Counselling service struggles with cuts amid demand hike

A counselling centre with a continuing increase in demands for its services is trying to cope with reduced funding.

The number of people seeking a one-to-one service at the Southwest Counselling Centre in Killarney has risen by 15% since 2009, but funding has declined by 14%.

There is also a rise in the numbers referred for adult counselling, but the centre’s director, Geraldine Sheedy, said adult mental health was a “largely ignored” area in r elation to funding.