The homeless charity, Focus Ireland, is calling on members of the public to ‘get together' for a new fundraising initiative later this month.

Ireland's Great Get Together will take place from April 20-22.It encourages people to get together and raise vital funds to prevent family homelessness.

Over 9,000 people are now homeless and living in emergency accommodation, including more than 3,000 children.

According to the charity, a get together can take place at home, in work or in the local community. It can include any kind of event, such as a coffee morning, a dinner party, a table quiz, a hike or a sports tournament.

The event was launched by comedian and actress, Deirdre O'Kane.

"It's shocking to think that one child becomes homeless every 3.5 hours in Ireland. It is unacceptable and we all need to do our bit try and help change this. Ireland's Great Get Together is a fantastic chance for people to get together with the important people in their lives and raise money for a very worthy cause," she said.

Focus Ireland helps over 14,000 people a year and all of the money raised as part of this new initiative will go towards services for families who are homeless, or are at risk of homelessness.

The event is supported by Bord Gais Energy. For more information, click here

*Pictured is Deirdre O'Kane