"We're dealing with families who are one pay packet away from being in debt." That's according to Packie Kelly of the Teach na Daoine Family Resource Centre in Monaghan.
Speaking on this morning's Joe Finnegan Show, Mr Kelly said that the local resource centre has witnessed first-hand the financial burden that back to school costs are putting on households.
Despite an increase in back to school allowances by Government, parents across the region are still struggling to cope financially says Mr Kelly. In an attempt to alleviate financial concerns, a pop-up school uniform shop will take place today from 2pm at the Teach na Daoine Family Resource Centre in Monaghan.
Mr Kelly believes initiatives like the pop-up shop are "extremely important" in supporting local families and easing the pressure of back to school costs for many.
"With help from Minister Heather Humphreys and her department of social protection, we were able to distribute throughout Cavan and Monaghan over 750 school kits for children returning back to school," he explained.
“We noticed that purchasing school uniforms was becoming an issue, so we ran an appeal and as per usual , particularly in Monaghan, the community stepped up and we obtained a substantial amount of very good uniforms."
Mr Kelly continued; "We've been talking with a number of families who are finding it difficult and we see that through the demand of the pop-up shop. We're also looking at our food pantry that runs on a Monday and Tuesday and the numbers are ever increasing. Certainly, while there are Government initiatives which are always welcome, it looks like that stress on families who are on the border line financially is still being felt."
