A mental health charity has spoken of the need for increased funding, education and awareness amid a concerning rise in the rates of depression and suicide in Laois.
The situation was highlighted at the October meeting of Laois County Council earlier this week by SOSAD (Save Our Sons And Daughters), a leading charity dedicated to providing essential mental health support services in Ireland.
They have offices in Laois, Cavan, Drogheda, Dundalk, Monaghan and Navan, offering counselling and supports to those struggling with suicidal ideation, self harming, depression, bereavement, stress and anxiety.
SOSAD also offer services through remote counselling, a freephone helpline, and a messaging service.
Ms Shirley McKay, SOSAD Co-ordinator, outlined the scale of the problem in Laois, as well as the broader picture across Ireland.
In 2023, SOSAD delivered over 19,000 hours of free-of-charge counselling sessions to over 1,600 clients, both in-office and remotely.
In Laois alone last year, the charity provided almost 2,000 hours of free-of charge counselling to a total of 147 clients.
Year-to-date figures for Laois show that almost 50% more people are availing of SOSAD services in 2024 compared to last year’s figures – a startling increase.
During September alone, SOSAD Laois saw an increase of 85% in clients compared to the same month in 2023.
The National Counselling Service has waiting lists of 12 to 18 months, increasing the strain on charities such as SOSAD to provide immediate support services.
“In 2019, Simon Harris stated that mental health cost the Irish economy €8 billion each year,” Ms McKay said. “It is likely this figure has substantial increased.
“Investing in mental health supports, particularly investing in low-cost volunteer services such as SOSAD, makes economic sense.”
SOSAD Laois treat clients from all across the region, including Laois, Offaly, Westmeath, Kildare, Carlow, Kilkenny and Tipperary.
The Laois branch costs approximately €120,000 per annum and receives zero State funding, leaving the charity to raise the money themselves each year.
Mr Christy Bannon, Mental Health Advocate for SOSAD and a member of the Board of Management for SOSAD Ireland, gave an empassioned speech about his own issues with depression and suicide.
Mr Bannon said: “I’ve walked around this town with a rope in my hand looking for a branch in a tree that was big enough to hold me.
“I’ve had a weapon in my mouth, ready to go, and there was no services available.
“But because of the love I have in my life – from my kids, my wife, my family – I didn’t do it; but I was that close so many times.”
SOSAD Laois is located at Shamrock House on the Abbeyleix Road in Portlaoise and they can be reached on 083 029 1706.
Alternatively, SOSAD’s immediate response number is 1800 901 909.
Labour Councillor Marie Tuohy said: “It’s fairly obvious that the service here is picking up the slack in the lack of funding and services from the HSE.
“One of the worst things that can happen to a family is to lose a member to suicide. Life is changed forever for that family and a wider circle of friends and their community.
“The critical interventions that take place are so vital and we need to get the word out.
“This needs to be funded. There’s the lease on the house to be paid, there’s utilities, there are other overheads.”
Fine Gael Councillor Vivienne Phelan later tabled a motion that Laois County Council organise SafeTalk training for all Councillors.
SafeTalk is a training programme that prepares participants to identify persons with thoughts of suicide and connect them to suicide first aid resources.
These specific skills are called suicide alertness and are taught with the expectation that the person learning them will use them to help reduce suicide risk in their communities.
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