St Vincent de Paul has held a series of area meetings in Northern Ireland, bringing together local members and community partners as demand for its services continues to rise. Gatherings in Fermanagh and Lisburn are part of a wider programme across the northern region.

Anne Irwin, SVP Regional President for the Northern Region, said poverty affects communities in different ways, including financial hardship, food insecurity, fuel poverty and social isolation. She noted that requests for food support and fuel assistance are increasing.

The charity spent approximately £5.5 million in the last year responding to tens of thousands of calls for help across Northern Ireland. Its work focuses on poverty, social exclusion and promoting self-sufficiency.

The meetings provided a platform to recognise long-serving volunteers and strengthen connections between local Conferences, which are the grassroots groups of the organisation. Further gatherings are planned across the region in the coming months.

Ms Irwin highlighted the role of local volunteers in creating a network of support and encouraged new people to join. The gatherings also allowed members to share experiences, identify emerging needs and collaborate on practical responses.