Counselling service sees 33% rise in client levels

A counselling service in Co Kerry has reported a 33% jump in the number of people accessing its services and needing support in the past five years.

Last year, the South West Counselling Centre in Killarney supported 1,510 individuals, an increase of over 200 on the previous year.

Dr Geraldine Sheedy, centre director, said more people were presenting in crisis and/or feeling suicidal. But, as demands continued to rise, Government funding was on the decline.