SVP voices concern over 50% rise in calls

THE Society of St Vincent de Paul has seen a 50% rise in the number of calls to its Dublin help services so far this year, with struggling, middle-class families or the “new poor” emerging as the biggest concern.

Business people who have lost their jobs and are unable to pay their bills are arriving on the charity’s doorsteps.

Wives were openly crying on the airwaves in fear of their husbands being jailed for non-payment of debts, explained SVP president, Mairead Bushnell.