Latest statistics show that the Society gave direct help to almost twenty four thousand people in the run up to Christmas....an increase of over three thousand on the previous year!   The figures are taken from a recent survey from over 120 Society branches throughout Northern Ireland.   Direct help was given to 17,718 people in the form of cash, food, fuel, toys and other essentials such as clothing, furniture and electrical items.   A further 6,008 visits were made to old people living alone many of whom were also entertained at numerous Christmas parties or received food hampers.   click to enlarge		click to enlarge   The chart above shows the types of help given and the number of cases during December 2007. The cost of providing this help was well in excess of a quarter of a million pounds. £170k alone was given out in cash grants to almost 3,300 families and individuals struggling to survive on the margins of society in order to help them 'make-ends-meet' over the Christmas period. More startling is the fact that 3,141 more people came to the Society seeking help than during the same period in 2006; representing an increase in persons helped of +15%. Cash grants also increased from £154k in 2006 to £170k last year - an increase of £24k (+10%). Higher food and fuel bills and the tightening on credit available to people on low incomes has resulted in this increase.
Cormac Wilson	Regional President Cormac Wilson said -   "These figures give us a real insight to the level of poverty that still exists in Northern Ireland. These are real people who needed our help for the most basic items that most of us take for granted in our daily lives. With your support, thankfully we were able to help them.   People struggle with debt, higher fuel bills, feeding and clothing their children, furniture and electrical items everyday of the year and they turn to the SVP for help and assistance.   The Society wishes to thank all those who have donated to our appeals and look forward to your continuing support throughout the year.