to aid those in need. We are open to all who wish to live their faith by loving their neighbour in the person of the needy. Our neighbours are everybody, regardless of creed, opinion, colour, caste and origin. We seek through prayer, meditation on the scriptures, the teaching of the church, through our daily lives and in our relationship with those in need, to bear witness to the love of Christ.
*Reference:St Vincent de Paul Society (England & Wales) – The Rule & Internal Statutes, Part 1 – Purpose and Scope of our Service
What do we do?
- We visit anyone in need, for example the housebound, those in care homes and hospital.
- Our involvement can be long term or short term. It could be in response to a sudden change of circumstances or a family crisis.
- We normally organise social events for the elderly twice a year, including summer and Christmas get togethers
- We normally organise and invite people to an SVP Mass once a year, usually in April
- We work in conjunction with other organisations to assist those in need. Examples include the Food Bank, Whitby Kitchen, Churches Together, Winter Watch and Refugee days.
- We meet together to share experiences and renew our faith.
- We support overseas development – for example we help fund a nurse to train in India through the SVP Twinnage programme. We also support the Sudan Baby Feeding Programme.
- We assist families in need through school links.
The SVP aims to befriend and support those in need, whatever their faith or belief. Perhaps a friendly chat or an invitation to join us for a coffee would be appreciated?
If you know someone who would be happy for a member of the SVP to contact them and arrange a visit, please let us know.
If you are interested in joining the Whitby SVP please contact the parish priest at St.Hilda’s Church in Whitby or use the link above to contact The SVP. Please note that all volunteers are required to have enhanced DBS checks.