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We help you, as a member thrive, in making a lasting change within your community.

The St Vincent de Paul Society is present in over 150 countries, with 800,000 members and 1,500,000 volunteers. Every day, it helps over 30 million people.

The SVP England and Wales has almost 40,000 members and, as the cost of living creates strain, our member community continues to grow as volunteers raise funds or perform wonderful acts of service in helping those less fortunate than themselves.

The St Vincent de Paul Society (England and Wales) - SVP - works in communities across England and Wales, offering support to people facing poverty in all its forms, friendship when loneliness seems inevitable, and kindness when the world feels unfair. 

We may give a moment or a lifetime of support, but whatever the case, our mission is to lend a helping hand to anyone in need, accompany them on their journey and empower them to achieve their ambitions.

As a volunteer member, you are instrumental in the SVP realising this mission.

 

The origins of the St Vincent de Paul Society

 

A group of young university students, feeling surrounded by social inequality and injustice, decided to take action in 1833, hoping to change the world. They formed the first “Conference of Charity”, a group of friends who wanted to share their faith and put it into action. In 1834, the Conferences took St Vincent as their patron saint. In 1844 a group of men came together in London and started the first group in Britain, founded by Blessed Frédéric Ozanam.

 

An international Society

 

St Vincent de Paul Society of England and Wales, as part of an international Society, is an associate member of UNESCO and a special adviser to the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). It is also part of the Global Catholic Climate Movement and is aligned with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) proposed by the United Nations in its Agenda 2030.

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The Saint Vincent de Paul Society today

The St Vincent de Paul Society (England and Wales) - SVP - works in communities across England and Wales, offering support to people facing poverty in all its forms, friendship when loneliness seems inevitable, and kindness when the world feels unfair. 

We may give a moment or a lifetime of support, but whatever the case, our mission is to lend a helping hand to anyone in need, accompany them on their journey and empower them to achieve their ambitions.

As a volunteer member, you are instrumental in the SVP realising this mission. Remember, membership is open to anyone.

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