Charities who support the vulnerable in Belfast say they have been "inundated with calls for emergency support" as temperatures drop.
In recent weeks as temperatures have dropped below freezing, households have found it more difficult than ever to heat their homes due to rising energy prices and delays to the energy support scheme in Northern Ireland.
As a result, charities supporting the most vulnerable have been receiving calls everyday from struggling families desperate for an additional bit of help to heat their homes and keep their electricity running.
The Salvation Army is one of a number of charities in Belfast that is able to provide support to those in need with energy top-ups and food and have told Belfast Live that in recent weeks they have been having to provide more support than ever.
Jacqui Wright, of the Salvation Army, told Belfast Live: "We, like many other charities across Belfast, have been inundated with calls for help in recent weeks from people who are struggling to heat their homes and feed their families.
"Everyday when we come into the office we have messages on our answering machine from people and the calls have just been non-stop.
"Thankfully we have been able to get the support to those who need it, but we are also relying on others for donations so that this help will continue to be available."
The Ormeau Fuel Bank, which was launched last year Bredagh GAC and the Ormeau Road businesses, has raised £15,000 to help vulnerable households with this money being split between the Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul.
Chris O'Reilly of the Mace, Ormeau Road, said that the recent cold snap has pushed some families to the limit.
He said: "Over the past year we have raised £15,000 through the Ormeau Fuel Bank which has been used to support families who have been struggling with rising costs and energy prices.
"We would just like to thank all of the Bredagh Club members, local businesses and our customers and community who have support the Fuel Bank over the past year. The support and generosity we have received from across South Belfast this year has been unbelieveable.
"I know that in the last few weeks alone there has been a huge increase in families needing this help due to the drop in temperature and the support available from some charities has nearly been depleted and they rely on donations from others in order to provide this help.
"Over the coming months it will be very tough for some households, especially with the delay of the £600 payment, and I hope that those who are able to afford it are able to use some of that payment in order to donate to fuel banks and charities across Belfast to help others over the coming months.
"With the details not yet being finalised for those who pay for their energy upfront, there could be many in the New Year who will need that emergency support."
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