New Funding Announced For Youth Services And Counselling In Kildare On World Mental Health Day

The Government has announced €11 million in additional mental health funding to coincide with World Mental Health Day today.

The Government has announced €11 million in additional mental health funding to coincide with World Mental Health Day today (Saturday, October 10th).

Minister for Mental Health Mary Butler says the investment will focus on improving access to early intervention, counselling and specialist services across Ireland.

The announcement follows confirmation earlier this week of €1.1 million for a new Jigsaw youth mental health service in Newbridge, which will provide support for young people aged between 12 and 25.

A further €300,000 has been allocated towards a Specialist Crisis Nursing Team at Naas Genera Hospital.

Nationally, €3.8 million will support the establishment of four New Jigsaw services, including the planned Kildare service, with the expansion expected to improve access for approximately 135,000 additional young people.

The Government has also allocated €2.8 million towards community counselling programmes, with funding expected to provide more than 33,000 additional free sessions annually.

More than €3.5 million will go towards specialist supports within Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), while further funding has been announced for recovery services and community-based mental health initiatives.

The measures from part of Budget 2027, which provides a total of €1.657 billion for mental heath services, an increase of €108 million on the previous year.

The announcement comes as mental heath services continue to face demand across the country.

According to figures released by the Government, more than 8,200 men have accessed the Free Men's Counselling Programmes since its introduction, with over 24,000 counselling sessions delivered.

The programme is aimed at improving access to support, particularly among men who may be reluctant to seek help.

The Government has highlighted men aged between 30 and 50 as a group at particular risk of suicide, underlining the importance of early intervention and accessible mental health services.

World Mental Health Day is observed annually on October 10th, raising awareness of mental health issues and encouraging people to seek support when needed.

Support is always available through:

• Your GP
• HSE Mental Health Services
• Emergency Departments, in an emergency
• Text HELLO to 50808 any time day or night or visit textaboutit.ie
• Call Samaritans on freephone 116 123, any time day or night
• Call Pieta on freephone 1800 247 247, or text HELP to 51444
• Visit spunout.ie/navigator, for younger people
• Visit yourmentalhealth.ie or call the HSE information line on 1800 111 888, any time day or night, for information on mental health services in your area
• Visit yourmentalhealth.ie/men, for information on counselling supports for men
• Visit hse.ie/grief, for information on bereavement, loss and support services, including for suicide bereavement