Funding for Donegal counselling service extended

Funding for a counselling service for children and young people in the Republic of Ireland is to be extended.

Raphoe Dioscesan Centre, based in County Donegal, had been facing closure due to a lack of money.

On Friday, Ireland’s Health Service Executive (HSE) said that an interim funding proposal has been agreed.

Liam Cannon, from the diocesan centre, paid tribute to those who had fought to retain the service.

Hundreds of people benefit from the centre’s service across County Donegal including Letterkenny, Dunfanaghy, Stranorlar, Creeslough and Buncrana.

A total of 26 part-time counsellors, including 11 student placements, deliver the service in seven outreach centres.

The Raphoe Dioscesan Centre played a vital role in providing aftercare last year following a tragedy in Creeslough where 10 people lost their lives following an explosion.

“So many people have lobbied to have this service saved for the county and it is testament to the strength of communities across Donegal that it will now continue,” Mr Cannon said.

Liam Cannon thanked those who have lobbied on behalf of the centre

In a statement, the HSE said that it looks forward to continuing to work in collaboration with the centre and with Tusla – the child and family agency in the Republic of Ireland – to provide the counselling service.

“This proposal addresses the immediate issues that were highlighted by the Raphoe Counselling Service and it ensures the delivery of the Raphoe Diocesan Counselling Services for the foreseeable future,” the HSE said.