Naas, Co. Kildare. Saturday 17 April 2010………..The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SVP), Ireland’s largest national charitable association, is actively encouraging individuals and families who find themselves in financial difficulties for the first time to avail of its support services.
The Society is also planning to further develop its educational support strategy, as a means of helping people out of poverty.
Speaking at the SVP Annual National Council meeting in Kerrdiffstown House, Naas, Co. Kildare today the Society’s National President, Mairead Bushnell, said that many of the families and individuals now in need of help would never have considered approaching the Society previously.
“We are aware that there are people reluctant to ask for help, perhaps because of embarrassment, but we want to reach out and to give what help we can. We are acutely aware of the large numbers who have lost their jobs, in some cases both breadwinners in a home, of those who were self-employed but find they have no work, because the demand for their services is no longer there in these difficult times.
“We have over 1,200 local Conference units in the 32 Counties of Ireland and we urge those in need to contact us. We are anxious to do what we can to listen, advise and offer practical help. We offer confidential help, maintaining the dignity of those involved. SVP volunteers are always sensitive to the needs of those around us,” she said.
Ms Bushnell said that the generosity of Irish people and corporate donations is enabling the SVP to continue to carry out its work in these difficult times.
“It has been a demanding year for the Society. As well as the on-going financial problems effecting a very large number of people, we have had many more requests for assistance due to the dreadful winter flooding and the severely cold winter. Requests for assistance are up 33% on last year’, said Ms.Bushnell. She also said that the demands on Society volunteer members were now so heavy that some were themselves experiencing fatigue and distress.
In the area of education the SVP is involved in providing direct services such as homework clubs, funding breakfast clubs, organising revision classes and working directly with schools to support disadvantaged pupils. It also works directly with families through home visitations.
“We see the stress, anger and hopelessness of parents who simply cannot afford the ongoing costs of school for their children. And we know the corrosive and long term damage this anxiety can have on a families’ attitude towards education”, said Ms Bushnell