Laois mental health charity must cut vital service due to lack of funding

A Laois mental health charity have reassured the public following the closure of one of their services. 

It was beneficial for people struggling with their mental health in urgent need of a shoulder to lean on.

SOSAD Laois wish to remind the public that they are still accessible via free phone lines and in-person counselling sessions.

Pictured: The 2022 opening of the SOSAD Laois office Volunteers Irina Volia and Helena Kavani with Carol Murphy, general manager SOSAD Ireland and Grace Ennis, Laois SOSAD co-ordinator.

"It is with great regret that we announce the closure of our message service due to ongoing challenges with securing sustainable funding," SOSAD Laois coordinated Shirley McKay told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

"While this is a difficult decision, we want to reassure the community that SOSAD Laois remains dedicated to supporting individuals in Laois and the surrounding areas.

"We encourage everyone to make use of our free and confidential counselling service by calling our office at 083 0291706. Additionally, we offer a free phone listening service at 1800 901 909, where trained volunteers are available to offer support and a compassionate ear," Ms McKay said.

"Our Drop-In Centre also remains open to all, providing a space to enjoy a cup of tea, have a chat, gather your thoughts, or speak with one of our trained staff members. We are here to help, listen, and support those in need.

"SOSAD Laois continues to be an active and vital resource in the community. Though our message service is closing, our other services are still available to ensure that no one faces their challenges alone. We are here to support you," Ms McKay finished.

In 2024, SOSAD Ireland provided over 22,243 hours of free-of-charge counselling, and saw a 48% uptick in client users since 2022.

The charity supported over 1,914 clients in the past year, with users from 28 Counties Supported.

"We are devastated to announce that, as of Tuesday, March 4, 2025, our Messaging Service will close," SOSAD Ireland announced.

"This is a decision we never wanted to make, but with the lack of sustainable funding, difficult choices have had to be made to ensure we can continue providing the support we can.

"This service has been crucial to so many, and its loss is truly heartbreaking," they said.

"We are fighting every day to keep SOSAD Ireland open, but the reality is that some services, like this one, simply cannot be maintained under the current circumstances.

"Our 24/7 Freephone Helpline (1800 901 909) will remain open, and our free counselling services will continue, but we need your support."

The charity have asked the public to consider donating to keep the services running.

"We are available 365 days a year on our 24/7 helpline at 1800-901-909," the charity said.

"Here’s to making a difference together, one hour, one call, one message, one chat at a time".