SOSAD Laois must charge new clients due to lack of funding

Volunteers Irina Volia and Helena Kavani with Carol Murphy, general manager SOSAD Ireland and Grace Ennis, Laois SOSAD co-ordinator.

placeholder image — Volunteers Irina Volia and Helena Kavani with Carol Murphy, general manager SOSAD Ireland and Grace Ennis, Laois SOSAD co-ordinator.

The charity have sadly announced that they must include low-cost fees on counselling sessions

Mental health charity SOSAD (Save our Sons and Daughters) have been forced to implement low-cost fees on their counselling services for new clients, due to a drop in donations.

The charity previously offered the sessions free of charge.

"For the last 18 months SOSAD Ireland have seen a large drop in donations and fundraising making it more and more difficult to keep the service going," SOSAD Ireland General Manager Carol Murphy said.

“In order for the service to continue we have made the difficult decision to charge new clients €15.00 per session from May 19," Ms Murphy said.

Shirley McKay Laois SOSAD coordinator and Christy Bannon, board member, SOSAD.

"We are trying to source more sustainable funding and are currently in the process of applying to the HSE for section 39 funding.”

SOSAD Laois operates from Shamrock House in Portlaoise.

The charity does not receive funding or promotion from state agencies, and are appealing to the public to help keep this vital service available through fundraising.

They are currently applying to the HSE for funding, and working to meet the appropriate requirements.

SOSAD Ireland provide individual sessions to an average of 600 people per week, providing support and individual counselling to those with suicidal ideation, for those who self-harm, bereavement, depression and anxiety.

Pictured: Laois SOSAD at its official opening in 2022.

The charity also offers crisis intervention sessions if have a problem and wish to speak to someone.

In March 2025, SOSAD Laois announced the closure of their messaging services.

This service allowed the public to speak to a team member over text, any time between 8pm to 12am. It was beneficial for people struggling with their mental health in urgent need of a shoulder to lean on.

The charity have asked the public to consider donating to keep the services running.

SOSAD Ireland are a volunteer led charity, and have been funded through fundraising and donations for over 18 years.

Last year the charity provided over 22,000 hours of service.

SOSAD Ireland have in person sessions in Louth, Meath, Cavan, Monaghan, Laois and provide a nationwide service online.