Call for "community-focused approach" to mental health services

The provision of national funding for localised services is “pivotal” to addressing the immediate needs of those grappling with mental health issues in local communities, according to the Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, Cllr Tony McCormack.

“Our communities are the first line of support for many” said the Tullamore-based Cllr “and by strengthening community mental health services we can ensure that help is available where, and when it's needed most.”

Cllr McCormack pointed out that local organisations such as Accessible Counselling Tullamore (ACT) which offers counselling services to individual across the Midlands, “face the challenge of continuous fundraising” to sustain their operations, and added that this need to raise funds is “diverting resources away from front line service delivery.”

He also highlighted the ever-present danger posed by social media and its negative effects on mental health. "The increased accessibility through social media has unfortunately magnified the impact of negative interactions. Some days, you can just ignore it, but other days it can get to you" he said.

In welcoming an additional investment of €10 million in funding for mental health services, which was allocated earlier this year, and also the publication of the new Mental Health Birr 2024, Cllr McCormack voiced strong support for increased community mental health services and emphasised the need for “a more robust community-focused approach.”