Today is World Mental Health Day: Minister Butler Announces €4 Million Investment as Ireland Marks Global Awareness Day

Today marks World Mental Health Day, with Minister for Mental Health Mary Butler announcing a €4 million investment package focused on early intervention services, digital mental health supports and community-based talking therapies, alongside an unprecedented allocation of 300 additional mental health staff for 2026.

World Mental Health Day serves as a powerful reminder that there is no health without mental health. This year's global theme, "Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies", focuses on the urgent need to support the mental health and psychosocial needs of people affected by humanitarian emergencies.

Crises such as natural disasters, conflicts and public health emergencies cause emotional distress, with one in five individuals in conflict-affected areas experiencing a mental health condition. During crises, nearly everyone experiences distress and social disruption, with homes lost, families separated and communities fractured. These impacts often remain long after physical safety is restored, undermining recovery and resilience.

By the end of 2024, over 123 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide, with 71% of them hosted in low and middle-income countries where health care systems are already under strain. In these settings, access to mental health services is extremely limited.

Migrants and refugees face mental health risks throughout their journey, from conflict and displacement to dangerous journeys and integration challenges in host countries.

In Ireland, Mental Health Ireland is observing the entire month of October as Mental Health Month with the theme "Community", making mental health and wellbeing a national priority through a programme of events, activities and workshops.

A newly released national survey from Mental Health Ireland has revealed that almost one in five people living in Ireland don't do anything to look after their mental health every week. While over 80% of people do something to intentionally support their mental health weekly, 19% do nothing at all each week and 42% manage only one or two days per week. The survey showed that the biggest barriers to people supporting their mental health daily are a lack of time (36%) and spending too much time on screens (36%).

The announcement from Minister Butler represents the sixth consecutive year of increased mental health funding, with the total allocation for mental health services in 2026 reaching almost €1.6 billion. Mental health funding has now increased by over 50% since 2020.

The investment will enable the opening of two new early intervention youth mental health Jigsaw services in County Clare and Waterford. The Waterford service will serve Waterford city, West Waterford, South Kilkenny and South Wexford, providing free therapy and support to young people aged 12 to 25.

Jigsaw currently operates 18 locations around Ireland, offering both online and in-person support. The charity focuses on early intervention for mild and moderate mental health issues, helping young people before problems escalate.

Five new mental health Discovery Colleges will also be established around the country, building on the existing centre in County Roscommon. These colleges promote mental health and wellbeing for young people aged 12 to 25 through peer-led workshops, co-produced with individuals who have lived experience and mental health professionals.

Budget 2026 includes a significant €1 million investment in digital mental health to implement Ireland's first digital mental health strategy. This brings total investment in digital services, including online cognitive behavioural therapy and text-based supports, to over €7 million.

For the first time, Budget 2026 establishes a dedicated fund for community-based talk therapy services, with €1 million allocated to local organisations providing counselling and psychotherapy. This comes in addition to the €2 million in recurring funding secured in Budget 2025 to provide over 15,000 counselling sessions for men at higher risk of suicide.

Minister for Mental Health Mary Butler said:

"I believe every young person should have access to an early intervention service for mild and moderate mental health issues. I am really pleased to have been able to secure €1.3 million in recurring funding for the establishment of a Jigsaw youth mental health service for Waterford and the South East and County Clare.

Investing in digital mental health, peer support and talking therapies is also an important priority for me and for Government. The more accessible and informal we can make mental health support, the easier it is to get help to people who need it, when they need it."

The minister particularly highlighted investment in community-based talk therapy services providing vital support throughout the country. She encouraged men to visit yourmentalhealth.ie/men to learn about free counselling sessions, and urged young people to try spunout's Navigator tool for 24/7 support.

Minister Butler added:

"The message I want to share on World Mental Health Day is that help is available, and everyone deserves support."

The 300 additional whole-time-equivalent staff allocated for 2026 represents 9% of the total growth in health service staffing next year. The recruitment will support crisis services, suicide prevention, early intervention and expanded national clinical programmes.

Budget 2026 includes €2.8 million for specialist nursing teams in all Model 4 hospital emergency departments to support people in crisis during out-of-hours periods. Three new crisis resolution services, including drop-in 'Solace' Crisis Cafes, will open in Donegal, Kerry and the Midlands.

Additional funding of €415,000 has been allocated for Traveller-specific suicide prevention initiatives, co-designed with the Traveller community. Suicide prevention community and voluntary organisations, including Pieta, will receive an increased €1.7 million.

The World Health Organisation emphasises that survivors need mental health and psychosocial support beyond just food, water and medicine. Integrating mental health into emergency response not only saves lives but also strengthens communities and health systems for the future.

Investing in mental health and psychosocial support helps families, communities and economies recover from crises, build long-term resilience and shape stronger health systems. Inclusive care must reach children, older people, persons with disabilities, refugees and people with pre-existing mental health conditions.

The World Health Organisation recommends several steps for maintaining mental wellbeing, including staying connected with others, being physically active, keeping routines, engaging in meaningful and enjoyable activities, minimising alcohol use and seeking support from trusted friends, family or health professionals.

Mental Health Ireland is hosting several events to mark Mental Health Month, including a Choral Connections concert bringing together four Dublin-based choirs at The Complex, Smithfield on Friday 10 October, and a Move It for Mental Health Month campaign encouraging people to give up to 60 minutes of movement any day in October to help fund mental health supports across Ireland.

Support remains available through multiple channels, including texting HELLO to 50808 for 24/7 assistance, contacting GPs or emergency departments, or calling the HSE information line on 1800 111 888. Samaritans can be reached on 116 123, and Pieta House on 1800 247 247.