We don’t just offer short-term aid – we empower people to build lasting independence and rediscover their self-worth. When challenges go beyond our scope, we connect individuals with expert support to ensure no one is left behind.
Support and Friendship
We believe in the power of human connection. Through one-to-one support, we uphold the dignity of every person we help, always maintaining confidentiality and nurturing relationships built on trust, respect, and genuine friendship.
Working for Social Justice
We tackle the root causes of poverty and exclusion in Ireland. Standing in solidarity with those affected, we push for bold, systemic change to create a fairer, more compassionate society for all.
About the Society of St. Vincent de Paul
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVP) is one of Ireland’s largest and oldest voluntary organisations, which supports people experiencing poverty, social exclusion, and disadvantage. Through a nationwide network of over 11,000 volunteers and 800 staff, the Society is deeply committed to social justice and to building a more compassionate and equitable society.
SVP employs staff across a variety of areas such as housing, community care, shops, administration, and specialist services. They all work to support and enhance the work of volunteers in communities across the country.
The Society’s roots lie in youth leadership and social justice. It was founded in 1833 in Paris by a group of young people led by Blessed Frédéric Ozanam, who was just 20 years old at the time. Motivated by the inequalities they saw around them, Ozanam and his friends put their faith and ideals into action, and began visiting families in need, distributing food and fuel, laying the foundations of SVP.
The Society remains focused on a person-to-person, non-judgemental approach, offering confidential support to individuals and families in need. Alongside direct assistance, the Society provides a wide range of services including social housing, day care centres, holiday homes, prison visitation, meals on wheels, and other community supports. The Society also operates 230 Vincent’s charity shops nationwide. These shops play a vital role in providing affordable, good-quality items while also generating essential income that is reinvested directly into local communities.
SVP continues the mission begun by young people nearly two centuries ago, which is acting with dignity, respect, and compassion to address the immediate needs of people facing hardship, while advocating for long-term social justice and equality.
A fifteen-year legacy: The journey of YOUNG SVP
The journey of Young SVP over the past fifteen years has been more than a timeline of events; it has been a profound evolution of the ‘head and heart’. Since its inception, this movement has grown into a vibrant tapestry of social action across Ireland, rooted in the belief that when we serve those in need, we have a ‘long-lasting effect’.
Over fifteen years ago, Young SVP began as a small seed of potential. Today, it stands as a cornerstone of the Vincentian mission, having empowered thousands of students to move beyond the classroom and into their communities. This report is the culmination of that fifteen-year trek – a map designed to help a new generation navigate the complexities of moral courage, empathy, and social justice.
Rooted in a vision
We continue to walk in the footsteps of our founder, Blessed Frederic Ozanam, who in the 19th century dreamed of the very reality we see in our schools today. He wrote: “I wish that all young people might unite in head and heart in some charitable work and that there be formed, throughout the whole country, a vast generous association for the relief of the people.”
For a decade and a half, Young SVP members have been fulfilling this vision. They have not merely been ‘charity seekers’ but ‘justice seekers’, learning that to truly help is to understand the root of the problem.
As Frederic Ozanam famously challenged his volunteers: “ Yours must be a work of love, of kindness; you must give your time, your talents, yourselves. You must not be content with tiding the poor over the poverty crisis. You must study their condition and the injustices which brought about such poverty.”
Fifteen years of lasting impact
As we look back on the growth of Young SVP since its founding, several core pillars have defined our journey:
– Moving beyond supporting people to studying the social injustices that create poverty.
– Helping young people grow in compassion, confidence, and creativity.
– Building a ‘vast generous association’ across every county in Ireland.
This Report reflects the lessons we have learned over the last 15 years.
We invite you to join us in this ongoing journey, expanding our awareness and working together to make a genuine difference in both our local community and the wider world.
Neil Lacey
National Youth Development Manager
What is the Youth Development department
The Youth Development Programme provides young people across Ireland with the opportunity to explore social justice, volunteerism, and community action through the lens of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s mission and values.
Established in 2011, Young SVP evolved from the Youth for Justice initiative – a school-based pilot developed to give Transition Year students meaningful ways to engage in social action and gain a deeper understanding of poverty and inequality in their communities. The programme’s early success in regions such as the South West and the North West proved that young people, when supported and guided, could not only recognise injustice but take practical steps to address it.
At its heart, the programme was about empathy and social awareness and creating opportunities for students to experience what it means to make a difference. From those first Youth for Justice projects in 2011–2012, which included visiting older people, running reading clubs, fundraising, and raising awareness about homelessness – grew the foundation for today’s Young SVP.
Delivered free to schools and colleges, Young SVP now engages students through a series of facilitated workshops that cover themes such as poverty and social exclusion, human dignity, equality, power and leadership, and sustainable action. Students then work together on social justice projects in their own schools or communities, supported by their teachers and an SVP Youth Development Officer.
Each year, participants showcase their work at regional Young SVP Events, celebrating their creativity, compassion, and contribution. Through this process, students not only learn about the challenges people face but also discover their own capacity to be changemakers. This involves building the skills, confidence, and awareness that last well beyond the classroom. More than a decade later, Young SVP remains true to its founding vision: to provide students with valuable insights and skills, ensuring their involvement in social action is both positive and meaningful.
COLLEGES SVP:
Established in 2017, the third-level strand of the programme aims to support college members in their SVP activities, raise awareness of SVP, and strengthen links between local and college conferences along with continuity for graduates to continue their SVP journey into local conferences.
Team setup and management structure
Youth Development currently operates within the Membership Department of SVP National Office.
• National Youth Development Manager
• College Support Officer (CSO)
• Youth Development Officer (YDO)
The National Youth Development Manager leads the strategic development and operational delivery of youth programmes across Ireland, focusing on fostering social justice awareness and volunteerism in primary, secondary, and third-level institutions. Ultimately, the position serves as a bridge between the Society and the next generation of volunteers.
The College Support Officer drives the expansion of third-level engagement by establishing new college conferences and fostering strategic links between students, local services, and the wider organisation.
The Youth Development Officer plays a key role in the Young SVP programme and is often the first point of contact for schools. They support teachers and students in setting up and developing their school groups. A lot of work happens behind the scenes, planning and updating workshops so they stay relevant to young people today. In schools, the YDO delivers workshops, supports student projects, and links groups with local SVP members and guest speakers.
Building relationships is a big part of the role. The YDO works closely with students, encouraging them and helping them grow in confidence while learning about social justice in a real and meaningful way. The role also includes safeguarding, training, and keeping regional and national teams updated.
At its core, the role is about giving young people the chance to get involved, build confidence, and make a difference in their communities
Regional Offices across the country, eight Youth Development Officers (YDOs) and one College Support Officer (CSO) currently deliver the programme directly in schools and colleges.
YDOs are based within their respective Regional Offices and report to the Regional Coordinator, with a dotted reporting line to the National Youth Development Manager for programme alignment and oversight.
YOUNG SVP
Second Level/Schools section
Journey from 2011 to 2026
What began in 2011 as a small-scale pilot programme has evolved into a cornerstone of SVP’s youth engagement strategy.
Over the years, Young SVP has:
• Expanded from a handful of schools to over 200 schools by 2024/25.
• Built a reputation as an empowering social justice curriculum, suitable for Transition Year and beyond.
• Fostered a generation of young people who understand the causes of poverty and are inspired to take compassionate action.
The programme remains free and non-competitive, placing young people at the centre of their own learning and promoting personal growth and reflection. Throughout the year, participants receive continuous support from the Young SVP team and their Youth Development Officer, ensuring every student has a positive and meaningful experience of volunteering and social action.
Through a series of interactive workshops, students gain a comprehensive understanding of SVP, social justice, and how they can engage in meaningful action within their communities.
The core workshops include:
• Introduction to SVP and Social Justice
• Becoming a Changemaker
• Poverty and the Cost of Living
• Power and Society
• Exploring Human Rights
• Social Justice and Equality
• Engaging in Social Action
These sessions are designed to equip students with practical skills and a deeper understanding of the issues affecting people in Ireland today. They learn how empathy and leadership go hand in hand, and how small acts can create lasting impact.
Each year culminates in regional Young SVP events, where students present their projects, share their experiences, and connect with other schools and community leaders. These celebrations showcase not only the creativity and compassion of participants, but also the lasting influence of a programme that continues to inspire action, awareness, and hope across Ireland.
“I have a better understanding of our social issues and how SVP helps people out.”
YOUNG SVP: Growth and Impact
2024/2025 Schools Reach
1,128 school visits
10,647 students reached
228 schools engaged
932 workshops delivered
From classroom discussions to nationwide projects, the reach of Young SVP demonstrates sustained engagement and growing visibility. Each year, thousands of students experience first-hand what it means to be rooted in empathy, leadership, and community care.
Voices of Students and Teachers
Students’ perspective
The 2025 Young SVP Student Evaluation highlights the programme’s lasting impact on young people across Ireland. Drawing on both quantitative data and student reflections, the findings show that Young SVP continues to empower students to engage meaningfully in social justice, develop empathy, and take positive action in their communities.
Overwhelmingly, students reported feeling more confident, supported, and aware of the social issues around them. The programme not only builds knowledge, but also nurtures compassion and leadership, equipping young people with the mindset and skills to make a difference.
The 2025 evaluation found that:
95.5% of students felt supported.
92.6% of students found the programme relevant.
90.8% of students felt more empowered.
Nearly 80% expressed an interest in future volunteering with SVP.
Students’ reflections bring these numbers to life:
“It’s easier to make a difference than you think.”
“It has encouraged me to want to help more people in the future.”
“It showed me that good things happen when people cooperate and have initiative.”
“It can make you a lot more aware of how many people have different problems or need help that you may not see in your day-to-day life.”
“I understand how difficult it could be for some people as we did a sleep out, and it was very hard to fast without food for 24 hours.”
“I understand my community and social issues better.”
“I have been changed to believe that I really can make a difference.”
“It’s official, I’ve come to the end of my journey with YSVP in secondary school. It feels so surreal. It all started in TY with Debbie’s workshops and a passion to work towards making a difference, but it turns out to be so much more than I ever expected. It has been some of the most meaningful, inspiring and empowering years of my life. I mean EVER.”
Voices of Students and Teachers
Teachers’ perspective
The 2025 Young SVP Teacher Evaluation offers clear insight into how educators view the programme’s relevance and its influence on student learning and development. Drawing on both quantitative data and in-depth teacher observations, the findings show that Young SVP is highly valued in schools as a meaningful way to explore social justice and community engagement.
Teachers consistently reported that the programme supports holistic student growth – strengthening empathy, communication, leadership, and teamwork. Many described noticeable changes in students’ confidence, awareness of social issues, and willingness to take initiative. The feedback demonstrates strong endorsement of Young SVP as a powerful educational tool that enriches the school experience far beyond the classroom.
Teachers echoed this transformative effect:
98% observed meaningful benefits for students.
96% found the workshops age-appropriate and engaging.
Nearly 100% of teachers said that the students gained a better knowledge of social justice issues and the work of SVP.
Teachers noted stronger empathy, teamwork, and communication skills:
“Empathy, a greater sense of the ‘other’, willing to go out of their comfort zones to help others.”
“More confidence. Better Community connection.”
“Students have asked about opportunities to volunteer in their local community. They have mentioned that they were unaware of the challenges facing many families due to poverty/social isolation/inequalities.”
“An increase in their self-confidence... and willingness to take ownership of a project.”
“ They have increased awareness of the needs of others in their communities and are happy to invest their own time for fundraising.”
“Greater sense of belonging and student voice. Students enjoy working together, develop friendships, and are empowered to make a difference.”
“Students are more appreciative of what they have and are more aware of issues faced by people living locally or close by.”
“An increase in their self-confidence. An increase in their willingness to take ownership of a project. An improvement in their organisation and communication skills.”
Member Survey Insights
The 2025 members’ survey gathered feedback from SVP members nationwide. While awareness of Young SVP is strong, the findings highlight opportunities for deeper collaboration between local SVP conferences and schools:
67%
of respondents believe there should be greater collaboration between school groups and local conferences.
Over
half expressed interest in attending information or training sessions about Young SVP.
Respondents emphasised the need for greater visibility of the Youth Development Department and more regular communication with local SVP groups.
Member reflections:
“I think we should be more active in looking to bridge gaps between the active School Conferences in the area, the universities, and use these methods to attract and retain these active young people to move into Adult Conferences in a more seamless manner.”
“I have had the pleasure of meeting some of the young people from the Universities... They make Society better, and more significantly, they remind us of our roots as a Society formed by students who wanted to make the world a better place. In the spirit of planning for the future, Young SVP is our best hope for the Society to continue.”
These insights reinforce the importance of building stronger bridges between schools, colleges, and local SVP networks, ensuring that the energy and commitment of young people is meaningfully connected to community need.
COLLEGES SVP
(Third Level section)
Overview and Membership (2025/26)
Established in 2017, this strand supports college members, raises awareness of SVP, and strengthens links between local and college conferences to ensure a ‘seamless journey’ for graduates.
Growth Trend:
Membership grew from less than 1,000 students to over 2,000 volunteers in the first half of 2025/26 academic year.
Current Membership:
1,810
active college volunteers in direct contact activities.
Training & Compliance:
635 members trained in safeguarding and street outreach;
345 Garda vetted since September 2025.
College activity breakdown (Sept–Nov 2025)
Outreach;
Additional colleges engagement
• Technological University of the Shannon, Moylish, Limerick
• Galway University
• FET Carlow
• ATU Sligo
• Mary I
• MTU
• ATU Galway/Mayo
• Waterford SETU
• Kerry College (Tralee & Listowel campuses)
• Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art
• FET Cork
• UCC
• UL
• ATU Letterkenny
• Griffith College
• Queens Belfast
• FET Carlow
• ATU Sligo
• Mary Immaculate College
• MTU
• ATU Galway/Mayo
High-Impact Initiatives
Over 150+ activities across reporting colleges, including:
• Street Outreach: Supports rough sleepers weekly with food, clothing, and referrals (Galway).
• Food Pantries: TUD, Trinity, and UCD support hundreds weekly. TUD expanded to three campuses and won a Green Gown Award.
• Kids & Homework clubs support Children & Youth: Trinity runs Sunday Clubs and After-School Clubs providing safe, supportive spaces.
• Support for older people and adults with disabilities
• Letter-writing to isolated nursing home residents (TU Moylish)
• Social justice talks and volunteer leadership training (SETU)
Across all colleges, future priorities focus on expanding volunteer capacity, strengthening safeguarding, and deepening community impact. This includes increasing Garda vetting and training, recruiting more volunteers, and growing outreach and food support programmes. Colleges also aim to build stronger partnerships with campus and community groups, introduce more structured leadership training, and further develop social justice education alongside hands-on volunteering.
Core Objectives:
• Strengthening partnerships between schools, colleges, and local SVP conferences.
• Developing new modules that reflect emerging social issues.
• Showcasing youth leadership through regional and national events.
Looking Ahead
Strategic Roadmap and Mission Alignment
Youth Development is identified as a key priority area in SVP’s strategic roadmap. The strategy recognises the importance of future-proofing the Society, with youth engagement being central to this objective. Youth Development is a key enabler of long-term sustainability and mission impact, particularly considering SVP’s need to secure future membership.
The Youth Development department’s goals align directly with SVP’s mission to tackle poverty and promote social justice, and it does so through intentional, meaningful youth engagement that encourages social action, advocacy, and lifelong volunteering.
SVP Ambassador and Alumni Programme
SVP’s mission to promote social justice is further strengthened by the emerging College SVP Ambassador and Alumni Programme. This national initiative is designed to maintain ongoing involvement from past Young SVP and College SVP participants. By creating a structured pathway for participants to stay connected as alumni members, mentors, ambassadors, and project leads, SVP is building a long-term pipeline of socially conscious young adults who carry Vincentian values forward.
As Youth Development moves on to its next chapter, it will focus on:
• Strengthening relationships between schools, colleges, and local SVP conferences.
• Developing new modules that reflect emerging social problems, and how to deal with them.
• Putting youth leaders in the spotlight through regional and national events.
YOUNG SVP has motivated thousands of students to take their first steps in social action over the past few years. The challenge and potential ahead lie in cultivating this mentality further, empowering every young person in Ireland to see themselves as a changemaker in their own community.
The Youth Development department’s goals align directly with SVP’s mission to tackle poverty and promote social justice, and it does so through intentional, meaningful youth engagement that encourages social action, advocacy, and lifelong volunteering.
“ Young SVP has given me so much from confidence to friends. I definitely found my people working with SVP. Youth days are my absolute favourite where I get to meet everyone and just feel so at home. I’ll forever be grateful for this experience and getting to serve as Presentation Secondary School Waterford’s co-president for the last 3 years. Honestly it has been my favourite part of school the last 3 years.”
– Katie Joubert, YSVP President Presentation Secondary School Waterford 2022-2025
