Counselling organisations are to get almost €8 million in funding from the Government to help people cope with pressures brought by the current economic downturn.
The €7.8 million will go to 29 organisations around the country that are involved in marriage, child and bereavement counselling services, and Minister for Social and Family Affairs Mary Hanafin said it was the first installment of a three-year rolling investment.
“The difficult economic situation being experienced throughout the country is filtering into the lives and homes of families throughout Ireland," she said.
"Where a person loses their job or has their working hours cut back, this financial strain can lead to pressures in relationships. Having a network of support services available throughout the country, to provide marriage and relationship counselling services is a core part of helping families to cope with problems they are confronted with.”
Under the current round of funding, major organisations such as Accord and Marriage & Relationship Counselling will get €4.7 million. Seventeen regional networks in Cork, Dublin, Galway, Kerry, Louth, Mayo, Roscommon and Waterford will get €1.9 million, and €748,000 will go to support services for children who require counselling for parental separation and bereavement. Those organisations providing services in disadvantaged communities will get €458,000.
The Minister pledged further funding in the coming months for other local services being provided throughout communities in Ireland.
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