Even with the pressures of rising utility prices, householders can usually find some way of keeping the winter cold at bay.

It can be easy to forget then that this is simply not an option for many people — and that is what makes the hardship of daily life ever more difficult to negotiate.

The good people at the St Vincent de Paul Society are well aware of the struggles — usually out of sight — that are going on in our community.

Often it is those seeking help because they have had to flee from the scourge of domestic violence, or just struggling with day-to-day difficult times that are not of their own making.

It is concerning to hear that St Vinnies has experienced a 20 per cent increase in demand through its annual winter appeal.

But it is easy for the wider community to provide some relief.

A perfect starting point would be to donate some good-quality blankets and second-hand furniture to help someone’s life return to some sort of normality.

It does not take much to help.