A Glance Back...

Procrastination: that buzzword which sums up the life of many a student is doing its rounds as coursework deadlines loom and revision timetables appear. Yet nobody can accuse SVP MUSCC of taking a backseat, as this week we have been as eager as ever to take practical action to help the most vulnerable. As the week draws to a close, this is an apt time to look back and reflect upon the work that SVP has been doing over the past few days.

Monday and Tuesday evening saw groups of student volunteers bracing themselves against the cold weather to give out soup, sandwiches, chocolate, crisps, tea and coffee to the homeless people of the city. 23 rough sleepers were met on Monday; 21 on Tuesday, and in addition to the food, blankets and clothes which were distributed, we were able to chat with the people we met, listen to their stories and offer long-term help where we could. Amongst the volunteers who helped out were newcomers Martina, Katie and Jaya - gratefully welcomed into the SVP community and invaluable to our work!

Coinciding with Tuesday's soup run was L'Arche Manchester's community meeting at their 'Heathside' house in Didsbury. A group of 3 volunteers headed by Fr William, our spiritual director, and our President Bradley attended the meeting to convey our support for the budding L'Arche community. News of great joy was received that night - L'Arche are to open their doors to their first core members in late April/early May 2013!

Some of the elderly residents of St Joseph's Nursing Home were visited by volunteers on Wednesday and Friday. As ever, these visits were fruitful for both those visiting as well as those being visited; matter-of-fact conversations tend to be opportunities to share laughs with the people we visit, yet are also surprisingly touching. Lucy and I went to visit Aileen, a lovely lady who is approaching the ripe age of 100! After having a fall recently, and having only just been released from hospital as a result of it, Aileen expressed relief and gratitude that she had company as, in her words, "a change is as good as a rest!"

Lastly, (but by no means least!), Cornerstone homeless shelter was attended by new volunteers Badjinca, Jean and Frank, whilst steps are being taken to set up a bank account for our long-term food bank project, which will be run as part of the Trussell Trust Food Bank scheme.

All in all, a very productive and busy week! Onwards and upwards...next stop, Fish and Chips fundraiser event! (Friday 1st March, 7pm at the Chaplaincy, see you there!)