The Society’s main work is to offer practical support and befriending to individuals or families in need, regardless of gender, personal status or religion. Financial support ad hoc is included (funds are raised mainly via parish collections).

The Society was founded about 1840 by a Paris lawyer, Frederic Ozanam. It now includes some 200,000 members world-wide and operates through local groups based in Roman Catholic parishes, but independently of Church authorities.

Local groups commonly comprise 12-15 members. All members have DBS clearance.
UK national HQ – Romero House, 55 Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7JB.

Nationally, the Society is twinned with groups in developing countries and donates funds for e.g. education.