COPE Galway annual report reveals 16% rise in demand

COPE Galway's annual report has revealed a 16 percent rise in demand for its services.

The report, launched today, outlines that the charity supported 3,427 people in Galway last year across its Homeless, Domestic Abuse and Senior Support Services.

The biggest rise in demand in 2023 was seen in its Domestic Abuse services, which experienced a 40 percent jump compared to the previous year.

The report found that COPE Galway's Domestic Abuse Service saw an almost 40 percent jump in support provided, driven largely by an expansion of its outreach and court accompaniment services.

The team also responded to twice as many crisis calls in 2023, answering over 7,257 calls last year.

COPE Galway's Homeless Service saw a 15 percent rise in families requiring emergency accommodation, affecting 330 children in 2023.

The 2023 report also highlighted that demand has risen for its older people services, mainly for meals and other social supports

In conclusion, COPE Galway is calling for sustainable funding to support its vital services, which, as highlighted during today's launch, are in huge demand.