Mini Vinnies

Who are the Mini Vinnies?

The Society of St Vincent de Paul has been engaging with young people and education since its earliest days. Today the SVP England & Wales is pleased to highlight its continuing strong links with young people, through the development of its new 'Mini Vinnies' programme - a ground-breaking Primary Schools initiative, based on good work done in Australia, piloted in the Diocese of Shrewsbury, and which is seen as having, "the potential to significantly contribute to the future of our Society."

'Mini Vinnies' are children aged between 7 to 11 (or younger) who, with the permission of their parents and the support of their Schools, are encouraged to embark on their first steps as possible 'Vincentians for life'.

As Mini Vinnies, the youngsters have their own 'treasured' Prayer, Pledge and Badge, a dedicated website and a range of bright and colourful documents which guide them in their formative steps - helping and enabling them to become in every sense, young Vincentians - or 'Mini Vinnies'.

Mini Vinnies’ at St Thomas More meet once a week on a Wednesday and the group is co-ordinated by Miss Coyle.

What happens at a Mini Vinnies’ meeting?

A 'President' was elected by all of our Mini Vinnies to lead the meetings and organise the group.

• The president opens the meeting with a prayer.
• A short spiritual reading/ reflection/ piece of music/ meditation follows the prayer.
• Group members then talk about the Mini Vinnies' activities they have done since the previous meeting.
• Any future plans are then discussed, shared and actioned.
• Mini Vinnies decide on an ‘Act of Kindness’ that is shared with the whole school during Monday’s Collective Worship.

What have the Mini Vinnies been up to recently?

Our Mini Vinnies have been collecting money for our Mission Together boxes. Mission together is the Pope’s official charity for children helping children overseas. They sent home boxes with all the students, reminding them to collect money with announcements in assembly and by giving out mission together stickers. We raised an amazing £50 which will go towards helping children in need, around the world.