The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is an international Catholic Organisation of lay people founded in Paris in 1833. The aim of the Society is to tackle poverty in all its forms through the provision of practical assistance to those in need particularly visiting the sick, the lonely and the housebound. Groups in more affluent countries are twinned with groups in the developing world. In Bridgend we are twinned with Chendamangalam, Kerela, and the Holy Family at Pazhaya Uchakkada. We support each group with correspondence and mutual prayer. We also provide both groups with financial help in the form of regular contributions.

Locally, in addition to our visits, we are also able to provide emergency material support when people find themselves in need. This could involve donating items of furniture or appliances, or even covering a weekly shop or utilities bills for a short period. We also arrange two annual meals – the Parish Lenten Lunch and the Christmas Party for Senior Parishioners, for whom we also organise and outing each year.

If you are going into hospital or know of anybody in hospital who would appreciate a visit, please contact us on one of the numbers below.

In St. Mary’s parish the St Vincent de Paul members meet each Wednesday at 10.00am and welcome anyone who would wish to join them. If you are unable to attend meetings on a regular basis, but would still like to support the work of the SVP, it is possible to become an Associate Member.

For further information, please contact us on one of the numbers below.

Local contact numbers:

Wendy McCarthy 01656 658675
Denis Gaffney 01656 656296
Granville Pearson 01656 711139

Further information is available on the following link: www.svp.org.uk