The Secours Catholique in Antibes

Some fifteen volunteers, headed by Rémi Notter, work every day to help people with physical or psychological problems as they welcome them to their premises and listen to their problems.

Infosville: What sort of things does Secours Catholique do?

Rémi Notter: We help in various ways: providing second-hand clothes is our main activity and we provide food parcels and financial help in some situations such as fares for job seekers and holiday camp fees. We give information and help with administrative procedures, direct people to the appropriate departments and specialised services such as the local Mission, the employment exchange and social services.
We hold four jumble sales a year to finance what we do and sell clothes, household linen, knick-knacks and toys at Christmas. Volunteers are on hand every week to greet people who come along as well as organising the Association and doing administrative work, contacting organisations and so on.

Infosville: How do work with the people who come to you?

Rémi Notter: We listen carefully and give help and advice. People who come to us find someone who listens to their problems and helps them work out the best solutions as well as trying to understand how they find themselves in this situation. We try to resolve difficult problems and always give practical help but are not involved in allocation of benefits.