Services

The St Vincent de Paul Society is not a welfare organisation. It is a Catholic Not For Profit charitable organisation that undertakes Good Works in its local community. Its history is one of service to the disadvantaged based on a foundation of spirituality. Because of this spiritual motivation, the members - a voluntary group of men and women - are challenged in their commitment to maintain a relationship of personal service to those with whom they work.

In Australia the Society’s 40,000 volunteers and 2900 paid staff visit 300,000 homes each year and help about 800,000 people. The volunteer members run a wide range of Good Works, or specialised services for people in need.

Services provided in the Canberra / Goulburn Archdiocesan region include:

  • an emergency support Call Centre,
  • migrant and refugee services,
  • home Visitation,
  • homeless persons services,
  • clothing and assistance centres (our VINNIES centres),
  • drug, alcohol and gambling counselling,
  • financial counselling,
  • youth support and leadership programmes
  • disaster recovery, and
  • a street Night Patrol service providing food and sustenance.

Night Patrol

The Night Patrol engages with people on the streets at night, offering friendship, support and compassion to the needy while upholding their dignity. The Night Patrol is an outreach service for needy people on the streets at night.

The Patrol has been operating in the Canberra and Queanbeyan region since August 2001 and is currently operated by approximately 200 volunteers who visit various locations in a specially equipped van. The volunteers provide warm drinks, something to eat, warm clothing as required, and friendly conversation.

Because of a growing demand for its services, the Night Patrol has been expanded to 7 nights a week. The service goes out  Friday and Saturday nights, from 7 pm till midnight as well as Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights from 6.30 pm until 9.30 pm.

Expanding this valued service means increased demand for volunteers and other assistance.  The night patrol van is sponsored and supported by many organisations and companies across the Canberra region.

If you want to know more about the service, or are interested in volunteering to help with the Patrol or want to donate towards its operations, please contact:

Night Patrol Co-ordinator
Ph. (02) 6121 2955
Email night.patrol@stvincanb.com.au

  The St Vincent de Paul’s Disaster Recovery role is as part of the ACT Community Recovery Plan & the NSW State Disaster Welfare Plan (DISPLAN). These plans are implemented in the event of a disaster or major emergency event.

 

Vinnies Advanced Deployment Emergency Response

Disaster Response

The St Vncent de Paul’s Disaster Recovery role is a part of the ACT Community Recovery Plan & the NSW State Disaster Welfare Plan (DISPLAN).  These plans are implemented in the event of a disaster or major event.

The plans comprise a wide range of community and government organisations such as Vinnies, Red Cross, Anglicare, Mental Health and Animal Welfare organisations.

Vinnies role in the event of a disaster is to provide those affected, particularly families and individuals who are evacuated, with essential material items, such as:

·        Blankets.

·        Toiletries.

·        Mattresses & Bedding.

·        Essential new clothing.

The Recovery Centres

 When the initial emergency is over our job doesn’t stop there. Once people are back in their homes or in temporary accommodation, Vinnies becomes part of the recovery process in Recovery Centres established in support of the affected communities.

Recovery Centres are where people who need material support can be referred by various community support agencies so that they can receive help in supporting the efforts of the community itself to recover from a disaster or major emergency event.

Community Support

Should you like more information on how you might be able to support Vinnies in this vital community assistance program you can:.

Phone: (02) 6282 2722

Email: recovery@stvincanb.com.au