11,000 calls to SVP from Cork people as cost of living forces more people to seek help

Almost half of the €5m spent by St Vincent de Paul (SVP) so far in 2025 across Cork and Kerry was used to cover the cost of food hampers, as the service reports a 20% increase in calls.

According to SVP’s South West branch, information officers have responded to 14,200 calls within the region this year, 11,000 of which were in Cork and 3,200 of which were in Kerry.

This represents a level of need that exceeds previous years, as calls received by the service between January and November have surpassed numbers recorded in the area last year.

According to SVP South West, the majority of calls received by the service in 2025 were seeking support with cost-of-living struggles, education costs, and the cost of food.

Speaking to The Echo, SVP South West’s regional co-ordinator, Cormac O’Sullivan, said the number of calls made from double-income family households is “something we haven’t experienced before”.

“From January to the start of November, we had received more calls in the region than we had in 2024 — so we are seeing a huge increase,” said Mr O’Sullivan.

“The main issue is the cost of living, it has hugely affected people within the region and it’s not just those who would have traditionally contacted the service.

“We’re seeing calls for fuel support, energy support, and people reaching out over the price of laptops and tablets for schools. We’ve spent almost €800,000 on education supports so far in 2025, from third level right down to primary education. The problem is cost of living across the board, and we do envisage that we’ll be spending more this year because of the calls coming in,” he added.

“We’ve delivered more than 18,000 food hampers [in Cork and Kerry] — and food vouchers and hampers take up almost half of the €5m spent in the region [so far in 2025].

“Compared to the past number of years, we are seeing a bigger increase in two-income families, who traditionally would never have needed to come to SVP, looking for assistance — which is certainly something we haven’t experienced before.”

SVP South West’s regional president, Mary Frances Behan highlighted how 80% of the service’s annual fundraising takes place between October and December, and urged people to take part in their winter car draw.

“The car draw is a lifeline for families and individuals across Cork and Kerry,” said Ms Behan.

“With calls for help up 20% for the same period last year, we urgently need the public’s help — every ticket bought will make a difference.”

The car draw, which will see one lucky winner take home a new Ford Focus, will take place on January 14, with the deadline for entries set for 12pm on January 9.

Other prizes include a holiday to the value of €2,500; an overnight stay at the Fota Island Resort and Spa; and two tickets to the All-Ireland hurling final with a B&B stay and dinner.

Tickets are priced from €10 for one, €25 for three or €40 for five, and are available for purchase at: https://tinyurl.com/ynz43dy9