Funding to help charity buy a property
Cork Counselling Services is one of six charities across the country to receive funding which it will put towards purchasing a second property, it was announced yesterday.
The Cork charity was given €41,000 which its Operations Manager Betty Quinlan said is a transformative investment. Irish insurance brokerage, Brown & Brown (Ireland), formerly O’Leary Insurances, is awarding €230,000 to six local charities spearheading innovative mental and brain health initiatives. This funding was made possible through the company’s rebrand and integration into Brown & Brown Inc.
Ms Quinlan said: “This grant is a transformative investment in the future of Cork Counselling Services. Securing and renovating a second premises at 1 Salmon Weir, Hanover Street, will allow us to continue providing accessible, high-quality counselling and psychotherapy to those in need. For over 40 years, we have been a lifeline for individuals and families facing mental health challenges, and this funding ensures we can support even more people in the years ahead. We are deeply grateful to Brown & Brown (Ireland) for their commitment to mental health and their belief in the work we do.”
As well as Cork Counselling Services, donations were also made to The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Pieta House, Jigsaw, Barnardos, and Family Carers Ireland.
Nikki Keegan, Fundraising Manager, The Alzheimer Society of Ireland said: “This incredibly generous donation will enable us to develop the Dementia Inclusive Generation Programme. This vital initiative will help educate young people about dementia, fostering greater awareness, empathy, and understanding in schools and communities across Ireland. With dementia affecting so many individuals and families, equipping the next generation with knowledge is a powerful step towards a more inclusive society. Support from Brown & Brown (Ireland) has been instrumental in making this programme a reality.”
Diarmuid Nolan, CEO, Brown & Brown (Ireland), said: “Our 200 plus teammates across Ireland are committed to the communities we serve. These donations reflect extensive efforts to support those facing mental health challenges. The leadership team at Brown & Brown cares passionately about making a difference. The goal wasn’t just to raise money — it was to drive awareness and reach those who need support the most. One life lost to mental health struggles is one too many.”
The funding was raised at a local level across the company’s six Irish offices in Cork, Dublin, Galway and Waterford while the majority came from the Shifting Gears on Brain Health initiative, co-founded by Powell Brown, President and CEO of Brown & Brown Inc. A key fundraiser was in support of his participation in the Haute Route Alps, a seven-day, 800km cycle through the mountains of France.