500 Hours – Fundraiser launched to address urgent mental health needs in Ireland

‘Let’s get talking’ is a nonprofit community-based counselling service that has four branches based nationally in Dublin, Galway, Kerry, and Wexford, and is dedicated to providing accessible counselling and psychotherapy nationwide.

It also provides wellness workshops and psychoeducational programs believing in the philosophy that early intervention is key to overall wellbeing.

The Dublin Branch is based in Walkinstown and has been open since 2015 and currently provides up to 354 counselling hours a month for adults, adolescents, and children.

‘Let’s get talking’ envisions an Ireland where talk therapy is available for everyone who needs it.

The 500 hours campaign has been launched to address the urgent and critical increasing demand for the service, which is currently inundated.

There is a significant increase in the amount of mental health challenges being faced within our society post pandemic, and some of the figures in June 2023 recorded within the service reflected this, showing that 40% of current presentations are anxiety, 30% depression, 20% experiencing trauma and abuse and 10% with self-harm and suicide concerns.

60% of our current referrals come from GPs.

The country is in a mental health crisis.

The charity relies on the generosity of individuals, businesses, and communities to sustain and deliver our services.

This campaign is to put focus on the increasing demand and the need for crucial assistance in raising funds to cover the costs and resources to provide an accessible and an affordable service.

Every 30 euros raised helps to cover the cost of counselling sessions preventing further distress for those on the waiting list and enables us to support those in need in a timely manner and getting them the right support.

‘Let’s get talking’ will be hosting a coffee morning at their Dublin Branch, 78 Walkinstown road on the 8th of September 2023 from 10.30am -12.30pm inviting the community for a cup of coffee and a chat.

If you would like to support this impactful fundraiser and donate please see link provided:  https://letsgettalking.enthuse.com/cf/500hours