SSVP was started by young people way back in 1833, that’s why we think it’s so important to have young people involved. Junior Vinnies are SSVP groups based in Secondary schools and are the middle branch of our Vincentian family tree. They range from S1-S3 and meet together with a teacher or teaching assistant supporting them.

The main purpose is to help anyone one need by following our “See Think, Do” plan.

• SEE: Look around your school and local community to see who needs help.
• THINK: Plan how you could help.
• …and DO it!

It also provides wonderful opportunities for young people to share ideas and concerns, to have fun, learn ,pray and support each other. The SSVP model of faith in action is a great way to assist young people with thinking and talking about their spirituality – connecting their beliefs and values with service activities and issues in their community can help to make their faith real, meaningful and relevant.

Becoming a Junior Vinnie is a great idea! It allows you to help other people which always helps you to know yourself better.

And going from Mini Vinnies in Primary school to suddenly being in with the Seniors is quite a jump, so we’ve created Junior Vinnies for S1-S3 so you have your own SSVP while you’re in the younger end of Secondary school. This means you can set your own agenda and plan who your group will help.  If your school has a Senior Vinnies group you can work with them for special projects if you choose to or both work on your own ideas. It can be very handy to have our Junior Vinnies continuing to be active and help those in need while the Senior group are taking studying and taking exams. Poverty and loneliness don’t stop so we need your flexibility to help when the older pupils are unavailable.

When you join Junior Vinnies, you will get your own badge and pencil.  Being a Junior Vinnie is challenging, enjoyable and brings many new experiences. You will attend meetings led by a teacher or another adult from the school or parish (usually lunch time or after school), help with planning your activities, then give your time to help other people. Helping others always makes you feel good!

Would you like to start a Junior Vinnies group in your school or parish?  We’re here to help!

What you need

• Regular group meetings – at least fortnightly. These can be at lunchtime or after school. If a whole class forms the group, meetings can be anytime in the school day.
• An adult who can act as Group Adviser to provide support and guidance.
• A President and secretary elected by secret ballot.  Other roles such as vice president and treasurer can be assumed when necessary.
• Our Mini Vinnie Guidebook, Click to download or request by email youth@ssvpscotland.com  If you would like a printed copy posted please let us know.

And you’re good to go….though don’t forget

Contact us to let us know your group exists. We want to work with you providing support along the way and sharing your great works. We can’t do that if we don’t know you’re there. And we want to send you badges and pencils. The badges carry our new logo: being a Junior Vinnie is indeed something to be proud of!

Download a guidebook today or email youth@ssvpscotland.com for more information

We have 3 Groups from P4 right through to S6. Click to find out more about each specific group: