Rise in demand for suicide prevention services in Meath

The SOSAD service in Navan saw a 33.7 per cent increase in client numbers in the first half of this year as the suicide prevention charity announced a substantial expansion in its counselling services.

In Navan so far there has been a notable increase. They have provided 3,200 counselling sessions, free-of-charge.

They now have 155 current and active clients and 36 volunteer counsellors, all qualified or in training.

This growth underscores the escalating demand for mental health services and highlights the significant impact of SOSAD Ireland's efforts in addressing this critical need.

Both their online and in person counselling has increased significantly.

Their offices have seen significant increases in client attendance: Meath saw a 33.7 per cent rise, Cavan 29 per cent rise, Drogheda 15.8 per cent, Dundalk 25 per cent and Laois 26 per cent.

From 1st January to 30th June 2024, SOSAD Ireland delivered 11,794 hours of free, one-to-one counselling. This represents a 23 per cent increase compared to the 9,620 hours provided during the same period in 2023 and a striking 48 per cent rise from the 7,974 hours offered in the first half of 2022.

"This growth is a testament to the effectiveness and expansion of our services, driven by a committed team of volunteers and staff dedicated to supporting those in need," said spokesperson, Dave Lawlor.

This growth in client numbers highlights the increasing recognition of the importance of mental health support and the efficacy of their services. Notably, these statistics do not include the additional support provided through group therapies such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).

SOSAD's client demographic is diverse, with 65 per cent identifying as female, 34.45 per cent as male, and 0.55 per cent as non-binary or preferring not to disclose their gender. The age distribution of clients reveals the wide-reaching impact of services across different life stages: 4.17 per cent are under 18, 27.35 per cent are between 18 and 25, 24.78 per cet are aged 26 to 35, 17.24 per cent are between 36 and 45, 15.16 per cent are between 46 and 55, and 11.3 per cent are over 55.

Mr Lawlor said the range of issues addressed is extensive. Depression or low mood remains the most common concern, affecting 31 per cent of clients, followed by anxiety at 21 per cent. Other significant issues include relationship difficulties (10 per cent), stress (nine per cent), bereavement (nine per cent), and trauma (five per cent). Additionally, 31.8 per cent of their clients reported experiencing suicidal ideation, underscoring the critical need for early intervention and the essential role of SOSAD Ireland in providing timely support.

"In the first half of 2024, our staff dedicated 101 hours and 53 minutes to phone support through the helpline. Meanwhile, our messaging service volunteers contributed 393 hours online, offering remote active listening and suicide intervention support to those in need.

"The dedication of our 193 volunteer counsellors, both online and in person, has been instrumental in facilitating this growth. Their commitment has ensured that SOSAD Ireland can meet the increasing demand for mental health services across various locations."

SOSAD is a self-funded charity, and does not receive any statutory or state funding of any kind.

"We are funded solely by the generosity of local communities through fundraisers big and small, and a select few corporate donors. We currently have 14 staff on our payroll, including myself, most of whom work part time. That includes everyone from our general manager (the equivalent to our chief executive, to some of our office admins on as little as 10 paid hours a week). All of our counsellors are volunteer, as are our SIOs (Suicide Intervention Officers) who answer the phones, and who answer the texts on our messaging service.

"It currently costs us approximately €39 per hour for a counselling session, everything from light and heat, rent of our premises, electricity, even down to the pen a counsellor would use and the cup of tea offered to the client," Mr Lawlor said.