The St Vincent de Paul Society (or SVP) is an international Christian organisation. Catholic in origin and character it is dedicated to helping anyone in need. The concept of need is broadly based, so visiting the sick, the lonely, the addicted and those suffering from disabilities form a large proportion of the Society's work.

The Society exists in about 140 countries with nearly one million members. In England and Wales, its 16,000 volunteers annually carry out around one million recorded visits. The essential work of the Society is person to person contact, and as this is a fundamental part of the Society's ethos, it does not make donations to any work in which members are not personally involved. However it recognises that material or financial assistance may help those in need overcome crises and develop longer-term solutions to their problems.

The Society operates in small groups, called "Conferences", based on local parishes or schools. They meet regularly to review their work as well as allocating future work in a spirit of prayer and mutual support. The work of a Conference is usually concentrated on local visiting. However, other activities may include "special works", which serve people in a wider area or give more specialised help in a certain aspect of the work, such as furniture stores, hostels, holiday schemes, children's summer camps and Drop-In Centres.

The SVP supports justice and peace by encouraging communities and individuals to improve their quality of life, but works to address the causes of need. It gathers and uses information about the effects of legislation on grass roots poverty, examines relevant draft legislation and responds to government on issues that adversely affect the poor, mainly by co-operating with other Christian and voluntary groups in the UK and within Europe. However, in dealing with such matters it avoids party politics.

Membership is open to men and women, young and old, of any denomination. The SVP only asks that members accept fully the Christian ethos of the Society, and are committed to express their love of God through personal service to their neighbour. The SVP respects religious liberty and values all people.

If you feel you would like to get involved in the SVP, please speak to Father Tapparo.

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