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Mental Health Service Records 23% Increase In Demand

Tuesday, 30 July 2024 13:58

The service offered more than 12,000 hours of counselling between January and June.

A mental health support service has seen a 20% rise in demand this year.

SOSAD has delivered nearly 12,000 hours of free counselling up until the end of June, an increase of over 2,000 on the same period last year.

The Laois branch has offered more than 1,500 counselling sessions so far in 2024, while it currently has 90 active clients.

The most common issues discussed include depression, anxiety and relationship difficulties.

It has 26 counsellors, who are both in training and qualified, and the service is reminding people it doesn't only operate on an appointment-based system, and people are welcome to walk in.

Public Relations and Social Media Co-Ordinator with SOSAD, Dave Lawlor, says the organisation relies on donations:

This story includes discussions on depression and anxiety. If you are affected by the topic of this article, please see details for helplines below:

  • SOSAD's freephone helpline is available 24/7, 365 days a year: 1800 901 909

  • Samaritans Ireland's 24 hour helpline can be reached on 116 123

  • Pieta House can be called on 1800 247 247 or text 'HELP' to 51444

  • Text About It's 24 hour text-line can be reached on 50808

  • Jigsaw Laois/ Offaly - +353 57 93 52871 Email:reception.offaly@jigsaw.ie

  • SpunOut Text About It: Free Text 'YMH' to 50808

 

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