You are invited to join the SVP.

The Society was founded in 1833 by Blessed Frédéric Ozanam, a French scholar and lawyer in France and took off in England about ten years later. The SVP live by the Christian principles of our founder, who said we should “embrace the whole world in a network of charity”

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.

Meetings are held every regularly in our churches. 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.

Our activities include (but not limited to):

• Visiting the elderly, lonely, infirm and sick
• Supporting those in need with material and financial support where possible
• Arranging and distributing Christmas Voucher Gifts to over 50 families in the parish
• Supporting asylum seekers with clothing and other material needs, social activities, filling in forms, emotional support
• Donating food vouchers each month for families in need at the local catholic schools
• Annual Smarties appeal for baby feeding stations in South Sudan
• Financial support for twin conferences in Kerala and Grenada
• Financial support for education and business projects around the world
• Fund raising to achieve the above goals via social events and collections

 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

Monthly meetings take place on the fourth Wednesday at St Joseph’s Parish Centre, Maidenhead, for a meeting followed by a meal together.

President: Richard Kellaway (St Elizabeth’s), Eddie Piekut (St Joseph’s).

Members: Members come from every one of the new Holy Family Parish area plus Marlow, Burnham, High Wycombe and St John’s Convent.

To find out more contact Richard Kellaway or Eddie Piekut via the Parish office: office@stjosephsparish.co.uk

FIND OUT MORE

If you would like to find out more please visit the National St Vincent De Paul Society website: