SVP braces for back-to-school rush for uniforms

Volunteers in St Vincent de Paul are bracing themselves for an influx of families seeking support in the run-up to the beginning of the school year.

Conference President of the St. Oran’s Conference, Fionán Bradley, for the Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP), said they are prepared for the back-to-school rush as parents tend to come to them as a last resort.

Mr Bradley’s conference covers Buncrana town, but states that the challenges are the same for each conference, especially in the lead-up to the new school term. 

“The back-to-school allowance is paid in mid-July, but even after parents get that they will leave it to the last minute. I suppose, they're trying to save or budget, but maybe when they realise that they're not going to be able to cover the costs towards the middle of the end of August, then generally speaking they would start coming to us for the uniforms and stuff and other bits and pieces like that.”

Mr Bradley says the free school books scheme is contributing to the reduction in the need for support from the organisation. The retention of child benefit for those still in education up to the age of 19 has also been highlighted as a factor. SVP recorded a 6% decrease last year and a 20% decrease in 2023 in calls for support with back-to-school costs.

However, requests for parent contribution fees, known as ‘voluntary’ contributions or registration fees, costly uniforms, and devices such as iPads and laptops continue to place the financial burden on parents and families.

“We noticed last year there was a massive drop in requests for stationery, books, school bags, and things like that, but the uniforms remained at the same level that they ever had. We're expecting this year as well, that's going to be the biggest ask at the primary and secondary level.”

“Then obviously at third level it's different, it's your travel and it's your accommodation and it might be your fees and, you know, it's all those other costs associated with third level.”

Fionán, who is also a County Councillor and a teacher at Scoil Mhuire in Buncrana, is appealing to anybody who needs help to make contact with their local conference. “SVP will always help as best they can, but unfortunately, our resources never really tend to stretch far enough that we can help everybody. There are always more people looking for help than funds available to help them, type of thing, you know.”

“If it is money for school transport costs, well then, we might be able to help them somewhere else to free up money within their budget for that, such as giving them food vouchers, that they wouldn't then have to spend that money on groceries.”

“Don't be sitting stressing and wondering where or how I'm going to provide for my child now going back to school, just pick up the phone and make contact with us, we'll help as much as we can and as best as we can, and that's really what we're here for.”

A recent report from Barnardos, which highlights the pressure on parents to cover back-to-school costs, yet again lays bare the need for a cost-of-living package in this year’s Budget, Donegal TD Pádraig MacLochlainn has said. 

The Buncrana Sinn Féin Deputy said the report must act as a wake-up call for the government, which remains oblivious to the huge stress and hardship facing workers and families across the State.

He said: “The report outlines how back-to-school costs often reach up to €1,100 for secondary school and €725 for primary school students. Families are already struggling to keep their heads above water as the cost-of-living crisis continues to spiral out of control.”

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Though Fionán Bradley believes the back-to-school issue for parents, and the cost of it for parents, has been eased with extra supports in recent years. However, in the upcoming budget, he would like to see a way of devising a scheme to keep the cost of uniforms down for parents. “I don't know if grants could be given to schools, for schools to produce or obtain uniforms, because they would then maybe be able to buy them, or have them made in bulk, and let the parents buy them, or hire them, directly from the schools.”

Anyone who requires support can contact the SVP North West head office in Raphoe on 074 9173933 and they will be provided with details for their local conference.