'People are struggling as Christmas approaches' - St Vincent de Paul

The Vice President of St Vincent de Paul has said that the price of electricity and heat is crippling people financially with many falling into arrears ahead of Christmas.  

Mrs Rosa Glacken said due to rising costs people are struggling to put food on the table for themselves and their families. “We welcome all the help that is coming from Government. However, there are also people who are working on low wages who are also struggling.”

Over the last decade, The Society of St Vincent de Paul has provided €332 million in assistance to those who have asked for their help. This year, the society has taken over 200,000 calls, to date, and Mrs Glacken urges people who are financially struggling to lift the phone and call them. Over the last number of years, the society has helped people from all walks of life. 

Mrs Glacken said that parents who have students in universities and students themselves are struggling: “I have spoken to people recently who have students attending third level institutions but we find that the third level grant is not covering their costs. Many students are struggling with bills while they should be focusing on study,” she said.

The cost of keeping a student in rental accommodation in major cities throughout the country has also significantly increased over the last number of years. The cost of travel, food, energy, books and socialising has also increased for students which is an added burden on parents and guardians who are struggling to support students at third level. 

The St Vincent de Paul shops which sell products greatly help the society provide financial assistance to those who are struggling and Mrs Glacken thanks those who work voluntarily in the shops, those who purchase from the shops and those who provide items to the shops profusely. 

Mrs Glacken urged anyone who is struggling to contact them and seek help and not to suffer in silence. Please go their website www.svp.ie