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Dear friends of ATD Ireland, As we approach this festive season we think of those struggling the most, Christmas can be a very difficult time for families living in poverty. However, the families and individuals we meet also consistently show us how to bring hope and light in the face of serious hardship.We will take Festive Joy to the Streets of Dublin next Friday 12th December as we have our Singing For Change Event. We welcome you all to join us at 4pm at the GPO as we walk up to Grafton Street and back Singing Festive Songs and collecting for ATD Ireland. …

Sr Stanislaus Kennedy: A Life Lived at the Frontlines of Poverty and Homelessness Early in November, Sr. Stanislaus Kennedy, a Sister of Charity in Ireland passed away.Over the years she had been at the coal face of the fight against poverty and homelessness and an ardent defender of the people and families left on the side of the road. Early on she discovered:“Services weren’t enough. You had to have advocacy as well. That’s what drove me” (Irish Times obituary, 8 November 2025) Early Work and Vision in Kilkenny Having grown up in a rural community in the west of Ireland, Sr…

From Addiction to Activist: A Phoenix Rising from the Ashes – A Beacon of Hope for People On October 17th this year Community Activist Andrew officially launched his new book sharing his life story.During the commemoration the book was introduced by Aye Aye Winn President of the International 17th October Committee (of which Andrew is also a member). This book shares stories and milestone moments from Andrew’s life including his efforts to overcome hardship, support his family and be a beacon of hope for others.We are so proud of Andrew for everything he has achieved and are honoured to have him…

Marking 25 Years of Commitment: A Special 17 October Commemoration in Dublin This year’s International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, held on 17 October, was a truly special edition in Dublin, as it marked the 25th anniversary of commemorating this event in Ireland. The ceremony took place at the Human Rights and Poverty Stone, a symbolic and deeply moving location. It was a privilege to have the event led by David Donoghue; Co Facilitator of the UN negotiations on the SDGs and the 2030 Agenda.  His presence reminded us of the importance of keeping international attention on the fight against poverty.The…

ATD Ireland welcomes in targeted measures for families living in poverty and dependent on social welfare payments to meet the cost of their weakly expenses - in particular €8 euro increase in the qualified child, under 12, payment and the €16 increase in the qualified child, over 12, payment.However, it is disappointing to see that the core social welfare adult payments have been increased by only €10. In order to reduce the level of child poverty, it is necessary to ensure that the total family incomes is adequate to meet the weekly cost of a minimum essential standard of living (MESL).…

On Monday, ATD Ireland carried out the final out of three session with a group of Trinity College Social Work students. A continuation of a journey we’ve been sharing over the past year.The morning began with a clip from ATD Ireland’s “Community Conversations – #Addthe10th” film, raising a critical question:“Why aren’t people protected against socio-economic discrimination in Irish equality legislation?”Some students later reflected that they had not fully understood what socio-economic discrimination meant until now. Why the Poverty Aware Practice Project Matters ATD Ireland Activists then stood up in front of the class and shared why the Poverty Awareness Project is…

Throughout my seven-week internship at ATD Ireland, I gained a profound understanding of the importance of the space we create, particularly for newcomers, whether they be volunteers, interns, or students. Something unique and vital is provided by the ATD community: a setting where individuals with and without lived experiences of poverty can interact as equals, exchange stories, work together, and gain knowledge from one another. It is a place where people belong, not just where they work or serve.I could tell right away from my first open house day that this was not your average NGO or service-oriented environment. The weekly…

The Add the 10th Alliance Calls on Government to Add Socio Economic Status as a Ground to Equality Legislation Thursday 17th July: The opportunity is now available to address the concern of rising discrimination against people based on their socio-economic status, according to the Add the 10th Alliance.Speaking at the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Children and Equality today, Andrew Kelly, community activist with ATD Ireland and member of the Alliance, spoke on the impacts of unfair treatment he faced due to his socio-economic status. This discrimination comes with no protection in our legislation, despite it being one of the most common…

ATD Ireland welcome the opportunity to make a submission for Budget 2026.  We write this pre- budget submission after a consultation with the ATD Ireland community, including those with lived experience of poverty. This was done as part of our new 'Wall of Issues' project funded by Coalition 2030. The 'Wall of issues' involves the photolanguage methodology.  A number of pictures and words are cut out from recent newspapers and spread out on the table.  These pictures are meant to represent a wide variety of social issues.  ATD Ireland members including Community Activists, team members, volunteers and friends picked images which struck them as…

On Wednesday 21st May the Amendment to the Equality Legislation was discussed in the Seanad.  This included the addition of socio- economic status as ground of discrimination.  Unfortunately Seanad members voted to suspend the amendment for another 12 months.  It was not the result we wanted but hope not lost.  ATD Ireland were invited to view the Seanad debate, along with other members of the #Addthe10th alliance. Thank you to Senator Chris Andrews for inviting us to view the debate and vote.  Thank you to ATD Ireland Community Activists and the #addthe10th alliance for their continued, tireless work on the campaign to end…