We know our impact in local communities across the length and breadth of England and Wales is immense because we measure it in a variety of ways. Some highlights follow below.
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 can be downloaded from here.
Last year our 8,857 visiting members made 475,064 visits and spent 625,084 hours visiting people in need and gave out food parcels on over 25,000 occasions. In addition to our visiting work the Society makes an impact through its many and varied projects, only some of which can be highlighted below.
Our community project in Bradford provided debt advice to 242 people with £400 or more of rent arrears. In addition to preventing evictions, the debt team have made sustainable repayment offers totalling £2,295 per week or £119,340 per year, enabling clients to remain in their home.
Our two hostels for men on bail and released on parole or licence helped 178 offenders move on to independent accommodation and successfully reintegrate into the community.
Our annual summer holiday camps enabled 1,500 disadvantaged children and young people to experience their first ever holiday and gave over 400 young people invaluable leadership training.
Our Sudan appeal funded:
- medical treatment for over 5,000 people
- clean water for 22,000 people in Khartoum
- regular meals for 5,250 children as part of the baby feeding programme
- vocational training for 400 young people in Juba
Our overseas student sponsorship scheme supported 1,047 students in schools colleges and universities throughout India.
Useful Links