The Society of St Vincent de Paul is receiving reports of hardship due to the non-delivery of social welfare and pension cheques and many people worried about how they will cope with the additional cost of heating and fuel because of the weather.
It is calling on all organizations to do their utmost to ensure that services such as post and waste collections are maintained and for suppliers to adopt a humane policy with regard to fuel payments when the weather gets better.
The (SVP) has asked all of its 9,500 volunteers to be alert to people who are isolated or in difficulties because of the artic conditions. It is also actively encouraging people in need of assistance because of the weather situation to contact their local SVP regional office.
“We are very conscious that there are people who would hesitate to call on the SVP for assistance as they see us as only being there to help the poor. But we will ensure that no one suffers and is left without assistance in current circumstances,” said SVP National President, Mairead Bushnell. “Heating homes and looking after the elderly and children, is as important as helping those who are unemployed and in already severe financial difficulties," she said.
Since before Christmas the SVP has been arranging for extra fuel to be provided for the people it already assists. It says that it will respond effectively to those who find they need or request assistance during the current severe weather.
"Those who are in need should call their Regional Offices and they will get help during this severe weather period."she said.
Mairead Bushnell said that the Society's Regional Offices around the country had proved their effectiveness during the floods emergency and would do so again, if called upon.
In the regions most badly affected by the weather the SVP has been advertising its local contact numbers. Details of the 16 SVP regional offices can be found on www.svp.ie or by contacting the national office at 01 8386990.