We are an anti-poverty charity, part of an international Christian voluntary network dedicated to tackling poverty in all its forms and providing practical assistance to local people in need.
Our core ‘work’ is visiting people in any kind of need, including families in poor circumstances, parishioners with physical or mental health issues, and housebound pensioners who may see few, if any, visitors. We are available to help anyone in our area – people do not have to be Catholic. We visit people in their own homes, in care homes, and in hospital when needed. We try to provide or supplement the type of help which families offer to one another. Sometimes this help may be financial, at other times it may just be popping in for a chat, doing some shopping or providing a lift to Mass or to a hospital appointment. We signpost people towards other sources of assistance where needed, such as food banks. Thanks to the generosity of parishioners and our own collections we can often provide financial assistance where required, for things like school uniform, or even with help towards a family holiday. The Society has links throughout the diocese so that, for example, we can resource furniture and white goods from the St Vincent centre in Leeds when people move into a new house or need to replace items. The SVP is an international organization, and we are “twinned” with conferences in India to which we send regular financial support.
There are two SVP conferences within the parish of Our Lady of Kirkstall based at the Holy Name of Jesus Church and at St Mary’s Church, Horsforth, respectively. Both share coverage of the former parish of Assumption.
Holy Name Conference has 9 Members currently and meets after Tuesdays at 7pm or after evening Mass.
St Mary’s Conference has ten members at present and more would be welcome. We meet in St Mary’s church on alternate Mondays at 10.00am.
Our members undertake visits in pairs each week, though it is not necessary to commit to more than you feel able to. An hour a week is enough. An important part of belonging to the SVP is the friendship and support we offer to one another. At meetings we pray together, discuss the visits we make and how we can best offer support. We all benefit from these meetings, and from the grace of being invited to share in the lives of those whom we visit.
Do please consider whether you would like to join the SVP. You will be very welcome. There is an easy online application process to become a member, followed by a short interview, and DBS checks and references are required. To express an interest please give your name and contact details to the Parish Office at Holy Name, or ask to speak to one of our members after mass.
To notify us of anyone in need within the Parish, please leave their contact details with the Parish Secretary at Holy Name and they will be contacted by one of the SVP members. We treat all requests for help in confidence, and all active members have received Disclosure and Barring Service clearance.
