Despite facing notable ‘staffing shortages and complex social and economic challenges, COPE Galway’s work supported 3,427 people in the Galway community last year, it has been revealed in its annual report.
In the report launched this week, the charity reports that it successfully responded to a 16% increase in demand across its Homeless, Domestic Abuse and Senior Support Services, despite those challenges.
“Many in our community are struggling with significant challenges in their lives. We are pleased that we were able to help so many last year, but are concerned about the continuing growth in numbers, particularly due to homelessness,” Martin O’Connor, COPE Galway’s Assistant CEO and Head of Operations remarked at this week’s annual report launch event.
“Tackling the acute housing crisis is the first and foremost solution to this.”
“Significantly, COPE Galway’s Domestic Abuse Service saw an almost 40% jump in support provided, driven largely by an expansion of their outreach and court accompaniment services across the city and county. The team also responded to an incredible 7,257 crisis calls – a doubling of support on the previous year.
“This rise indicates a growing awareness that support is available – and is an unfortunate reminder of the continued pervasiveness of domestic abuse in our society.” said Mr. O’Connor.
COPE Galway’s homeless service saw a 15% rise in families requiring emergency accommodation. They worked with 156 family households last year, including 330 children. In total, the homeless service worked with 1,278 adults and children last year.
Community engagement
Community engagement with older people also increased, with a rise in demand for meals and other social supports. The charity’s Senior Support Service reached 992 older people through various community activities and initiatives, while their social enterprise Meals4Health produced and delivered 82,647 nutritious meals to 675 individuals, reflecting a 16% increase compared to 2022.
Mr. O’Connor said that COPE Galway’s prevention and early engagement work in Galway was particularly strong and included support through community-based housing, preventing a return to homelessness; outreach support in their own communities for women experiencing domestic abuse; and enhanced community and nutritional supports for older people so they remain healthier and in their homes for longer.
The report also highlighted new initiatives and approaches at COPE Galway to enhance client support, including the rollout of trauma-informed practice.
“Understanding the impact of trauma is central to COPE Galway’s work. At the launch, keynote speaker and trauma expert Dr Sharon Lambert emphasised how people facing the most adversity often struggle to access services.
“Trauma affects both physical and mental health – COPE Galway’s focus on trauma-informed design is crucial to reaching the most marginalised,’”she said.
In 2023, the State funded 77% of COPE Galway’s work in providing essential and vital services on behalf of Government. Highlighting the importance of sustainable funding for service delivery, Martin O’Connor emphasised the need for full cost recovery to maintain high service standards.
‘While the 2023 national pay agreement was a step forward in aligning the community and voluntary sector with public service pay, more needs to be done. Sustainable funding is crucial to attract and retain staff so we can continue delivering the high-quality services our community deserves,’ he said.
COPE Galway invites you to read their 2023 Annual Report, which contains impactful stories of the ‘people behind the numbers’ - visit copegalway.ie/annualreport
You can watch back the launch event on COPE Galway’s YouTube channel.
