Benefact Trust grants over half a million euros to tackle the Cost of Living Crisis

With rampant inflation and millions of households facing food and fuel poverty this winter, Benefact Trust, which owns Ecclesiastical Insurance Ireland, is allocating over €500,000 in funding to relieving the impact of the Cost of Living Crisis in the UK and in Ireland.

Energy prices, mortgage rates and food shopping bills are all increasing; the last year has seen double-figure inflation, and that impacts everyone. But for the poorest 10% of households*, the impact of inflation is significantly higher. That’s because families on low incomes have to spend a much greater proportion of their income on food and energy.

This year a crisis has emerged which affects much of the population and low-income families are being forced to make a choice between putting on their heating and putting a meal on the table.

This month, the Benefact Trust is awarding grants to charity partners that are working to ensure people are both warm and well-fed this winter. The Trust is committing over €500,000 in funding with grants of €275,000 being distributed immediately to the following organisations:

Depaul UK and Depaul Ireland are Vincentian charities whose mission is to end homelessness and change the lives of those affected by it. They provide accommodation and support services that help some of the most vulnerable people in our society. Depaul Ireland was established in 2002 in Ireland and its focus is upon those suffering homelessness and marginalisation who need vital support.

The Trussell Trust  supports more than 1,300 food bank centres across the UK – providing emergency food and support to people locked in poverty. This year the Trust has already seen a 33% increase in the need for food parcels and a 140% increase in calls to their ‘Help Through Hardship’ Helpline.

Warm Welcome Campaign is a brand new, collaborative response to the Cost of Living Crisis organised by The Churchworks Commission, in partnership with churches and community groups across the UK and run mainly by volunteers. The campaign has already registered over 3,000 organisations who are opening free, warm, and welcoming spaces for the public, helping people to stay warm this winter.

David Lane, Managing Director, Ecclesiastical Insurance Ireland said: “At Ecclesiastical Insurance we are proud to be part of an organisation that gives all its available profits back to charity. 

We believe that together, we can make a difference and help those who need it most and it’s great to see Benefact Trust supporting the work that is being done by Depaul Ireland, while they serve homeless individuals and families and help them progress to a positive future.” 

David Carroll, Chief Executive Officer at Depaul Ireland commented: “Depaul is delighted to receive this funding from the Benefact Trust - it couldn’t have come at a better time. As figures in emergency accommodation reach record levels and with the cost-of-living crisis soaring, we are facing unique challenges ahead. This grant will help us to ensure we can continue to deliver vital frontline services to those who need it the most. Depaul supports thousands of vulnerable people each year through our accommodation services and community support and this much needed funding guarantees a lifeline for some of Ireland’s most vulnerable citizens. Thank you Benefact Trust for helping Depaul to make a difference.”

Rampant inflation is affecting everyone in Ireland, but it hits the most vulnerable people in our society the hardest. Benefact Trust is committed to supporting Christian organisations who are working hard to relieve human suffering. As the Cost of Living Crisis bites even deeper this winter, the Trust wants to make sure that no-one is left without warmth and food – and it will be announcing a further €225,000 allocation of funds in the near future.