€2m funding for new counselling supports for men praised locally. Senator Robbie Gallagher has welcomed the €2 million in funding announced by Government Chief Whip and Minister for Mental Health, Mary Butler T.D. Indeed, the funding provides access to a suite of new talk therapies and counselling supports specifically tailored for men.
Access to the services will begin from September 2025.
Moreover, the funding is targeted at dealing with the reduction of stigma and actively encouraging men; who otherwise would not usually avail of counselling; to seek help with their mental health; to assist them in accessing mental health services; and to provide much-needed support for men experiencing a mental health crisis.
Furthermore, the initiative is part of Ireland's approach to mental health policy implementation. Sharing the Vision - A Mental Health Policy for Everyone; and Connecting for Life; Ireland's national strategy for suicide prevention; clearly state that talk therapies should be considered a first-line treatment option for most people who experience mental health difficulties.
Jodie Curran spoke with Senator Robbie Gallagher following the funding announcement:
