Our impact, both practically and emotionally, in local communities across the length and breadth of England and Wales is immense. With your generous support we continue to tackle the causes of poverty every day.
As of 2019/20, 11.5 million people were in relative low income before housing costs, with the number of children in absolute low income (working) households reaching 1,689,198. We have been on a mission to tackle poverty and its causes since 1844. Our recent report highlights the issue of in-work poverty.
2021 Annual Report
One Million Acts of Kindness
In 2020, the onset of the coronavirus pandemic presented a huge challenge to our work. It became apparent early on that the people we support - primarily older, isolated individuals, families and people with complex needs - would find themselves in greater need.
We knew we would have to take risks if we were to rise to this unfolding challenge.
Increasing numbers of people were slipping into poverty, many of whom were previously solvent and had never needed to seek help before. Meanwhile, isolation became a reality for millions. As people are at the heart of our service, we innovated, adapted and found new ways to fulfil our mission.
Research by Oxera Europe, a leading economics consultancy, estimates that the SVP in England and Wales generates at least £11m per year in economic welfare improvement through its befriending programmes alone. The report is available here.
End of Life Companionship Conference