Barnardos appeals for support after surge in service demand

Barnardos children’s charity is calling on the public for urgent support this Christmas as new figures show a surge in demand for services.

The organisation revealed that nationwide it supported 35,649 children and families last year, the highest level ever recorded by the charity, and further representing an increase of 37% on the number of people supported in 2023.

As homelessness figures have reached a new record high, with 16,766 adults and children accessing emergency accommodation across Ireland at the end of October — 1,008 of which were in Cork and Kerry — the number of people contacting Barnardos is expected to further increase, the charity has said.

Of the number of people accessing emergency accommodation in Cork at the end of October, 712 were adults, with 109 families, comprising 174 adults and 230 children, recorded across the South West region.

This represented a 5% increase on the figures recorded for the previous month, and the first time the figure surpassed 700 people.

A spokesperson for the charity is now calling on members of the public to donate to their Christmas appeal, as they predict calls for support will surpass last year’s figure by December 7.

Barnardos director of fundraising, Mary Gamble said staff are seeing families with “increasingly complex, overlapping needs such as the impact of long-term emergency housing, domestic violence, addiction and traumatic bereavement”.

“Many face several of these issues at once and at the centre are children who urgently need our support,” said Ms Gamble.

“Our Christmas appeal is vital in generating the funds needed to provide our frontline service for vulnerable children.

“The festive season is a joyful time for many, but for families living with financial and social hardship it brings real fear and worry.

“As early as September, the parents we support were asking how they will afford food, heating, and even small gifts that make Christmas magical for their children.

“Our teams work intensively throughout this period to ensure vulnerable children experience stability, care, and the joy of Christmas.

“The support we provide goes far beyond meeting material needs, it offers dignity, reassurance and a sense of belonging that can shape a child’s life long after the holidays are over.”

To make a donation to the Christmas appeal, visit: www.barnardos.ie