Back-to-School misery
for cash-strapped families
INISHOWEN conferences of the St Vincent de Paul (SVP)
are bracing themselves for a surge in requests for
help as previously employed or self-employed people
join low income families struggling with the cost of
sending their children back to school.
Donegal’s largest charity has reported a rise in
calls because of the "crippling cost" of uniforms,
books and other school-related expenses combined
with the deepening recession around the county.
It is estimated the cost of sending a 10 year old
child into fifth class is €353 yet the Back to
School Clothing and Footwear Allowance only covers
around €200 of this expense. The cost of equipping a
13 year old for second year can be as much as €609
while the allowance is around €305. These estimates,
from children's charity Barnardos, came from a
sample of parents and do not include footwear,
school bags, sports clothing or equipment,
stationery, or other extra-curricular costs.
Inch-based SVP vice-president for the North West,
Kevin Cooley, said Inishowen volunteers had
witnessed a massive 42% rise, compared to last year,
in the number of people contacting the organisation
between January to July.
He said the pressures on families as the economic
downturn worsens would be even more acutely felt as
children go back to school.
"The financial burden of sending children back to
school will weigh heavily on the shoulders of
parents and their household budgets this September.
"The most affected families will be those who are on
low income from either low paid employment or social
welfare," said Mr Cooley.
" For those who fall into this category, the
combined costs of school uniforms, books, sports
gear, equipment and stationery can place family
finances under increased strain."
St. Vincent de Paul branches have actively been
preparing for the increase in calls this August and
September and encourage parents to contact them if
they need help. SVP will, once again this year,
offer financial assistance to help bridge the gap
between the HSE’s Back to School Clothing and
Footwear Allowance and the actual cost of sending a
child to school. The charity is also advising
parents, who previously did not qualify for the
allowance, to find out if they are now entitled.
They can do this by contacting their local welfare
office. The scheme is open from June 1 to September
30 and parents can download an application form
online by visiting
www.welfare.ie .
Meanwhile, you can contact the SVP through a local
branch member. If you are not aware who that is,
call the regional office in Raphoe on 07491 73933 or
visit www.svpnw.org
. Mr Cooley said the people of Inishowen, who were
“always generous” to SVP had given even more in the
knowledge it would be needed during the recession.
He said the organisation was extremely grateful for
their ongoing support. |
