Society of St Vincent de Paul
EAST REGION NEWS
SUMMER 2019
SVP EAST REGION QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER
We took the road together, we will finish it together Blessed Frederic Ozanam
SERVING IN HOPE I was delighted to be asked to write the editorial for this edition of the East Region Newsletter on the theme of ‘Serving in Hope’, reflecting on 175 years of SVP in Ireland. Our Conference was recently contacted by a client of SVP who wanted us to know that what she appreciates most is that we help without passing judgement, in a spirt of dignity and respect, providing hope and ensuring that people know they are not alone. We were very moved to receive this feedback. Our work as members of the Society is to help in whatever way we can to alleviate poverty, injustice and suffering. Our Mission Statement reminds us that “No work of charity is foreign to the Society”. It is wonderful to think that members of the Society have been bringing hope to the people we visit for 175 years. While needs have changed over time and our work has adapted to best meet those needs, providing hope has remained at the core of what we do. May reading about some of the work currently being done in the region and described in this newsletter provide us all with hope as we continue in our work. Yours fraternally, Noel Boyce Area President South West Crumlin
SVP House 91/92 Sean McDermott Street Dublin 1 info.east@svp.ie (01) 8550022
175 IN Year THISGathering ISSUE IN THIS ISSUE 175 Year Gathering WordPower Update
Ozanam House Youth Day
Youth Day New Vincent's Shop Energy Poverty Energy Poverty Sustainable Fashion WordPower Update
& much more Sustainable Fashion
& much more
SOCIETY OF ST VINCENT DE PAUL MARKS 175 YEARS IN IRELAND
The Society of St Vincent de Paul is celebrating 175 years in Ireland this year.
The first group (Conference) meeting of SVP in Ireland was held in a house in Charles Street West in the Parish of St Michan's in Dublin. Members of the current St Michan's Conference had historical documents on display in the Convention Centre which tracked the work of the Conference through the years.
Since its foundation in 1844 it has been serving the poorest and most vulnerable in our communities. For decades the Society has provided help and support to those most in need through the Famine in the 19th century, two World Wars, an Uprising, a Civil War and cycles of economic austerity.
Under the title 'Serving in Hope - Past, Present and Future’ speakers during the morning session traced the history of SVP, outlined its role in social justice and education and members of Young SVP showed how our Youth Development Programme is shaping the volunteers of the future.
On Saturday, 13th April 2019, over 1,000 members of SVP gathered in the Convention Centre in Dublin to mark the anniversary. President Michael D. Higgins opened the event. SVP is the best known and most widely supported organisation of social concern and action in Ireland with over 11,500 volunteers active in every county in Ireland.
Regina Doherty, TD Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection addressed the gathering in the afternoon. She was followed by Katriona O’Sullivan who shared her story from being a homeless, young mother, parenting on her own to being a university lecturer with a PhD and an advocate for equality and equity. Brian Cody, Kilkenny Senior Hurling manager was the final external speaker before the Mass of Thankgiving celebrated by the ArchBishop Diarmuid Martin.
“Sadly today we still see poverty in many different situations and circumstances,’' said SVP National President Kieran Stafford. “There are nearly 800,000 living below the poverty line including 100,000 people at work; record numbers of homeless; 50% of lone parent families experiencing deprivation and 61% of families struggling with education costs. We know and meet the people behind the figures every week bringing friendship and support.” he said.
Nuala Gallagher & Siobhan Tyrrell
President Michael D. Higgins
FR MICHAEL BROWN OF ST. TERESA'S CONFERENCE Tom Duffy
Fr. Michael Brown gives SVP in Ireland & Australia his Spiritual Guidance and friendship. Fr. Michael is a member of St Teresa’s Conference in Clarendon Street for over 16 years. Before he joined us he was with St Vincent De Paul in Australia for many years. "Our Chaplin & our friend, Fr. Brown is an inspirational figure for SVP in Dublin Central and thanks to the love, energy, faith and positivity of people like him SVP goes from strength to strength , giving us all hope and confidence for the future, to continue with our good work".
The members of St Teresa’s Conference arranged for a Long Service Certificate and Medal to be presented to Fr. Michael
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Vincentians, Resilient by Nature
Renato Lima de Oliveira, International President General In addition to the other qualities of Vincentians, such as detachment, a disinterested spirit and a desire to build a better world, we could also add, resilience … a difficult concept to understand, but one that says much about who we are. The word is often used in Exact Sciences (specifically in Physics) and designates the property of some materials to accumulate energy when pressure or stress is applied and then, these materials are able to return to their original state without undergoing any deformation. The word resilience comes from the Latin “resilio,” which means to return to the natural state. The concept of resilience in human science can be summed up in the following manner: the ability of an individual to behave in a healthy way in the midst of an insane environment, that is, the ability of the individual to overcome and cope with adversity. In other words, resilience is the ability of people to deal appropriately with the challenges and pressures of every-day life. In the world of business and human resources, people are seen as resilient when they reveal their ability to be flexible and strong, knowing how to overcome obstacles and continue to carry out their responsibilities with the same vigour and determination.
Caoimhe O'Broin
They know how to be balanced and focus their activity on that which is righteous and virtuous. Vincentians are resilient by nature, and that is why their “inner flame” never fades, not even in the midst of disappointment and/or discouragement (be it disappointment/discouragement with people or with institutions). Vincentians never give up, but continue to seek ways to resolve the problems that might arise in their group or that might have to be confronted by the men and women who are being assisted. This ability to problem-solve often becomes contagious to the families in need because they are encouraged to affirm their gifts and abilities. Resilient Vincentians, through a cultivation of empathy, attempt to identify with and express their solidarity to those men and women who experience so many different forms of suffering. Horace, the great Italian thinker, said that “adversity has the effect of exposing talents that, in favourable circumstances, would have remained hidden”.
WORDPOWER UPDATE
WordPower has been running in SVP’s East Region since August 2018. Since then, it has done tremendously well, as more and more interest for the scheme has been gathered. To date, 325 standard book packs and 938 custom book packs have been made. On average, at least 100 families receive a book pack each month. Approximately 2,548 boys and girls from the ages 0-14 have received brand new books since August.
They were extraordinarily well received by the 11 families. Hugely successful. We got the same response at Christmas for the first lot. I hope it continues and the Conference asked me to particularly thank all involved in this wonderful initiative. (John Kelly, Immaculate Heart of Mary Enniskerry)
An example of such resilience is seen in the pole that is used by athletes when competing in the high jump … the pole bends to its limit without breaking and ultimately enables the athlete to cross over the bar at incredible heights. Vincentians, by nature, are resilient. They endure the hardships of life, especially setbacks when attempting to assist families who are in need. People are resilient when they accept things as they are, (seeing the positive in a situation and looking for ways to get the most out of a difficult situation). People are also resilient when they forgive others and give such persons a second chance (acting in such manner, Vincentians reveal their faith in the fact that unjust situations can be made just). All the members of the Vincentian Conferences and of the 150 branches of the Vincentian Family are resilient since they have the ability to endure the vicissitudes of life without losing their hope in the ideals that guide their journey through life as well as their ministry on behalf of others. Resilient men and women are not disappointed by other people, do not judge or place labels on others.
69 Conferences are now involved and we would like to see this figure grow.
Our most exciting news is that WordPower is now a charity partner with Scholastic books. When parents order books on scholastic’s website, they can choose to donate 20% in free books to a school or charity of their choice. These rewards can then be used by WordPower to purchase books on the website. So far, €800 worth of books has been donated to WordPower through Scholastic, allowing us to continuously replenish our stock of good value, good quality children’s books.
To find out how you can get involved & help provide new books to more children, please contact wordpower.east@svp.ie
Thank you very much and the families that received the first batch of books were absolutely delighted with them. They really were thrilled and as one of them said, it's like another Christmas in January!! (Kiernan Coghlan, St. John Vianney)
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SUSTAINABLE FASHION
ENGAGE WITH VINCENT’S THROUGH SOCIAL JUSTICE, SOCIAL INTERACTION AND SUSTAINABLE SHOPPING Lily Marshel The Vincent’s shops are a gateway to SVP services and a physical representation of the SVP values. Our shops promote social justice, social interaction, and sustainable shopping. Emergency assistance is available to homeless visitors to the shops who are unable to meet or await local conferences. We promote social interaction and inclusion through customer care, volunteer opportunities and information leaflets in 11 languages.
As an SVP service, our shops have a social and environmental responsibility. Vincent’s supports sustainable fashion and the circular economy by extracting value out of all donated goods. Our shops and warehouses maximize circulation of goods and redistribute or recycle 97% of all textiles.
DID YOU KNOW? It takes 2,720 litres of water to made a t-shirt: that's how much we normally drink over a 3 year period!
We are combating the fast fashion and “throw-away” attitude by encouraging donations and buying second-hand through our National Campaigns. One of our recent tactics has been placing tshirts with our environmental messages in each shop. These t-shirts are displayed strategically around the shop and on mannequins for customers to read and become more aware of the effects of the fashion industry on climate change. We are working to support the Fashion Revolution Movement goals of a cleaner, safe, fairer, more transparent and more accountable fashion industry.
NEW VINCENT'S SHOP IN BALLINTEER
Lynn Byrne
On Friday 7th of June at 10am, a new Vincent’s shop was opened in the East Region. The new shop is located at Unit 5A Ballinteer Business Park, Ballinteer Avenue, Dublin 14. Ballinteer is the 43rd Vincent's shop in the East Region. The ribbon was cut by David Gillick, Irish 400m Champion and Olympian, and winner of MasterChef Ireland 2013. David grew up in Ballinteer.
The shop is looking for donations of clean clothing, bed linen, curtains and footwear; bric-a-brac, household items, paintings; jewelry, antiques and collectables. All the money raised will go towards Home Visitations; Hostels and Social Housing Projects; Resource Centres and Holiday Breaks; Older People Day care Centres; Young SVP and Education Grants.
By donating your second-hand clothes and unwanted items to your closest charity shops, not only will you be freeing up space in your home, you will also be making a difference to people in need, in your community. The shop is open from 9.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday.
A very big thank you to everyone who supported the new opening. A real team effort was put in from the warehouse to the retail team to the volunteers who worked together all week merchandising their new shop. There are currently over 220 SVP shops located throughout the country. They are a very important aspect of the services SVP provide, as they allow people to purchase new and lightly worn items at affordable prices. This provides an income to the Society, which is recycled directly back into the community.
The shop is also looking for donations of clean clothing, bed linen, curtains and footwear; bric-a-brac, household items, paintings; jewelry, antiques and collectables. All the money raised will go towards Home Visitations; Hostels and Social Housing Projects; Resource Centres and Holiday Breaks; Older People Day care Centres; Young SVP and Education Grants.
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BAGGOT STREET CONFERENCE
Mick Gilbride
The Baggot Street Conference, otherwise known as the Sacred Heart Conference, initially covered a small geographical area around Mount Street in Dublin 2. We meet at the Sisters of Mercy building on Baggot Street every Tuesday at six p.m. We have expanded our Conference significantly over the last twelve months. We have more members, clients and cover a larger area of Dublin than we ever have before. It is an exciting time for our Conference as we are helping more people than at any stage in our history. Long may it continue. The largest change came when we expanded our geographical boundary to include the recently rebuilt French Mullen House. This is a large block of social housing that is located in Charlemont. This has brought its own challenge as it is a twenty minute walk from where we are based.
We still look after our regular clients in Verschoyle, which is located just off Mount Street, in Dublin 2. No sooner had we began to visit our new clients in French Mullen House, than we learned that Dublin City Council had decided to renovate the social houses in Verschoyle. This meant that we have had a lot of new clients move in to these houses which brought a fresh set of challenges. We also help clients in the Direct Provision centre in Hatch Hall, off Leeson Street, and a number of homeless hostels in our area. Some of these homeless hostels, such as the one run by the Simon Community in Fitzwilliam Place, have only been created in the last two years – a sign of the times. We have grown from a small to medium sized conference. Thankfully, we are blessed with a world class team. Katia Papkovskaia has just stepped down as President after overseeing the abovementioned growth. Thanks Katia. We are having a night out in June to say thank you to her.
I now have the honour of leading us forward. Sean Hogan has taken over from me as Vice-President. Sean Gallagher is our Treasurer. We have real strength in depth and every one of the team plays a critical part in our success. Special thanks to Robert Fitzpatrick, Maria Fitzpatrick, Elisa Guadron, Sharon Graham, Morgan O’Regan, Geraldine Bane, Neil Hanrahan and Tony Groome. Without whom, we would not be able to help in the way that we do. Long may it continue.
Tackling Energy Poverty & Climate Change
Tricia Keithly
Tackling energy poverty and climate change: two sides of the same coin? SVP’s work in communities across the country demonstrates that energy poverty remains a major issue affecting large volumes of households, estimated at up to 28% of the population. Every week, SVP members meet hundreds of individuals and families living in cold, damp and poorly insulated homes, struggling to meet the costs of their utility bill. In 2017, fuel and utilities represented 14.5% of overall expenditure on direct assistance to households. Although energy poverty remains a significant issue for SVP, there has been a lot of progress in relation to this issue over the past number of years. Better engagement from suppliers and the introduction of pre-pay meters has led to a significant reduction in the number of disconnections. This has been coupled with much greater investment in energy efficiency schemes for low income households. However, significant challenges remain. In the past 12 months, most suppliers have increased their prices, adding at least €300 per year to the average bill.
"There are six of us with two bedrooms, living room, kitchen and bathroom. We have one small heater and we move it from room to room." (VPSJ/SVP 2018 Stories of Struggle)
Gaps in energy efficiency schemes are also limiting progress on tackling energy poverty. For example, private renters are much more likely to live in poorly insulated homes but it is very difficult to access grants for energy upgrades as they are only currently available to home owners. Although the fuel allowance has increased in the past two budgets, it is still 21% lower than 2010 once you take in to account recent price increases. Another factor that could potentially make the experiences of the people SVP assist much more difficult, is an increase in the carbon tax. Research has shown that an increase in the carbon tax, as it is currently designed, would hit low income households harder, particularly those living in rural areas.
A significant increase in the tax could potentially add €10.50 to a bag of coal, €2.25 on a bale of briquettes, and 26.5 cents on a litre of diesel. And unless there is greater investment in public transport and energy efficiency schemes, low income households will have to absorb these costs as they are unable to afford the switch to climate friendly alternatives. At present Ireland is one of the worst performers in reducing carbon emissions and if we don’t meet our climate action commitments we face fines of up to €500 million. It is therefore really important that SVP are part of the climate change discussions at local and national level so that measures are put in place to adequately protect low income households from the costs of climate action. It is clear that if Ireland is to be successful in addressing both climate change and energy poverty, the Government need to see both issues as being on two sides of the same coin and, critically, of equal importance. That’s why the principles of climate justice, such as safeguarding the rights of the most vulnerable and sharing the burdens and benefits of climate change equitably, must underpin all policy decisions.
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NATIONAL VOLUNTEERING WEEK
During May 13th – May 19th, National Volunteering Week took place. The week was dedicated to highlighting volunteering across Ireland, and gave an opportunity to recognize all of our volunteer's contribution to the work of SVP in the East Region. Blessed Frederic Ozanam wrote “Yours must be a work of love, of kindness; you must give of your time your talents, yourselves”. SVP’s volunteers all do so much for others in their community using their skills, talents and time.
Since January 2019 the East Region of SVP has received over 20,000 requests for assistance. It would not be possible to provide support to these individuals and families without the contribution of volunteers.
National Volunteering week is a reminder to thank all our volunteers for their commitment to the Society of St Vincent de Paul and to making a difference in the lives of others.
Each volunteer has an important role to play in our work; whether they are a member of a Visitation Conference, a volunteer in a Vincent’s shop, part of a Special Work (hostel, social housing, resource centre, holiday break or daycare), involved in Young SVP or Twinning, supporting people with their education, fundraising, assisting with administration or helping in other ways.
PHISHING EMAILS
Look out for more of these infographics
An infographic has been put together explaining how to spot a phishing email, how to protect yourself from cyberfraud and how to cautiously deal with bank accounts and payments. We hope that these infographics can help prevent confidential information from being accessed by unknown sources. By taking the time to read these infographics and follow the tips listed, you can help protect yourself and the Society.
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YOUTH DAY 2019
Clare Mander
United in Head and Heart, Young SVP East Region Youth Day, 4th April 2019, City West Hotel National Youth Development Coordinator Over 300 young people gathered in with the Society of St Vincent de Paul, Becca City West in Dublin for the Young SVP Gallagher explained that “the aim of the East Region Youth Day 2019. This Young SVP programme is to provide event was a celebration of the hard opportunities for young people to engage in work and dedication of Young SVP social action in their own communities, volunteers in Dublin, Wicklow and encouraging personal and social Kildare. Participants created displays development”. During the school year, of their work, gave presentations, students involved in the Young SVP networked with other young programme have carried out a range of volunteers and attended talks. actions to give back to their communities, The theme for the event was ‘United including projects and actions on: food in Head and Heart’. Inspired by the poverty, climate justice, homelessness, words of the founder of the Society of loneliness and isolation, kindness, equality St Vincent de Paul, Blessed Frederic and mental health. The students also heard Ozanam, who said “I wish that all from Caroline Fahey, SVP Head of Social young people might unite in head and Justice and Policy, who spoke to them about heart in some charitable work and the importance of standing in solidarity that there be formed, throughout the and encouraged the attendees to challenge whole country, a vast and generous the common myths about poverty. association for the relief of the people”. SVP member Nessan Vaughan opened the event, telling the Young SVP members that “the creativity and effort you have put in this year is overwhelming. You should all be very proud of yourselves for the work you have done to make your communities more just and fair places”.
Síofra Dempsey
COLLEGES UPDATE
2018/19 was another action-packed year for Young SVP, and the second term was even more eventful than the first. The Conferences at TCD, UCD, and DCU ran regular activities, while the students at Maynooth University and TU Dublin (formerly DIT) focused more on once-off events. There were several big events during this term, including TUD SVP’s Sustainable Fashion Show, which was hugely successful and really well received by students and staff. The students used clothes from the Vincent’s shops for the show, and had a variety of models from their own society and the Arab Society, who co-organised the event. Between the fashion show and the Christmas appeal, the students from TUD SVP raised over €1,600 for SVP this year! TCD also saw their annual Panto production taking place in February, with 40 volunteers and 100 children from their youth activities coming together to put
their own spin on The Lion King. The Panto ran over two nights and raised money for the running of their art, drama, music and sports clubs with nearby primary schools. The very next weekend saw the annual Jailbreak Race, Ireland’s largest student fundraising event. Organised by students from TCD and in aid of SVP and Amnesty, the race saw 70 teams of two racing across Europe to a secret destination – all without spending any of their own money, and fundraising along the way. The race raised an incredible €70,000 this year, a new record, with half coming to SVP to be divided back out to the college conferences that took part, so that the money raised by young people helps those same young people to fund their activities next year. UCD SVP ran their annual Social Justice week in March, with this year’s theme being Mental Health in Ireland. Over the course of the week they ran loads of events, including workshops on helping friends who might be struggling with mental health and ways to look after our own mental health, as well as movie screenings, coffee mornings and other social activities.
Dr Noel Keating, Coordinator of Meditation with Children, spoke to the students about meditation as a universal practice for human flourishing. Also, in attendance were representatives from the Gaisce Award and the Society of African Missions. The Keynote speaker was Bobby McCormack from Development Perspectives who addressed the attendees on ‘the Hero’s journey’ and how we can all work together to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. When asked to describe their experience of taking part in the Young SVP programme the young people said that it was an experience they would never forget and that they had learned more about issues in their community, how to listen to others, contribute their ideas, how to be organised and how to help others. The event was brought to a close by SVP East Region President Liam Casey who thanked the schools, teachers and young people for bringing their enthusiasm, creativity and innovation to the work of SVP. He reminded the students that they are the future of SVP, but also very much the present, already making a difference in the lives of others. The second term also saw our annual Intervarsity Weekend, bringing together students from 7 of the 10 college conferences for a weekend of social activities. Creating networks of solidarity and cooperation is so crucial to our work, as is having a sense of where each conference fits in the wider organisation of SVP. The Intervarsity Weekend is always so much fun, and wonderful to see everyone getting to know each other and finding out ways of working together even from different parts of the country. A huge thank you to all our college volunteers for making this another unforgettable year, and for all your continued support and hard work. SVP wouldn’t be what it is without you!
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NEWS SNIPPETS LONG SERVICE AN POST ADDRESS POINT A fixed address for those without a fixed home APPRECIATION Address Point is a free service from An Post that provides a fixed address to those without a fixed home. Address Point gives you a new address, linked to a local post office, that you can use to: - Apply for jobs - Access services and facilities - Pick up your post at a time that suits you
How to get an Address Point
1. Visit anpost.com/addresspoint to create your new address 2. Select the post office nearest to you from the designated post office list 3. Take note of your new address
Eugene Rellis
A Long Service Award and Medal was presented to Susan Keogh, Holy Redeemer Conference, Bray, at the April meeting of the Wicklow East Council. Susan initially joined the Society in 1893. This presentation also coincided with Susan's last event as Conference President as she had very recently stepped down after a very successful five years in that role. Her colleagues wished her well and Susan will, no doubt, continue to work in helping the disadvantaged in her local Conference.
Please visit www.anpost.com /addresspoint for more information
NATIONAL RETAIL AWARDS Congratulations to the winners: Window Competition - Swords, Hong Maguire Business Development - Tallaght, Ali Tabrizy Volunteer of the Year - Firhouse, Anne Walker Team of the Year - Sean McDermott St: collected by Annette McGrane
Wicklow East Area Council
DUBLIN ZOO TICKETS
With the weather improving over the summer months, Dublin Zoo is a fantastic outing, particularly for families. SVP members can receive discounted rates at Dublin Zoo. The discounted admissions are as follows: 1 adult:
€11.50
1 child:
€8.50
2 adults & 2 children: €32.00 2 adults & 3 children: €32.00 2 adults & 4 children: €37.00
Send the appropriate fee to Dublin Zoo who will then send the tickets to your Conference. For more information, contact Karen Gaffney at 01 – 4748944
THANK YOU
A big thank you to everyone who contributed to this newsletter. If you would like to have an article published in the next edition, we would love to hear from you. Please send your article and photographs (with consent) to newsletter.east@svp.ie
Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul- sings the tune without the words and never stops at all - Emily Dickinson
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