Numbers seeking counselling over money fears rises

A COUNSELLING centre for young people in Co Kerry has reported a rise in numbers seeking help this month.

The South West Counselling Centre, in Killarney, yesterday said it was dealing with more and more young people in distress. Figures for 2010 showed an increase of 250 hours of one-to-one counselling over 2009.

“We have witnessed an increase in the number of people experiencing financial strain and struggling to cope with their situation,” said centre director Geraldine Sheedy.

“People are witnessing very drastic changes in their circumstances in a very short space of time, which can be very overwhelming and put an increased burden on families and relationships.”

She said there was a very close link between the recession and the stress, uncertainty and anxiety experienced by people — something that could take a very serious toll on people’s mental health.

“January can be a very difficult month for people and already in the first week of the year we’ve had more people ringing our centre for help,” Ms Sheedy said.

Expressing concerns about what she described as a dramatic 25% increase in suicides nationally, she pointed out it was the leading cause of death for young men in Kerry.

“International research shows the current economic conditions are a factor in this increase” she said.

The centre has a range of services, from counselling on a one-to-one basis, to couples, families, groups, staff support to local organisations and workshops for parents and adolescents.

No other organisation provides such a comprehensive range of affordable counselling services, in Kerry, under one roof, according to Ms Sheedy.

She said the centre provided a professional service on a very tight budget, with every donation going directly towards providing low-cost counselling for individuals most in need.

Voluntary fundraising last year helped to provide low-cost counselling to young people impacted by loss and separation, suicide and family difficulties.

The recently formed Friends of South West Counselling is a committee especially dedicated to fundraising.

Anyone interested in getting involved with this group should contact the centre on 064-6636416.