CONTACT DETAILS: ChessValleySVP@gmail.com
Chess Valley SVP was launched in October 2015 and works across the three parishes of Our Lady Help of Christians, Rickmansworth, St John the Evangelist, Mill End and St John Fisher Chorleywood. The Group exists to fulfil the Vision and Mission of the St Vincent de Paul Society:
Vision: inspired by Christ’s message to love our neighbour as ourselves, to help any individuals or families who are in any form of need to have hope, together with a sense of dignity, worth, wellbeing and peace of mind.
Mission: To seek and find those in need, to help them in a spirit of justice and to tackle the causes of poverty where we can.
This is achieved:
As individuals – through our active membership of our local group who visit, befriend and offer support, within their means, to any person in need.
As a Society – by working together to provide a national, and international network of support to those in need.
Our Values
We strive to achieve our values through the intercession of the Holy Spirit, through prayer, friendship, mutual support and encouragement. These values are to be Christ-centred, compassionate, respectful, generous, responsive, accountable and confidential.
The work of the Society includes any form that helps to alleviate the suffering or deprivation of others and to promote human dignity and personal integrity in all dimensions. The Society serves those in need regardless of creed, ethnic or social background, health, gender or political opinions
THE WORK OF CHESS VALLEY SVP
We are working in the following areas, however, we are continually seeking new ways in which we can help to support those in need in our local communities.
Visiting: We are offering a befriending service, visiting people in our community who are isolated, lonely and vulnerable and need company and/or practical help.
Catholic Worker Farm: We are working closely with The Catholic Worker Farm to help support them in their material needs and through volunteering our time.
Mill End Food Bank: We are working with Iris who runs the Food Bank and the Mill End Café to support their vital work in reaching out to those in need in the local community.
Warm Winter Space: Every Thursday afternoon between 2 to 4pm the SVP will be providing a Warm Winter Space in the Church Hall at St John the Evangelist, Mill End, beginning on Thursday 3rd November and for the duration of the winter months. Hot drinks, cakes and biscuits will be provided. Please let those you feel would benefit from this know. For further information, please email chessvalleysvp@gmail.com
SVP Community Lunch: This usually takes place every 3rd Sunday of the month at 12.30 in St John’s School Hall, but unfortunately is currently suspended whilst essential works are undertaken. All parishioners are welcome to come along and have a meal, and befriend our guests. There is no charge but donations are welcome.
Refugee Crisis: Through the National St Vincent de Paul Society and Westminster Diocese we are keeping in touch with what can be done to welcome those seeking sanctuary in our country to treat them with respect and dignity.
HOW YOU CAN HELP CHESS VALLEY SVP
As a full Member:
Membership is open to all those who seek to live their faith, loving and committing themselves to their neighbour in need. Full members complete the enrolment process and need to have DBS clearance. They meet fortnightly in a spirit of fraternity, simplicity and Christian joy to discuss how they can support people in need in our local community. They carry out visits to the lonely, vulnerable or housebound and give support to any projects that need undertaking locally to help those who need assistance.
As an Auxiliary Member:
Anyone who has committed to support the Society regularly and actively by completing the enrolment process but does not visit or need to have DBS clearance.
Supporting your local SVP group:
By Becoming a Friend of the SVP you can support the local work we do and ensure that some of today’s most excluded people are given a chance to have a better life. A regular donation, however small, will help your local SVP group to make a difference to the lives of people in real need. Gift Aid forms are available for taxpayers, allowing your local SVP to get an extra 25p for every pound you donate.
If you wish to make a donation towards the work we do this can either be done through the SVP boxes in each of the parishes, sending a cheque payable to Chess Valley SVP to The Treasurer, Chess Valley SVP c/o Our Lady Help of Christians or making an online donation – Account Name; Chess Valley SVP, Sort Code 60 60 04 Account Number 46075712