SVP History

The SVP

Befriending people in need is at the heart of what we do.

Volunteer members, motivated by their Christian faith, seek and find those in need, and offer them sincere friendship

What we do...

We visit them in their homes, in hospital and in car homes on a regular basis, sometimes for many years, and offer additional practical support such as food, furniture or financial help when this is needed. This core friendship service is complemented by four additional areas of activity - community support projects, youth work, holiday provision and overseas aid.

More about us...

The SVP was founded in Paris in 1833 by Frédéric Ozanam.

The organisation grew rapidly, arriving in England in 1844 and then spreading across the world. It is now one of the largest Catholic lay organisations in the world with an established presence in 150 countries, and a total membership of over 800,000.