Suicide charity’s future in doubt - Lack of funding support placing SOSAD in danger of closing

The future of the SOSAD suicide prevention charity, which has provided 18,000 counselling sessions this year alone, hangs in the balance.

The threatened closure of Save our Sons and Daughters (SOSAD) which has been providing vital suicide prevention and bereavement services in the north east since 2007, was raised in the Dáil last week.

The charity, whose office in Navan has already provided 4,500 counselling sessions this year, has never received funding from the State or HSE.

Spokesperson Gavin Lynch warned that they may have to close their doors by the end of the year due to lack of funds.

“We don't get any grants or State funding. We have to rely on voluntary fundraising and donations. We have asked for funding from HSE, but haven’t got anything.”

SOSAD has offices in Navan, Dundalk, Drogheda, Cavan, Monaghan and Laois and also offers remote counselling and operates outreach services.

This year alone they provided 18,000 counselling sessions, 4,500 of which were in Navan.

“We don’t want to go down the road of closing, so many people depend on SOSAD,” said Mr Lynch, “But we may be forced to close due to lack of funds.”

FULL STORY IN THIS WEEK'S PAPER