The Society of St Vincent de Paul – Our Lady and St Benedict’s Conference
 
The SVP is a catholic lay organisation made up of 10,000 volunteer members across England and Wales. Our mission is to seek and find those who are forgotten, or who face a daily struggle of isolation and poverty, and to help them in a spirit of love, understanding and justice.
 
St Vincent de Paul set an example of championing the poor and downtrodden and Blessed Frederick Ozenam followed that example when he founded the society in 1833 in Paris. The society is now worldwide.
 
The members of the SVP aim to live out their Christian calling on a person to person basis, and operate on the ground in a variety of ways including visiting and befriending the lonely and housebound, visiting the sick in care homes and hospitals, assisting in community shops or volunteering in one of many community support projects.
 
Financial and practical support is given where appropriate.
 
In the last year the members of Our Lady & St Benedict SVP made on average 30 visits or contacts every month: provided food and money to those in need, and generally tried to helped with a listening ear, and an open heart.
 
Our financial support extends abroad and we support a twinned conference in Orissa, and one in Kerela. WE frequently support special projects which are run directly by members of the SVP based in Indian parishes.
 
We currently have 9 members and we meet fortnightly on a Tuesday at 10.00 in St Benedict’s hall. We are always looking for new members, and whilst volunteering can be a challenge it also brings many rewards.
 
If you think we can be of help or for further details please contact Mary Borrett (Conference president) email: 5414.mbo@gmail.com or the parish secretary
01439 788596
  
COVID-19 SVP response
 
Our current situation is a crisis for many and a deep concern for us all.
 
The SVP is here to help with their person to person contact, but within the guidelines laid out by the government.
 
We can provide food parcels or other financial support, deliveries of essential items, telephone calls for those who feel isolated or lonely, who just need to chat or let off a bit of steam and can help people find the necessary advice they need.
 
Please get in touch if you feel that we can help.

For further information please visit  www.svp.org.uk

Published on 12 May 2020