“The effects of poverty don’t stop just because it’s Christmas – they endure throughout the year.” 

"Brand new children’s books will be distributed in the families we visit, to encourage children to begin enjoying books early and all the benefits that brings."

“Music develops the whole brain, fosters a child's creativity and brings joy and enrichment to a person’s life.” - Joe Sweeney, Society of St Vincent de Paul

The high cost of childcare means that nearly one in five lone parents are better off not working.

The “hidden homeless” are people who often don’t have the option to declare themselves officially homeless and to put themselves on the local authority emergency accommodation list.

The SVP is calling on government to introduce an interest rate cap that reduces the total cost of credit that moneylenders can legally charge.

They put on a truly incredible show and amazed everyone with what can be achieved after only ten weeks of lessons – Tony Rock.

Tributes paid to former national vice president and SVP spokesman, Professor John Monaghan, who has died aged 73.

There are 70,000 more Irish children living in poverty than there were in 2008 and more than one in ten of our children experience persistent poverty.

A key part of the event is that guests are given a spiritual and a festive welcome.

“Each of us has an option, to respect the dignity of all in our society through our actions or to choose to ignore this suffering.”

As National President, Noel Clear championed the establishment of the SVP's Social Policy Division and the appointment of policy officers

Will the small improvements in supports and services have a meaningful impact on families and children living in poverty? Unfortunately, the answer is NO

Children aged under four are now the single largest age group experiencing homelessness, with Census 2016 identifying 765 homeless preschoolers.

Having a long-term approach to investing in services will prove more beneficial in building a more sustainable equitable society for our children.

“Our volunteers are very reliable, which is essential when providing this necessary service. They help build friendly relationships between children and parents living in direct provision with members of the community. Our volunteers add to the good spirit and positive attitude to learning that is created in our homework club” – Jim Walsh, SVP.

The effort to achieve high quality standards was key to the successful delivery of the project and St Michael’s can only serve as a good practice model for the Society’s housing nationally.

The fundraising dance event featured 12 couples doing the salsa, the tango, the Charleston, the jive, the paso doble and a bit of disco on the side.

More needs to be done, otherwise too many of our children will spend their childhoods going without basics like secure housing, healthy food and suitable clothing.

Liam Casey, President of the SVP East Region, described the donation as “an imaginative yet practical way to help many families in need.”

The high cost of rent is a factor preventing many households from being able to afford a minimum essential standard of living

Charity album will raise thousands of euro for SVP.

While the transformative policies of Early Childhood Care and Education, social housing provision and energy retrofitting of homes were welcome, according to the society, significantly greater public investment is required over the longer term.

'Meal for All' began in mid-2015 and its Christian and Muslim volunteers work side by side to feed the most vulnerable.

SVP concerned that vulnerable people will be unable to avail of ‘paperless’ billing and direct debit discounts or be able to switch between suppliers to get a better price.

SVP head of social justice calls for adequate income supports and good quality public services such as housing, education and energy.

The SVP has called on the Government to deliver its targets in 'Social Housing 2020' and expressed concern that the 2015 targets for new social housing won't be realised.

The latest Department of Environment figures reveal 865 children living in hostels, B&Bs and hotels.

Ten charities honoured including Trócaire, Christian Aid, Habitat NI, Tear Fund and Concern.

Much loved actor and comedian, who portrays the TV character Mrs Brown, named among winners of this year’s Philanthropist of the Year Award.