Welcome to the Youth SVP Leaders’ Zone. This space contains everything you need to know about setting up and running a successful Youth SVP group, whether in a school or parish setting.
In 2033 the society of St Vincent de Paul will be 200 years old, and the Young Vincentian team's hope is to have an expression of Vincentian spirituality present in as many of our Catholic schools and parishes as we can.
We want young people, their staff and families to support us when they are able and come to us when and if the need arises for them or those they love or know. Help us to turn this hope into a reality by sharing the mission of the society and the resources we produce, supporting us when you are able and setting up a Youth SVP in your setting where possible.
If you are thinking of starting a Youth SVP group there is no joining fee and a growing libary of free resources. Our biggest gift is our network of parish SVP conferences, SVP shops and community support projects. Get in touch and let us know you are starting a group and we can add you to this amazing Vincentian network.
Who's leading the group?
Although the Youth SVP group is a student-led group, at least one adult supervisor/mentor, known as a Vincentian Coordinator (VC), is needed. This person is the main point of contact between the young people in the group, the wider society (SVP) and local volunteers and members. They are also there to advise and help translate the young people’s ideas into reality but ultimately this role is a light touch.
Who supports the Vincentian Coordinator?
After expressing interest in setting up a group, you’ll have full support from the SVP’s Youth Team, as well as from a regional volunteer (where possible), known as a Young Vincentians Development Officer (YVDO).
What's the process of setting up a group?
• Fill in the ‘New group’ application form
• You will receive a reply from the SVP Youth Team and will be invited to set up a Teams meeting.
• Explore the shop to order your starter kit and other resources
• Recruit your Youth SVP members. You could organise an introductory assembly for the young people to find out more (with the support of the SVP Youth Team or YVDO) or you may already have a group in mind.
• If you would like, you could commission your new group using our commissioning celebration.
• Have your first meeting (get started with our new starter sessions)
• Start turning concern into action
Where can I order resources?
All of the Youth SVP resources can be ordered via our online shop. Don't forget to check out all of our free online resources too on the Youth SVP website.
I've recruited my Youth SVP members, what's next?
A great way to get your meetings started is by using our pre-prepared ‘Vincentian sessions’. These starter sessions are designed as an introduction to the Vincentian family, the work of the SVP and turning concern into action.
There are 5 sessions in total and you are welcome to use them all or pick and choose.
You could also check back on the group resources page for even more resources and tips for running your meetings.
Engage with the SVP throughout the academic year
Our map for the year will help to see how you can stay connected with the SVP throughout the year. New resources will be highlighted to you via our Youth SVP termly e-news. Sign up here if you haven't done so already.
Create an effective SVP network
Where possible, we try to link you up with other Young Vincentian groups (Mini Vinnies, Youth SVP, SVP1833) and adult SVP Conferences (groups). This helps to connect our Vincentian family together.
Keep in touch
We love to hear about what our Youth SVP are getting up to throughout the year, so do send us updates via [email protected]. If you’d like to be featured in the e-news, send us a short description of a project, along with a photo. We will need photo consent with your submission. Click here for our group declaration form or click here for individual consent forms.
For any queries please email one of the Youth SVP team and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
