St Vincent de Paul Society (England & Wales)

13/10/2026

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the death of our Director of Internal and External Affairs, Tim O’Sullivan.

Tim was a much-loved member of the SVP family and a passionate advocate for our mission of serving people experiencing poverty, loneliness and disadvantage.

He brought warmth and kindness to everything he did and was deeply committed to strengthening the SVP’s voice and relationships across the Catholic community and beyond.

We will remember Tim with great affection and gratitude for all he gave to the Society. He will be greatly missed by his colleagues, friends and the many people whose lives he touched.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Tim’s family, friends and all who are mourning his loss at this difficult time.

12/10/2026

We know… it might feel a little early to mention Christmas!

But it’s never too early to start spreading a little hope.

Our new SVP Christmas catalogue is here and full of ways to make a real difference to people facing hardship.

This year, give a gift that goes beyond the wrapping paper and helps bring hope to those who need it most.

Explore our Christmas catalogue here:https://svp.org.uk/sites/default/files/2026-09/2026%20Christmas%20Catalogue.pdf

07/10/2026

9.6 million.

That’s the number of people who are currently experiencing hygiene poverty across the UK.

When someone can’t afford essential hygiene products, the impact can go far beyond cleanliness. It can affect health, confidence, education and employment.

This National Hygiene Week, we’re proud that our centre in Bradford is supporting the launch of the new hygiene poverty report from In Kind Direct and The Hygiene Bank.

Hygiene poverty is affecting millions of people. But it isn’t inevitable.

We need to listen to the experiences of those affected and work together to make sure everyone can access the essentials they need to live with dignity.

Read the report here: https://lnkd.in/eieppPVp

St Vincent's Centre, Bradford

05/10/2026

Last week our CEO Kate visited staff & members at St Vincent's Centre, Ely Bridge.

These visits are a great opportunity for our CEO to hear about the difference they are making in their local community first-hand and learn more about the needs and challenges they are seeing on the ground.

The centre runs a range of activities and groups for the local community including Men Changing Lives, Women Changing Lives, a free weekly gym group and Beyond Differences, a friendly and inclusive group for people with disabilities and additional needs.

More about our incredible centre in Ely can be found here: https://svp.org.uk/microsite/st-vincents-ely-bridge

01/10/2026

The SVP Summer Raffle winners have been announced...

A huge congratulations to all of our lucky winners and a heartfelt thank you to everyone who bought a ticket and supported the SVP this summer.

Your support helps us continue to support people facing poverty, loneliness and hardship in communities across England and Wales.

Could you be one of our winners? Check the winning numbers here: https://svp.org.uk/news/svp-summer-raffle-winning-number-2026

27/09/2026

Today, we celebrate the Feast of St Vincent de Paul.

For us at the SVP, today is a chance to remember the person whose example continues to inspire our work every day.

St Vincent believed that we meet Christ in the people we serve. He dedicated his life to walking alongside people experiencing poverty and hardship, not simply offering help, but offering compassion, dignity and friendship.

That spirit is still at the heart of the SVP today.

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24/09/2026

From supporting people in prisons and empowering young people through Mini Vinnies, to providing specialist support for older people at Tower House, Brighton and keeping our communities connected through our SVP shops, there are so many ways the SVP is making a difference across England and Wales.

These were just some of the topics discussed when our CEO, Kate Nightingale, recently met with our Patron, Archbishop Richard Moth.

They reflected on the important role our shops play within local communities, especially at a time when so many high street shops and services are closing, providing welcoming spaces where people can connect, volunteer, donate and find affordable items, helping to keep our communities thriving.

It was a wonderful opportunity to share updates and reflect on how we continue to live out our mission of serving those most in need.

We remain grateful for the Patronage of the Archbishop and the support he has given to furthering our mission at the SVP.

Lee Witham

23/09/2026

💙

This wek, hundreds of postcards from parishes, schools, religious communities and local groups across the UK were delivered to Downing Street. 💙

Together with the Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN), Caritas Diocese of Brentwood, Caritas Plymouth, and the St Vincent de Paul Society (England & Wales),we delivered a clear message to the Government: the right to seek asylum must be protected, and people seeking sanctuary must be treated with dignity.

Each postcard adds a voice to the Welcome the Stranger: Defend Asylum campaign, calling on the Government to restore the right to asylum, end immigration detention and put dignity and protection at the heart of the UK asylum system.

Thank you to everyone who has written a postcard and helped carry this message to Downing Street.

Read more about the campaign and yesterday’s hand-in: www.jrsuk.net/news/defend-asylum-campaign/

22/09/2026

Our CEO, Kate Nightingale, joined Caritas - Diocese of Portsmouth & Jesuit Refugee Service UK for the handing in of petitions at Parliament from our joint campaign - Welcome the stranger - defend the right to asylum.

This was a chance for us to show Catholic solidarity with migrants and refugees at this crucial time where many are feeling afraid and are facing acts of violence.

15/09/2026

Our CEO, Kate Nightingale, has been out and about visiting SVP centres and spending time with the staff & volunteers who continue to deliver vital services within the community.
Last week's visit included Chorley SVP Chorley Buddies, where Kate had the chance to meet the team, hear about their work and see the impact they are having in their community.

You can learn more about the SVP's work in Chorley through our website: https://svp.org.uk/support-centres