“St Vincent’s has given me a second chance.” “When I walked into here over 3 years ago, I was fit for nothing. I was a recluse, I’d lost everything, I didn’t want to show my face, I felt shame. Slowly, through being part of St Vincent’s, all that has kind of melted away. That’s how…

“Dear St Vincent’s” “When my husband lost his job, I assumed he would get another one, but he couldn’t find work. He sank into depression and we were in danger of losing our home. When the washing machine broke, I had to borrow £200 to buy a new one. Suddenly I owed £300 and the…

“Jack always had problems reading and writing” “At 58 and increasingly having to take on less physical tasks at work and home Jack was finding that his difficulties with literacy were badly affecting his life and work. This damaged his confidence causing problems with self-esteem and communication. After 8 sessions on a literacy course, Jack…

“Last year John was made redundant and was unable to find a new job.” “He was struggling to help his wife support their three young children and losing self-esteem and confidence. John came to St Vincent’s for a drop in session to access help with his CV, he was told about the classes which were…

“Dear St Vincent’s“ 3 years ago I had nothing; no roof over my head, no money, no friends and no hope. I slept in an empty wheelie bin in a church car park. You helped me find a home, you gave me someone to talk and you treated me like a human being. The training…

“After retiring from a busy cardiac unit nearly nine years ago I had ups and very low downs plus poor health.” After being very valued (and busy at work) by young and not so young I just felt useless. I just longed to be part of a community but unfortunately not accepted and I am…

“Ethan is 5 years old.” He lives with his mum Amy in supported housing. Amy is a young mother and had fled previous domestic violence from her mother’s partner in their family home. On Christmas morning, Ethan woke up to presents from Father Christmas, and enjoyed a Christmas lunch with his mum. St Vincent’s had…