Cost-of-living crisis sees more middle-income families turning to charity

Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SVP) national president, Teresa Ryan. With requests for help set to exceed 250,000 this year, the chairt has launched its annual appeal, urging public support for families under pressure. Picture: Chris Bellew / Fennell Photography

Increasingly desperate middle-income families and mortgage holders are seeking help from the Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP), despite feeling "ashamed" at being unable to make ends meet as the cost-of-living crisis worsens.

The charity's national president, Teresa Ryan, has hit out at the Government for a "piecemeal" approach to tackling poverty, as SVP appeals for public help to support families to put food on the table or keep the heat on this Christmas.