Mental health in the Republic of Ireland is the subject of state and community sector intervention in
Ireland. The
Irish state devolves responsibility for mental health to the
Department of Health. Community groups and charities also provide support in the prevention and management of
mental illness as well as
suicide prevention.
The National Suicide Research Foundation leads research on the topic of
suicidology.[2]
Non-governmental organisations
A number of
non-governmental organizations have historically been involved in delivery of health and educational services, including by religious orders and congregations. The impact of mental health services has been highlighted by research and media reports in recent decades,[when?][citation needed] and a number of organisations have been created to deal with the area.
Aware is a
voluntary organisation which aims to assist people affected by
depression. It was founded in 1985 by a group of patients, relatives and health professionals.
Console
Console was a charity that offered suicide bereavement services including a 24/7 Suicide Helpline, Suicide Bereavement Liaison Service and a Suicide Bereavement Counselling Service.[12][13][14][15] Its founder, Paul Kelly, received a
People of the Year Awards, award in 2014.[13] Reports emerged in 2016 that the charity was mismanaged and the charity closed.[13][16][12][17] Campaigner
David Hall was appointed interim CEO during the winding-down process.[18] A national
Charities Regulator was appointed in the same year.[19]
Cycle Against Suicide
Cycle Against Suicide is an organisation that seeks to raise awareness and bring support to those dealing with mental health issues.[20] A compilation album Simple Things was released in 2013 for the charity.[21][22][23]
The Irish Association of Men's Sheds is a non-profit organization which promotes good mental health through creating sheds for men to meet and create projects in.[24] Projects, as varied as
woodwork, electronics and jam-making, are chosen by the participants. The organisation was awarded a
People of the Year Award. More than 10,000 men use over 300 sheds.[24]
Nightline
Nightline is the name given to various
confidential and
anonymous overnight listening, emotional support, information, and supplies services, run by students for students at universities around the world. Individual Nightlines are
autonomous organisations, but are affiliated to the Nightline Association, which is an umbrella organisation founded to facilitate cooperation between Nightlines in the UK and Ireland.[25]
Pieta House
Pieta House deals with suicide prevention and counselling for those bereaved by suicide.[15] The annual
Darkness into Light event at locations across Ireland and the world act as a fundraiser for the charity.[26]
Jigsaw is the National Centre for Youth Mental Health.[30] ReachOut.com deals with young people aged 12 to 25. (Previously 15 to 25) Ireland|Childline]] runs a helpline and online chat service for those under 18.[31] BodyWhys offers online support centring on eating disorder issues.[31] Children at Risk In Ireland (CARI) is an organisation that primarily provides therapy and counselling to victims of child sexual abuse.[32][33][34]
Mental health among males
At this current time[when?] in Ireland, there is a push to nullify the stigma towards mental health and raise awareness of the widespread epidemic of mental health issues among males (over four in five suicides in Ireland are male) [35]