Funding crisis could close much-needed counselling service

A FINANCIAL crisis could force the closure of a Kerry counselling service in the new year.

Director of south west counselling centre in Killarney Geraldine Sheehy yesterday said the service would survive for only a further six months, based on current funding.

A meeting has been held with Kerry south TDs, including Ceann Comhairle John O’Donoghue, to appeal for support.

Mr O’Donoghue along with the other TDs, Independent Jackie Healy-Rae and FG’s Tom Sheahan, pledged to lobby the HSE for adequate funding.

The centre has received €25,000 yearly from the HSE since 2001, with no subsequent increase.

Counselling hours, however, have trebled over the period, from 1,016 in 2001, to 3,184 in 2007.

“Should we be unable to fund this service, the burden for counselling will fall back onto the health services,” Ms Sheehy said.

The centre was established in 1994 as an initiative of the Franciscan friars in Killarney who saw a need for low-cost counselling services in the community.

An affordable counselling service with qualified counsellors in a confidential and caring environment has been offered since then.

“Counselling can be an important preventative measure as it has the potential to reduce the incidences of suicide as well as mental health, or social problems,” Ms Sheehy said.

“In addition to our service in Killarney, we also provide outreach counselling in Cahersiveen. This outreach service brings much-needed counselling to remote areas,” she added.

Low-cost individual counselling to adults, children and teenagers are among the services provided.

Also available at the centre are parenting and family support, counselling for couples, free group work in schools and group counselling.

The cost of running the service this year amounted to €360,000 and there was a €140,000 deficit.

More than 500 people attended for counselling during the year.

The centre has 12 counsellors. These are all professionally trained and accredited or working towards accreditation with a recognised counselling body.

According to the centre, it is the only facility in Kerry providing a low-cost psychology service for children under 12 years.

Referrals to the south west counselling centre come from GPs, schools, social workers, other mental health professionals, psychiatrists, Brothers of Charity, parents and public health nurses.

The agencies claim the closure of the counselling centre would be a huge blow to their services.