Samaritans Cork Says Back To School Worries Lead To An Increase In Calls

Wednesday, 29 August 2018 15:40

The rising costs are forcing some families to turn to money lenders for help

Back to school can be a very anxious time for parents and students in Cork.

That's according to the recruitment director of Samaritans Cork who says calls to the confidential listening service increase as the cost of back to school means some families are turning to money lenders for help.

New figures show the average cost of sending a child to primary school is €999, while parents are spending almost €1,400 for secondary students, with many families cutting back on holidays as well as household and food bills to pay for it.

The Cork branch of Samaritans is the second biggest in the country and its listening service deals with over 70,000 calls a year

Speaking to RedFM News, Mick Nugent from Samaritans in Cork says finances are often one of people's greatest worries

Cork Samaritans are holding an information evening at 7pm this evening at their Coach street office for anyone who is interested in becoming a volunteer