NEW figures from St Vincent de Paul South-West show a 20% increase in calls for help across Cork and Kerry compared to this time last year, signalling a worsening winter crisis for families and individuals.

SVP South-West’s information officers have already recorded 11,000 calls in Cork, this year, with volunteers reporting that the real level of need is even higher as many people seek urgent support directly for food, heating and basic living costs.

The charity relies heavily on public support at this time of year, with more than 80% of annual fundraising taking place between October and December.

Demand this winter, is expected to surpass previous years as energy, housing and everyday living costs continue to rise.

Regional president Mary Frances Behan said: ‘The relentless cost-of-living pressures are taking a heavy toll on families across Cork and Kerry.

‘We are hearing from people who are exhausted, anxious and overwhelmed especially as Christmas draws closer, they just need a bit of help to get through.’

Ms Behan said the Society continues to hear daily from parents and individuals worried about heating their homes and managing spiralling costs.

‘We are seeing families in despair and people from all walks of life contacting us who have never needed help before. The cost-of-living crisis is continuing to stretch people to breaking point,’ she added.

Last year, SVP South-West volunteers supported 27,314 families and individuals with more than €5 million in direct support across Cork and Kerry. The charity anticipates 2025 spending will be significantly higher.

More than 80% of SVP South-West’s annual fundraising takes place between October and December, making its annual car draw for a new Ford Focus a crucial source of funding at its busiest and most pressurised months. The draw for the new car will take place on January 14th.

SVP South-West is appealing to the public to support the draw saying it raises essential income that is used directly to support families struggling to meet their basic needs.

People can purchase a ticket, priced €10, online at www.svp.ie. Tickets can also be purchased across all our social media platforms, and, this year, SVP charity shops will have posters with QR codes so people can just scan the code to be in with a chance of winning.

Anyone struggling with food, energy, housing or essential living costs is encouraged to contact SVP in confidence. The Cork number is 021 4270444.