‘When you’re constantly worrying about keeping the lights on or putting food on the table, it takes its toll’
We spoke to local organisations at the coalface of Meath’s Cost-of-Living crisis as people struggle with rising prices on property, fuel and food
HOLLY ALDER & EOIN RYAN
“I’d love to know who coined the term ‘cost-of-living crisis’ because it’s thrown around by everyone as a way to justify why parents are counting slices of ham in their fridge to ensure the kids have enough to eat for their lunch.”
The powerful opening lines of Kells woman, Mandy Gilsenan’s Meathwoman’s Diary which featured in this paper two weeks ago. Mandy candidly and bravely wrote about the weekly struggles in putting food on the table and the brutal decisions faced by people whether to ‘eat or heat’.
We know Mandy’s story resonates with so many parents and families. Grocery prices, electricity and fuel costs, rents, mortgages, school and college fees on the rise, the cost-of-living is a topic on everybody’s lips.
Children’s charity Barnardos’ latest cost-of-living report shows that 40 per cent of parents borrowed money at least once to provide their children with essentials.
The report found that 19 per cent had to cut back or go without food over six months. It stated that 40 per cent of parents said they skipped meals or reduced their portion size so their children would have enough to eat and 12 per cent used a food bank.
Meanwhile, figures from the Central Statistics Office show the Consumer Price Index - that’s overall change in the prices of goods - rose 1.8 per cent between February of this year and last year and a recent study by research company Kantar showed that grocery costs have increased by three per cent in the past year.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is reviewing grocery price inflation in Ireland and notes that it remains broadly in line with the European average and is likely to be driven in part by increasing costs in other areas such as wages and agricultural produce.”
Sinn Fein’s Finance spokesperson, Pearse Doherty challenged the Government in the Dáil to bring forward a cost-of-living package in October’s budget.
Doherty said: “It is a nightmare for folks out there. They can’t believe their ears when they hear to likes of yourself stand up, or your partners in Government and say that you are not going to do anything for them, you are not going to bring forward a cost-of-living package in this year’s budget.”
However, Tánaiste Simon Harris said he wanted to push back on the narrative that the Government is “sitting back”, insisting it was delivering assistance to people now.
That assistance isn’t being felt by hard pressed parents like Mandy and countless thousands like her.
The Meath Chronicle spoke to a number of local organisations at the coalface of the cost-of-living crisis in the county.
‘The first step is to ensure your income is maximised i.e entitlements and tax credits’
MABS - Meath Money & Budgeting Service
A SPOKESPERSON for Meath MABS told the Meath Chronicle there are many economic factors in the mix such as, additional summer childcare costs, summer camps, back to school costs, increased fuel, utility costs and food costs and encouraged anyone “worried or overwhelmed about any financial burden or if you are having trouble managing your finances, for example, meeting mortgage repayments; loan instalments; paying utility bills; paying rent; or just feel you need a steer in the right direction then MABS is here to help.”
To take control of your money it is important to understand how much is coming in and where it is going.
“The first step is to ensure your income is maximised i.e. you are in receipt of all your entitlements, for example, tax credits, health expenses claimed through your income tax return or Rent a Room Scheme etc.
The Second step is to look at your spending.
“Sometimes when we think of our budget we think of the regular weekly or monthly spends and forget about irregular spends or small items which can soon add up. Completing a weekly spending diary over a 4 week period is a good tool to establish where your money is going.
“Remember to record every spend no matter how small. It is also important to ensure your budget is realistic and affordable. A tight budget makes it harder to stick to!”
MABS can also be contacted at 0818 07 2000, Monday to Friday between 9am and 8pm, or via mabs.ie.
‘Food prices, rent, bills, legal fees- are all issues that we see our service users struggling with’
Meath Women’s Refuge & Support Services
The cost-of-living crisis is having an impact on a high number of women and children that our organisation is supporting, according to Frances Haworth of MWR.
“Over the last number of years, we have noticed the cost-of-living crisis has become increasingly worse, and the lack of available financial and housing supports is a concern.
“We see this impact in many ways such as it playing a critical role in whether a woman can leave the abusive situation due to this economic barrier.”
Most women who leave abusive relationships experience a decrease in their monetary standard of living in the weeks, months, and even years after leaving, according to MWR.
“This financial hardship may become so insurmountable that a woman may feel forced to return to an abusive partner.
“Abusive partners use financial control to reduce their partner’s options and force their dependence. Many abusive partners are aware of the cost-of-living crisis and know that it may be very difficult for their partner to support themselves and children on a single income.
“For many of the women we support, they have experienced or are continuing to experience financial abuse.
“Food prices, rent, bills, legal fees- are all issues that we see our service users struggling with.
“Another stress that can appear for the women we support is around the cost of back to school for their children.
“Not all families will meet the criteria for the back-to-school allowance, and this can become an incredibly stressful situation for mothers who are trying to ensure that their children have what they need when returning to school.
“The rising cost-of-living exacerbates an already volatile situation for many women.
We encourage women who are experiencing abuse to develop a safety plan around all aspects of their lives – physical safety, safety for the children, emotional safety, technology safety, and financial safety.
Having some level of financial independence, even if it is an envelope of cash savings hidden away, can help reduce the level of control a perpetrator has.
We encourage anyone who is experiencing abuse and would like to discuss ways to stay safe to call our helpline on
Contact MWF at (046) 902 2393 or via www.dvservicesmeath.ie
‘While utility bills are very significant, food has become increasingly unaffordable for many families’
Trim Family Resource Centre
Caroline Morris, Family Support Worker from Trim FRC said that “people are struggling with the rising costs of grocery shopping including items in their local convenience store and energy bills.”
“Shops that were once deemed as more affordable are raising the costs of their groceries and household goods, having a big impact on overall shopping costs. This is impacting a range of families including those with disabilities, parenting alone, low income and working families”
Diane O’Reilly, Community Development and Family Support Worker at Trim FRC adds: “We see that the cost-of-living crisis is hitting low-income families the hardest, especially single-parent households and those relying on social welfare payments.”
“Older people are also struggling, particularly with rising heating and medical costs. We’ve also noticed increased stress among working families who are just above the threshold for support but still finding it very difficult to manage.”
“While house and utility bills are very significant, we’re seeing that food has become increasingly unaffordable for many families.”
“Parents are cutting back on meals or skipping them to ensure children are fed.
“We’ve seen more people who never previously needed support now struggling to make ends meet. There’s a growing sense of financial insecurity, even among those who are working full-time.”
“My advice would be not to face it alone—reach out to Trim FRC or support services early. We can help with practical support, help people see what they are entitled to, and offer emotional support. It’s also important to budget carefully and prioritise essentials, but equally to look after your mental health.”
Trim Family Resource Centre
22 Mornington Dr, Manorland, Trim, Co. Meath, C15 R853. Phone: (046) 943 8850.
‘People feel like they’ve failed, even though they are doing their best in an impossible situation
SOSAD Meath
Coordinator for the suicide prevention organisation, Rachael McEnenaey said that they were seeing all sorts of people “struggling to pay bills and get by.”
“In the two years I’ve been involved with SOSAD, there’s definitely been an increase in people affected by the cost-of-living crisis. SOSAD had to introduce a €15 fee for our counselling sessions and that decision was a direct result of the cost-of-living crisis impacting them. Our utility bills have gone up, and people’s disposable income has more or less vanished, so we’re getting fewer donations. We don’t get direct government funding and have always relied on fundraising and donations to keep the service going.”
“That just wasn’t sustainable anymore. We had to make the difficult decision to bring in a small fee. One we felt would still be affordable for most people, while helping us keep the doors open.”
Rachael added the important message that “we also want people to know that we don’t want this fee to be a barrier to anyone accessing mental health support. We will not turn anyone away, so for anyone looking for support with their mental health, reach out and we will be there.”
“From what I’m seeing, rent seems to be the biggest issue for most people. On top of that, more and more people are being evicted due to properties being sold. The price of groceries is also becoming a common cause for concern. People are talking about how their shopping bills just seem to keep increasing week on week.”
“The cost-of-living crisis is having a huge impact on people’s mental health. It’s increasing stress levels, and we’re seeing more people coming in feeling anxious or low. When you’re constantly worrying about keeping the lights on or putting food on the table, it takes its toll.”
“That kind of ongoing stress can make people spiral. It can also really knock a person’s confidence and self-esteem. People start feeling like they’ve failed, even though they’re doing their best in an impossible situation.”
“There’s also a growing sense of fear about the future. People are worried about their children and grandchildren’s futures. They say they can’t see a light at the end of the tunnel, that things just keep getting worse instead of better. And that uncertainty is having a real knock-on effect on mental health too.”
Contact SOSAD Meath at (046) 907 7682 or sosadireland.ie
‘We’re paying close to 30 per cent more for electricity than the EU average’
St Vincent De Paul
There were 250,000 calls last year to St Vincent De Paul (SVP) and the organisation said “this year is shaping up to be similar.”
“The pressure on the increase in food costs is compounded by the numbers seeking help from SVP with energy bills,” SVP said in a statement to Meath Chronicle adding that 440,000 people in Ireland are in arrears with energy payments.
“Ireland is paying close to 30 per cent more for electricity than the European Union (EU) average approximately €350 more than other EU countries, according to data from Eurostat, the EU’s statistical agency.
“Gas is also close 10 per cent higher than the EU average and the sixth most expensive in the EU with the Irish paying around €125 more than the average a year. Only Germany and Denmark have higher electricity and gas prices across the EU.”
SVP Helpline 353 1 884 8200 or via www.svp.ie