Mental health support available for Clare residents this Christmas and New Year

HSE Mid West is highlighting a wide range of mental health supports and services available to those in County Clare, and beyond, who may need them over the Christmas break and into the New Year. 

If you are in crisis, or need someone to talk to, help is at hand with a range of services available from phone lines, with many of them free and open 24/7, to easily accessible online resources.

At a time of year when stress and loneliness can become overwhelming for some, it’s important that we remain vigilant for friends and neighbours in our communities who may be in crisis, and be aware of where help can be found.

These supports are listed on a single page on the HSE website, here.

You can either access this directory on your phone or laptop, or print as a A4 poster and keep in a handy place in your home for easy access. 

READ MORE: Clare Residents encouraged to think 'Circular' this Christmas

In addition to emergency services, the directory also lists out of hours contact numbers for local mental health teams, as well as Shannondoc, which is opened from 6pm-8am on Monday to Friday. A

t weekends and on public holidays, the service runs for 24 hours. They can be reached on 0818-123500. 

Also included are contacts for helplines run by a diversity of agencies, including domestic abuse services, Pieta House, general and suicide bereavement support and listening services, as well as contacts for the Samaritans, ISPCC Childline, the National LGBT+ helpline, the free 24/7 text service on 50808, and the HSE Drugs & Alcohol Helpline.

Nuala Kelly, Head of Mental Health Services for HSE Mid-West, said, “If you’re experiencing a crisis or just need someone to talk to or listen at this time of year, the most important thing is to get the right help and support as quickly as you can. Everyone needs help at one time or another, and whether you’re in crisis or you know a friend or neighbour who is struggling, it’s important that you know that asking for help is the first step to recovery.

"We encourage everyone in the Mid West to be aware of the webpage listing our supports, so that they can get the right help as soon as they possibly can. Please don’t be alone – help is at hand,” she added. 

For more on these support services, visit yourmentalhealth.ie or phone 1800-111-888.