Pacifist Service Unit

Pacifist Service Units (PSUS) were special charitable organisations that were formed in the United Kingdom during World War II to enable conscientious objectors and pacifists to provide a social service function to the community at large in a way that was in agreement with their beliefs.

Creation

PSUS were brought into existence by the War Charities Act of 27 June 1940 that resulted in 14 units being established in cities across England. The organisations first meeting was held in Dick Sheppard House, 6 Endsleigh Street, Bloomsbury in May 1940.

References

Citations

  1. 1 2 Starkey 2000, p. 8.
  2. 1 2 "Pacifist Service Units Collected Records". TriCollege Libraries Archives and Manuscripts. Swarthmore: Bryn Mawr College, Swarthmore College. Retrieved 12 March 2026.
  3. ↑ "War Charities Act 1940". National Archives United Kingdom Legislation Archive. United Kingdom government. 27 June 1940. Retrieved 13 March 2026.

Bibliography

  • Starkey, Pat (2000). Families and social workers: the work of Family Service Units, 1940-1985. Liverpool: Liverpool University Press. ISBN 0853236569.