Minister for Mental Health, Waterford TD Mary Butler, has announced €2 million in funding to provide access to a suite of new talk therapies and counselling supports.
These are specifically tailored for men.
Access to the services will commence from September 2025.
This initiative is embedded within Sharing the Vision – A Mental Health Policy for Everyone, and Connecting for Life.
Recurring funding
This recurring funding is allocated from Budget 2025.
The funding is targeted at actively encouraging men to seek help with their mental health.
The funding will provide over 15,000 free counselling sessions and establish accessible supports over the phone and in-person.
Gender imbalance
Minister Butler stated: “Women are much more likely to seek access to counselling services than men, making up two thirds of all clients availing of our national counselling service. Yet around 80 per cent of all people who die by suicide are men”
“For men who may be struggling with difficult thoughts and feelings, counselling and talk therapies can support them.”
She added: “It is essential that men feel that they can reach out.”
The initiative will go live from 1st September through local GPs and online at yourmentalhealth.ie
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