About SSVP
The Spiritual mission of the Society is to continue the mission of Jesus Christ. The Society sees in the life of Jesus; compassion, simplicity, integrity, gentleness and concern for all people, in everyday situations especially the outcast, rejected, or deprived in our community.
Scotland's 2,000 SSVP volunteer members provide support and assistance to people across the country on a daily basis. Working in 300 groups, they assist people in need in the best way that they can. SSVP Conferences (groups) respond to needs in their communities. This usually means visiting people in their homes, in hospital, hospices or in prison. For many people, this visit is all that they need. However, in meeting people in this way, SSVP volunteers get to know people. They may then go on and provide help or assistance in other ways. Since being founded in 1833 by Frederic Ozanam and a group of friends, home visits have been at the core and heart of the work of SSVP members. The SSVP always works hard to respond to changing needs and has now established "Special Works" which provide one particular service.
Saint Joseph's SSVP
Our Parish Group
Here in Saint Joseph's parish we are a group of nine parishioners. We meet weekly in the back sacristy after 12 noon Mass. New members are always welcome. We visit anyone (they don't have to be a member of Saint Joseph's parish or Catholic) who would benefit from a friendly visit at home or in a care home. We use the money generously donated through the SSVP boxes around the parish to reach out and help anyone in need within our area without exception.
Meeting Time: Weekly after 12 noon Mass
Location: Back sacristy, Saint Joseph's Parish
New Members: Always welcome
Monthly Updates
- We continued our visits to those in care homes and in their own homes, who enjoy a friendly chat.
- Monthly donations were made to the "Furniture Project" and the "Jericho Project" - (a rehabilitation centre to help with addictions.)
- We contributed towards the cost of school uniforms for a local family.
- We supplied a new cupboard for a local foodbank.
- We gave a financial donation to a local school to help families with the cost of a school residential trip.
- We sponsored eight foreign students to helping them to access basic/technical/vocational and higher education.
- We have given annual financial help to support the work of our "twin conferences" in India and South Africa.
- We have recently worked with "Mini-Vinnies" in a local primary school on an initiative to raise money for charity through the collection of foreign coins and stamps.
- We continued our visits to those in care homes and in their own homes, who enjoy a friendly chat.
- Monthly donations were made to the "Furniture Project" and the "Jericho Project" - (a rehabilitation centre to help with addictions.)
- We organised and funded for two local children to attend a summer sport camp.
- We contributed funds to a local schools initiative to supply toys for families during the summer holidays.
- A financial donation was given to Robslee Food bank in Orchard Park.
- We continue to make quarterly donations towards the running of the bus, which allows elderly parishioners to attend Mass on Sunday.
- We continued our visits to those in care homes and in their own homes, who enjoy a friendly chat.
- A new Laptop was donated to a local young student after a successful parish appeal.
- The local Wood Farm Foodbank was helped with a financial donation.
- Gift cards were donated to local families to help with the Easter Holidays.
- Donations were made to 2 local schools to help with the cost of outward bound visits.
- Donations were also given to the Myanmar Earthquake disaster as well as "Dignity", a faith based charity that helps prisoners and their families.
- We continued our visits to those in care homes and in their own homes, who enjoy a friendly chat.
- We made a donation towards the running of the Age Concern Bus taking parishioners to Sunday Mass.
- Busby Foodbank was given a donation of supermarket vouchers to give more support families over Christmas.
- Supermarket vouchers and Christmas presents were purchased and donated for some families within local primary schools.
- A financial contribution was sent to a parish priest within the Diocese of Paisley.
How Can We Help You?
We are continually seeking out those who would benefit from some help. If you know of anyone who needs help, please encourage them to get in touch. All requests are dealt with in complete confidence.
Friendly Visits
Do you have a relative, friend or neighbour who may welcome a visit from a friendly face, either at home or in a care environment?
Financial Assistance
Do you know of anyone who may need financial assistance, either a one off payment or longer term support?
Food & Essentials
We support local food banks and can provide essential items to families and individuals in need.
How Can You Help SSVP?
Support Our Mission
Please remember every donation you make to the SSVP boxes in the parish goes directly to those in need. Please remember the society in your prayers, that it might be fruitful in reaching out to all those in need.
Donation Contacts
Clothes Donations:
Jacqueline Ritchie
0141 889 4497
Furniture Donations:
John Sherry
07425 137411
Contact Us
Please contact us if you know of anyone who would benefit from our help or if you would like to get involved with our work. All inquiries are handled with complete confidentiality.
Phone
07528 655783
You can find out more about the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul in Scotland here.