St Vincent's Support Centre Newsletter Summer 2015 | Page 3

Bishop Marcus Stock supports
education at St Vincent,s
I was delighted to visit
St Vincent’s Support Centre
in February; I had first met
staff and volunteers from
the centre at the centenary
mass for the SVP in Leeds
and was very interested in
seeing first-hand the work
being carried out within the
diocese by the SVP.
Arriving at St Vincent’s, I was
immediately struck by the
dedication and compassion
of the centre’s staff and
volunteers and the wide range
of services they provide to
support people struggling with
poverty. Problems of debt and
unemployment which affect so
many and cause such distress
are treated with kindness and
professionalism to give people
hope for the future.
I was especially moved by
the centre’s work in adult
education. Having a
background myself in
education, this service
particularly interested me.
I had the opportunity to sit in
on an English lesson for

speakers of other languages,
and speak with the adult
learners who were eager to
learn about my new position
in Leeds.
I was also able to hear
about how each student had
had come to be in the UK,
many had fled from war or
persecution, seeking safety
and a better life for their
families. It was humbling to
know the difference that the
classes they were attending
would make to every person
in the room.
I applaud the tremendous
work which the St Vincent’s
Support Centre gives to help
those in such great need, in
particular the volunteers who
give their time and expertise
so generously.

I pray that the Lord will bless the work of
St Vincent’s in their campaign to maintain their
vital education service and I encourage all those
who are able to help support this worthy cause
to do so in whatever way they can.

The new Bishop of
Leeds supports the
Keep Leeds Learning
campaign

You can keep Leeds Learning
Education services at St Vincent’s are
a lifeline to the community in Leeds.
With your help, more local people
can learn to read and write, gain
work experience and develop the
skills to get out of poverty for good.

Every £1 you are able to give will make a life
changing difference.
£
 25 gives a local person struggling with unemployment
1-on-1 support to get into work.
A
 donation of £42 will provide a term of IT or literacy
classes for an adult learner.
£
 164 supports a vulnerable adult for a whole year
of volunteering in a safe, friendly and supportive
environment.
You can read on and find out about how your support will
make a real difference to people in real need.

Your help changes lives.
Let’s work together and Keep Leeds Learning.

St Vincent’s Newsletter Summer 2015 Page3