New study highlights work of SVP volunteers in UK

Changing Lives’, a book of real-life stories showing how volunteers have made a difference to vulnerable people and families, is being released by the St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP) this month.

The 120 page book contains over 100 case studies demonstrating how the charity has brought practical and emotional assistance to people in various circumstances of need. The studies cover the spectrum of poverty and disadvantage and are structured within themes of isolation, deprivation, food poverty, crime, asylum, homelessness, and addiction, amongst others.

Changing Lives was put together over a period of two years to highlight the work done across England and Wales by the SVP’s 10,000 members in their local communities. Stories are inspiring, concise, and offer an abundance of warmth and wisdom in showing what happens when volunteers organise themselves to help people in their local community.

Heart rending case studies include the story of Mr Mercer, an elderly gentleman who lived on his own and spent every evening watching TV soaps. When SVP members arrived at his house to pay him a visit, they worried that they were interrupting his TV viewing. Mr Mercer answered the door, leant his forehead against the wall of his hall and began to sob quietly. When asked if he was ok, he said, “Yes, yes. I just thought no-one was going to come and see me tonight.”

There is also the story of Paul, a man in his mid-40s whose life fell apart after a series of misfortunes and relationship breakdowns. As a result he had been forced to live in doorways and car parks. The local SVP group helped him set up a new home for himself and scoured countless charity shops so that they could get all his basic necessities. This took several months, but eventually Paul was settled in his new home – warm and comfortable.

SVP patron Ann Widdecombe commented: “Whether it’s loneliness, need or homelessness, the SVP has been changing lives for 180 years! This book tells just a few of the heart-warming stories of its magnificent achievement.”

SVP patron Cardinal Vincent Nichols said: “I welcome the publication of these case studies, under the title Changing Lives. They will help us to appreciate the profound needs in our society and the creative ways in which they are being met by the Society of St Vincent de Paul.”

Changing Lives is available for a suggested donation of £5 plus postage and packaging. All proceeds will go towards the valuable charitable work of the SVP, helping alleviate the suffering of people in need.

To order Changing Lives call the SVP National Office on 020 7703 3030.