Agencies dealing with abused children, victims of rape, the homeless and those suffering from depression are struggling to cope with the demand on their services over the Christmas season.
Childline, the helpline for children at risk, has received about 400 calls each day since Christmas day - roughly a 50 per cent increase on last year's calls. However, this represents only one-tenth of the number of children trying to contact the service.
"The helpline is open 24 hours and we're really striving to meet the need. We think we manage to answer one in 10 calls, but we can't be sure of that, it's a constant struggle," Mr Paul Gilligan, chief executive of the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC), said.
Calls to the service include issues of sexual abuse, pregnancy, suicide and loneliness, he added.
The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre has reported a "steady usage" of its 24-hour helpline over the Christmas period. "Christmas can be a particularly difficult time for people dealing with rape and child sexual abuse," said Ms Geraldine Connolly, head of clinical services at the centre. "Returning home for Christmas can trigger a lot of feelings of past abuse and many people feel very isolated at this time." Emergency appointments are available for those who are raped during Christmas by calling the centre's helpline on 1800 77 88 88.
Homelessness agency Focus Ireland is continuing its outreach night service over the Christmas period, supplying "survival packs", including a sleeping bag and rain gear, to people sleeping rough. The Samaritans group has also experienced a steady demand for its services.
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