Community Focus - continuing to support vulnerable groups in society

An Post is committed to making a real, visible, and measurable impact on the quality of life in Ireland. Operating at the heart of every community, we draw on our diverse skills to support vulnerable groups in society. In 2024, we:

•    Continued the free delivery of packages weighing up to 1kg to care and nursing homes in partnership with Carepack.ie. Over the Christmas period, more than 26,400 parcels and 22,000 letters were sent, helping to bring joy to residents during the festive season.

•    Made significant progress in providing individuals without a fixed home with a secure personal address to receive regular post and access essential services. 6,006 personal addresses were generated through our Address Point service, marking an increase in use of the service by 92% from the previous year. 
o    This increase is due to: a refreshed communications campaign targeting homeless support charities and agencies nationwide; greater awareness among outreach workers; and greater use by long-term customers as they travel between areas.

•    Continued our support for homeless charities with the hosting of “Eric’s Party” at the GPO, in partnership with Dublin Lions Club, the Defence Forces, and An Garda Síochána. More than 300 guests from homeless and sheltered housing charities across Dublin City attended this annual event.

•    Supported We Make Good, a social enterprise offering meaningful employment for individuals facing barriers to work, with the production of 750 wooden decorations and 130 candles for the An Post Irish Book Awards. By using sustainable materials, this initiative advanced both social inclusion and environmental sustainability.