St Peter's Aid for the Needy (SPAN) was founded by parishioners in 1974 for the purpose of bringing Christian love in a practical way to those in need both locally and overseas. Members of the parish are invited to participate in the activities of SPAN and to donate to its work, including through the Gift Aid scheme, as they wish, on a completely voluntary basis.

As a result of SPAN's growth, it became a Registered Charity in 1994. Since it's fondation SPAN has administered donations from parishioners and visitors totalling more than £400,000. In 2003, SPAN received and distributed over £25,000. SPAN aims to share its available funds between local and UK needs and those overseas.

CAFOD and Concern Universal are given great support by SPAN. Donations are also used to pay for drugs for two missionary hospitals, St Francis' Hospital in Nyenga, Uganda and Ortum Mission Hospital in Kenya.

Some other charities supported by SPAN include Myton Hospice, Leamington Christian Mission, Helen Ley Home, Castel Froma, Home Farm Trust, Father Hudson's Society, the Handicapped Children's Pilgrimmage Trust, British Red Cross, Save the Children Fund, Dormer Senior Citizens, etc. Assistance is also given in cases of individual hardship but all appeals for help are carefully scrutinised.

A Christmas food parcel and toy distribution scheme is operated every year and about 60 local families are helped in this way.

Clothing parcels are sent to Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity in India, and to other missions in Africa, India and the Phillippines. About 170 parcels are packed each year by a small team of volunteers.

SPAN Open Meetings are held on the 2nd Monday of each month (except August) at 7:30 pm in the Father Flint room of the Parish Centre and all parishioners are welcome to attend.

For further information or comments please contact info@stpeterapostle.org