The Christ centred, compassionate approach of the St Vincent de Paul Society’s 8,000 active volunteer members is an important aspect of their care for people who are sick. Last year SVP members visited more than 27,000 people who were in hospital or suffering from mental health problems or living in residential homes. Many of these people will have been without family and friends in close proximity and the SVP will have been the only visitors they received. In all these visits, SVP members offer company and friendship as well as practical assistance that contributes to a person’s recovery.