SSVP Scotland

05/10/2026

💙Challenge Poverty Week 2026 - 5-11 October💙

This week, communities, organisations and campaigners across Scotland are coming together to challenge poverty, raise awareness and inspire action for a fairer future.

Whether you can attend one event or get involved throughout the week, your voice matters.
All events listed below can be found on The Poverty Alliance website where you can register https://www.povertyalliance.org/events-page/

Free Breakfast Briefing Series

Join online discussions exploring key issues affecting communities across Scotland:

⚫Monday 5 October, 9:00am-9:45am - Social Security
⚫Tuesday 6 October, 9:15am-10:00am - Energy
⚫Wednesday 7 October, 9:15am-10:00am - Fair Work
⚫Thursday 8 October, 9:15am-10:00am - Amplifying Children & Young People's Voices

The special Thursday session features an inspiring conversation with award-winning activist, campaigner and writer Amanda Ameeshi, alongside Cllr Chloe Robertson, discussing youth leadership, participation and how young people can use their voices to challenge poverty.

Annual Challenge Poverty Week Lecture

Thursday 8 October
6:00pm
Social Hub, 15 Candleriggs Square, Glasgow

Featuring keynote speaker Asad Rehman, Chief Executive of Friends of the Earth England, Wales and Northern Ireland, exploring how we can build support for progressive change and create a fairer Scotland.

Events Across Scotland:

A wide range of events are taking place throughout the week, covering issues including:

✅ Child Poverty
✅ Human Rights
✅ Social Security
✅ Fair Work
✅ Energy Costs
✅ Rural Poverty
✅ Community Action

Every action helps challenge the injustice of poverty. Whether you're attending an event, sharing resources, or starting conversations in your community, you can help make a difference.

03/10/2026

SSVP was delighted to be invited to speak at the "Poverty in Scotland: Can We Do More?" event held at the Gillis Centre in Edinburgh today.

The conference was organised by Caritas and the Justice and Peace Commission of the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh and was chaired by Phillipa Bonella.

Speakers included:
• Sarah Corbett, Senior Policy Officer, Scottish Government
• Peter Kelly, Chief Executive, Poverty Alliance
• Bob Murdoch, SSVP President for St Andrews and Edinburgh; Sr Maria Robb, Daughters of Charity - SSVP National Spiritual Advisor; and Margo Morris, National Youth Development Coordinator
• Fr Tony Lappin, parish priest of St Joseph's, Peebles, and St James's, Innerleithen

It was wonderful to see so many parishioners from across the Archdiocese taking part, sharing ideas, and exploring ways to tackle poverty in their local communities.

Thank you to the organisers for hosting such an inspiring and thought-provoking event. We also look forward to connecting with those who expressed an interest in joining SSVP and becoming part of our mission to support people experiencing poverty.

For more information about joining SSVP please email [email protected].

02/10/2026

SSVP were delighted to be invited to the Catholic Headteachers’ Association of Primary Schools (CHAPS) Conference over the past two days to host a Mini Vinnies information stall.

It was a privilege to join the headteachers for Holy Mass and to hear about the many inspiring ways their schools are helping to develop the theme of the conference - Know God, Love God and Serve God. With more than 145 Mini Vinnies schools across Scotland, it is always encouraging to learn about the wide range of activities taking place to support those experiencing poverty and to put faith into action.

It was also wonderful to catch up with friends and colleagues from Missio Scotland, Justice & Peace Scotland, SCIAF, Mary's Meals and the Pauline-UK. Thank you to CHAPS for such a warm welcome and for all that you do to support Catholic education in Scotland.

Please remember in your prayers all of our teaching and school staff.

02/10/2026

As committed members of the Society of St Vincent de Paul, we seek to identify and combat all forms of poverty, by promoting social justice and actively working with those in need, acknowledging that, by freely giving of ourselves, we become more aware of the power of love in all our relationships

01/10/2026

SSVP members may be interested in this scheme which helps to repurpose IT equipment and give it to people who do not have access.

The Turing Trust gives new life to computers donated in the UK, using technology to empower disadvantaged communities in sub-Saharan Africa.

29/09/2026

A big thank you to the Mini Vinnies from Sacred Heart Primary School, Grangemouth, who helped at the Vincentian Family Mass at Carfin this weekend for the feast of St Vincent de Paul. The Mass was celebrated by Fr Eugene Curran CM.
The pupils played an important role throughout the celebration, helping to distribute Mass booklets, leading the bidding prayers, carrying the Mini Vinnies banner, and altar serving. They were also joined by a pupil from St Mungo's High School, Falkirk, who is a former Mini Vinnie.
A special thank you to Ms McNally, the school support staff, and local conference members for their encouragement and support.

25/09/2026

What a lovely Festival Mass in Motherwell. It was heartening to see so many people come together to celebrate, pray, and enjoy each other's company. These photos capture some of the wonderful faces and friendships that make our community so special. Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the occasion such a success.

22/09/2026

We warmly invite you to join us for our Vincentian Family Mass.

📅 Saturday 26th September
⏰ 2pm Mass
📍 Carfin Grotto, Taylor Avenue, Carfin, ML1 5AJ

There will be refreshments available from 11:30am and then Rosary at 1pm. The Mass will be celebrated by Fr Eugene Curran CM.

18/09/2026

As the Scottish Government prepares to publish its Programme for Government, Bishop John Keenan, President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, has called for human dignity and the common good to be placed at the heart of its priorities.

Bishops call for human dignity and common good to shape Programme for Government As the Scottish Government prepares to publish its Programme for Government, Bishop John Keenan, President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, has called for human dignity and the common good to be placed at the h...

17/09/2026

🙏 All are welcome to join us for the SSVP Diocese of Motherwell Festival Mass as we celebrate Our Lady and our Patronal Feast Days.

📅 Monday 21st September
⏰ 7:00pm
📍 St. Columba's Church, Viewpark

The Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Toal, followed by light refreshments. We would be delighted to welcome parishioners, members, volunteers, family and friends to join us for this special celebration.

Please feel free to share this invitation.

💙 Everyone is welcome.