SVP Conference at St Edmunds of Canterbury, Loughton
In September 2024 the Parish decided to relaunch the SVP. The SVP is now operational in the Parish and ready to receive referrals and work within the community. You can contact Fr Adrian or Shaun de Souza Brady for further information and referrals.
What the SVP can do for you:
The essence of our work is person-to-person contact and spending time with people. Time is our greatest gift. Depending on the capacity of our volunteers, some visits may include taking walks or even assistance with shopping or medical appointments.
Befriending is at the heart of everything our groups do to reduce isolation and loneliness, which is known to improve mental and physical health significantly. Our SVP group can provide face-to-face visits in the home (care home) or out of the home depending on the circumstances of the individual.
Telephone befriending can occur in conjunction with face-to-face visits or in place of them, particularly where visiting is not possible due to particular circumstances. This type of befriending provides a lifeline of friendship to those who are feeling lonely, isolated and in need with a bit of human contact. Our team of members are there for a friendly chat, someone to vent to or even just to have a laugh with.