Chepstow, Caldicot and Magor SVP Conference
Our aim is to tackle poverty in all its forms and the gospel message defines that for us.
Our volunteer members work in varied ways to give people a sense of belonging.
Last year (April 2019- March 2020) we:
From March 2020 we have not been able to see people face to face but we have maintained contact via telephone where possible, contacting the Nursing Homes, sending cards and providing Christmas cards (from St Mary’s pupils) and little gifts at Christmas.
For more information or to seek help contact us:
Phone/text: 07771 135624 or Email: ccandmsvp@gmail.com
Our conference also has strong links with the Minnie Vinnies group in our parish school and the local food banks in Chepstow and Caldicot.
We organise trips and events for older and isolated people.
HIstory
The Saint Vincent de Paul Society (SVP) is an International organisation originally formed in Paris by a young student, Frederic Ozanam in 1833. This was about the same time as the story of ‘Les Miserables.’ Frederic saw people around him in the city suffering from poverty and isolation, so he gathered a group of friends together to help them. He named the group after Saint Vincent de Paul, the great 17th Century saint who was famous for helping his poorest neighbours.
Today
The aim of the SVP in the 21st Century is still the same – to tackle poverty in all its forms and the gospel message defines that for us.
Jesus famously told us to love our neighbours as ourselves.
Some neighbours are easy to love – they are naturally loveable people. But some people can be harder to love – the homeless, the sick sometimes, the depressed. The problem is that these are the people that most need that love.
Jesus also told us: ‘In so far as you did this to the least of these brothers of mine, you did it to me.’
This quotation and the exhortation to love our neighbours are at the core of our Christian faith. In the SVP this love translates into friendship, someone to talk to and practical help without regard to faith, ethnicity, status or sexual orientation.
Safeguarding
As we visit people in their own homes we have strict safeguarding policies and procedures and all visiting members must hold a DBS certificate. Our core friendship service in the parish is complemented by additional areas of activity by the wider SVP community – Community Support Projects (shops, furniture stores and advice centres) Youth work, holiday provision and overseas aid. Please see the SVP website at svp.org.uk
If you or someone you know needs help, please contact us : Phone/text: 07771 135624 or Email: ccandmsvp@gmail.com
We are always looking for new members so if you have a little time to spare please contact us:
Phone/text: 07771 135624 or Email: ccandmsvp@gmail.com