Nurses, gardaí and teachers seeking aid from St Vincent de Paul

Professionals such as nurses, gardaí and teachers are going to St Vincent de Paul in larger numbers than ever before seeking help to pay bills and feed their families. 

The charity says that since 2008 the assistance it offers to thousands of people has nearly doubled to more than €42.2m as a result of the recession and cuts to incomes.

Unions backed up the charity’s claim saying their own benevolent funds were under pressure to meet demand from members who just can’t make ends meet.