€2 Million Mental Health Initiative to Provide 15,000 Free Counselling Sessions for Men

Government has announced a groundbreaking €2 million funding package to provide over 15,000 free counselling sessions specifically tailored for men, addressing the stark reality that 80% of suicide deaths in Ireland are male, despite women making up two thirds of those accessing counselling services.

The initiative, announced by Minister for Mental Health Mary Butler, will launch in September 2025 and represents a significant shift in how mental health support is delivered to men across the country. The comprehensive programme will offer multiple pathways to access help, including through GPs, a dedicated phone helpline, and online services.

Minister Butler stated:

"This is a much-needed initiative to widen access to supports for men, from mental health promotion activities, right through to counselling services and specialist support. These new supports will be made available to every GP in the country for direct signposting to men during consultations."

The funding, allocated from Budget 2025, acknowledges that men have specific needs and preferences when seeking mental health support. Services will be delivered through partnerships with established providers including Connect Counselling and MyMind, alongside the HSE's existing National Counselling Service.

Key elements of the programme include extending Connect Counselling's freephone anonymous telephone support service (1800 477 477) to seven days a week, and establishing a direct referral pathway from this helpline to Counselling in Primary Care, regardless of medical card status. This will fund over 1,250 additional eight-session counselling referrals.

MyMind will receive funding to provide 5,000 free sessions, available both face-to-face and online, which will be promoted through targeted advertising and available in multiple languages. The initiative recognises Cork's diverse population and ensures language barriers won't prevent men from accessing vital support.

Minister Butler emphasised:

"We have to remove the stigma for men when talking about mental health issues, and provide talk therapies and counselling supports that are easy to access and reflective of the help-seeking behaviours of men."

Special provisions have been made for vulnerable groups, with Exchange House receiving funding to expand youth mental health services for young Traveller men in Dublin and the mid-West. The Organisation for Ex-Service Personnel will also receive support to enhance counselling and telephone services for former Defence Forces members.

The programme includes "Minding Your Wellbeing for Men", a six-week mental health promotion course delivered by trained facilitators, addressing key topics through self-care, self-awareness and social connectedness.

All services will be accessible through local GPs and online via yourmentalhealth.ie from 1st September 2025. A targeted national media campaign will promote the services, utilising social media, paid search, and coordinated engagement with voluntary and community organisations.

The HSE will collaborate closely with the Irish College of General Practitioners to ensure GPs are fully informed about referral criteria and care pathways, making it easier for men to access support during routine consultations.

Research shows that 90% of mental health needs can be successfully addressed in primary care settings, and this initiative positions Counselling in Primary Care as an evidence-based alternative to medication for those experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties.

An evaluation framework will assess the effectiveness of these targeted interventions from both quantitative and qualitative perspectives, ensuring the programme meets its objectives of reducing stigma and increasing help-seeking among men.

For Cork residents, this means expanded access to mental health support through familiar channels, with services designed specifically to overcome the traditional barriers that prevent men from seeking help. The initiative represents a crucial step in addressing the mental health crisis affecting men across Ireland.