Located in the Parish of Boliqueime, Algarve, Portugal, the Vale Silves Community Centre has been serving vulnerable families, children, and especially the elderly for more than 30 years. Founded by Dra Maria Armanda Silva, a woman with a deep and lively faith, the Centre grew from a small parents’ initiative into a vital local charity providing home‑care, food support, children’s services, community outreach, and practical assistance to those most in need.
St Vincent’s Chaplaincy has partnered with the Centre for many years, offering ongoing support through fundraising, pastoral care, and practical involvement in the Centre’s elderly outreach programme.
Today, 50 elderly people receive essential daily care through the Centre, including many who are bedbound. A large food bank supports families three times a week, and the Centre’s childcare and meal programme ensures stability for working parents and their children.
The Centre operates with very limited resources and is heavily dependent on donations. Support through this year’s Lent Appeal will strengthen its core services and help ensure that the most vulnerable in the community continue to receive compassionate and dignified care.
Bishop Robert with Dra Armanda - he has just presented her with a certificate indicating that the sum of €5000 had been paid into the Community Centre’s bank account on behalf of the St Vincent's Chaplaincy.
Bishop Robert distributing the gift bags to the elderly who were mobile enough to attend the annual Christmas lunch. Gift bags for about 50 people are part of our Christmas project for the elderly.
Some elderly people supported by Vale Silves live on as little as €60 a month. At Vale Silves, dignity is restored daily - one home visit, one meal, one act of care at a time. Together, we can make a real difference.
How you can donate to the Bishop in Europe’s Lent Appeal 2026
By cheque made out to: Diocese in Europe
Diocese in Europe Board of Finance, 14 Tufton St London SW1P 3QZ
(Please add the words “Lent Appeal 2026” to any note you send with the cheque)
By bank transfer:
Account number: 40317039
Sort code: 20-06-13
IBAN: GB16 BUKB 2006 1340 3170 39 Swift / BIC: BUKBGB22
On the Diocese in Europe Just Giving page.
