We set up a phone helpline for parishioners and liaised with the local council with our phone line, so they could refer people in need.
We set up a weekly Zoom for members and the Parish Priest. Some of our members live alone and were vulnerable.
We continued to raise funds for EACH (East Anglia Children’s Hospice) for their Christmas event. More recently we encouraged the parish, to raise money to help support the nursing staff. Over £120 was raised.
We organised a parish event to help clear the church gardens of weeds and shrubs as the usual gardener was shielding.
We were able to provide a tumble drier for a single mum with 5 children so she could launder their school clothes in time. We also collected money, toys and food and treats for the family as we approached Christmas.
We supported a young lady at risk of violence, who was temporarily homed at a motel. We bought her take-away meals and shopped for food and other needs until she could be homed more suitably.
Covid safely, we carried out emergency removal or delivery of furniture and other household items to people, some of whom needed this service due to safety reasons. We did shopping, for people who needed it.
We continued to phone, and more recently visit, people who are lonely, alone or in need, although several have had to move to residential homes. We sent greetings cards to them in their residential home.
One member read eulogies for two people she had been visiting, who died during the pandemic. We have had masses said for people in need or bereaved.
Our Silver Jam Jar collection is ongoing, inspired by an article in Vincention Concern. £141 has been collected this year.
We have arranged with a central Bagel and Coffee shop to provide hot drinks and meals for homeless and needy people, paid for by Ely SVP.
We organised a retreat at Clare Priory for SVP members with a focus on healing and were all inspired and renewed in our intention to help bring comfort to people we visit or encounter.
We are supporting a single mother, fleeing from violence, and her family including children with disabilities with a washing machine and furniture.
We organised a Covid-safe get together for parishioners who have experienced isolation and loneliness due to the pandemic.