FAMILIES ACROSS THE country are feeling the financial pinch as the cost of living continues to increase. Unfortunately, the most vulnerable families and children are being hit the hardest — and Barnardos is continuing to help. 

On September 9th, Barnardos is holding its annual Giving Day, supported by Dell Technologies, and is seeking to raise much-needed funds to support parents and families who are already struggling as they face a winter of severe financial pressure. 

For over 60 years, Barnardos has been stepping in to support struggling families and their children with emotional and financial assistance. Now, Barnardos is answering that call once again, as vulnerable children experience the very worst of the cost of living crisis. 

Project leader Sharon McCormick explained, “What we’re finding is that as the cost of living increases, they’re struggling more.” Barnardos has historically provided support in the areas of mental health, addiction, domestic separation anxiety, and staff are finding those issues are increasing with their clients as well. 

McCormick expressed gratitude to the public on behalf of Barnardos for the generous support they’ve received in the past, “The public have been really, really supportive to us, and we’re so appreciative of that as are our families as well.” 

Barnardos is asking the public for additional financial help on their Giving Day on September 9th. “It’s another big ask of the public, but we’re really confident that the public will continue to support us because they understand the struggle for families at the moment in relation to everyday costs, such as buying food, fuel, electricity,” said McCormick. 

“Families are facing the heart-breaking decision of heating their homes or having food in the fridge,” she said, “Giving Day, it’s all around asking the public to support us to support the families and children that we work with.”

Barnardos is able to help over 18,000 families and children each year, thanks in large part to support from the public. Their Early Years and Family Support programmes aim to give vulnerable children and families added resources and assistance so they can overcome adversity in their daily lives. 

“When they come into the service, it’s about children feeling included every day, and being part of a community,” said Sarah O’Gorman, Brighter Futures Project Leader at Barnardos, “I’ve worked in Barnardos for more than 17 years, and never have I seen the need more than now.”

Please donate what you can for Barnardos’ Giving Day supported by Dell Technologies, on or before September 9th at barnardos.ie to help ensure that Barnardos can be there for children when they need it most.