'Lives are on the line' - insists suicide charity with Laois base

Mental health and suicide prevention charity SOSAD Ireland, which has very active Laois branch, claims to have been abandoned in its appeal for funding to support its work.

The charity issued a statement in which it claims Minister for Mental Health, Mary Butler promised emergency funding for November and December.

It says this pledge was made at a meeting on November 5 but there has been no funding or communication from the Minister since. The charity says this is putting lives at risk and threatens the future of the charity and on the brink of collapse.

This year, SOSAD (Save Our Sons and Daughters) has delivered 21,402 hours of free counselling- up 20.43% from last year - through its 6 offices in Cavan, Louth, Meath, Monaghan, and Laois, as well as nationwide through remote services. Despite this extraordinary demand, SOSAD receives no core government funding and is now struggling to meet its commitments.

Carol Murphy is the General Manager of SOSAD Ireland.

"Minister Butler gave her word. She promised emergency funding and a path to sustainability, as of yet she has delivered nothing. This is not just a failure - it is a disgrace. Hundreds of people rely on us every week. If we are forced to close, who will support them?”

SOSAD Ireland urged Minister Butler to provide the promised emergency funding to prevent closure.

The statement concluded by saying that "lives are on the line" and a failure to act represents an "abandonment" of the people who depend on SOSAD’s services to save and rebuild their lives.

The Department of Health issued a response in reply.

"Minister Butler and officials from the Department of Health had a productive meeting with SOSAD in November 2024. Since this meeting, officials have been in contact with both SOSAD and the HSE to progress actions from the meeting. Minister Butler understands that the HSE has been in direct contact with SOSAD to progress actions arising and that both parties are in communication.

"Minister Butler recognises the important contribution SOSAD make to counselling service in north-east Leinster, and has asked Department officials to keep her up to date on engagements with the charity," it said.

SOSAD service in Laois operates from Shamrock House in Portlaoise. 

Laois co-ordinator Shirley McKay and Portlaoise mental health advocate and SOSAD board member Christy Bannon, pleaded their case in a special presentation to Laois County Council and public representatives in October.

They said the centre has 191 active clients in crisis, receiving free professional counselling at the moment. Up to October 2024, they have provided 2,317 hours of counselling, given immediately with no referral or waiting list needed.