SVP: ‘These numbers will continue’
The number of people struggling to buy food, pay rent, stay warm, and feed themselves is expected to continue to rise in Cork in 2026.
That’s according to St Vincent de Paul’s (SVP) south west branch which has seen a drastic rise in demand for its services in recent times.
The branch, which serves Cork and Kerry, experienced close to a 50% increase in calls last month compared to the previous December with numbers jumping from 2,100 in 2024 to over 3,000 in 2025.
Mounting bills, depleted savings, and accumulated debt are considered to be the main areas in which people need help.
Worryingly, many of the 900 additional callers to SVP South-West last month were first time callers who traditionally would not have needed help in the festive season.
SVP South-West Regional Co-ordinator Cormac O’Sullivan said steadily rising numbers in recent years suggests 2026 will be no different.
“What we are doing is planning for the fact that these numbers will continue,” he said.
“It's kind of a balancing act between trying to help as many in the best way we can, while also being very conscious that we want people to regain their independency,” added Mr O’Sullivan.
In November, SVP South-West recorded 11,000 calls so far in 2025 in Cork and 3,200 in Kerry, a level of need that had already exceeded previous years. The charity has warned that the real hardship is now emerging in January.
“There certainly is a knock-on effect,” said Mr O’Sullivan.
“It doesn't take much these days to get to the end of your pay cheque without having spent that much on anything,” he added.
With numbers rising sharply, SVP South-West remains confident that it can meet the demands of those in need of its services with the help of Cork’s volunteers and generous donors.
“It will put a strain for sure,” said Mr O’Sullivan.“We have an idea as to the spend over the last three years, and we do kind of keep a good eye on the spend, that if there was a drastic change, we would be able to identify it early.
“We have to stay on top of that to make sure that we can give the assistance where and when needed.
“The money that is spent is spent very wisely,” he added.
One of the charity’s most important fundraisers is its Annual Car Draw for which entry closes at 12pm tomorrow, Friday. Tickets cost €10 individually, three for €25, or five for €40, and can be purchased via svp.ie/cardraw25.
The draw itself takes place on Wednesday and prizes include a brand-new Ford Focus, a holiday to the value of €2,500, a Fota Island Resort overnight stay, and All-Ireland Hurling Final tickets.
“The Cork public are great at donating, and we've had some really generous donations throughout year, and especially around this time as well. So, at our busiest time, people are at their most generous, which is wonderful,” said Mr O’Sullivan.
Anyone struggling with food, energy, housing, or essential living costs is encouraged to contact SVP in confidence. For the Cork office, call 021-4270444, and for Kerry, call 066-7128021.