Budget 2025: Mental health charity disappointed

By Finnian Cox

Cork Counselling Services (CCS) have expressed their disappointment at the lack of funds allocated to mental health services in Budget 2025.

This year, the charity joined forces with 59 other mental health services to campaign with Mental Health Reform in calling for higher investment in their services.

The campaign has called on the Government to invest an additional €120 million into Ireland’s mental health services this past year, but instead received only €16 million.

According to CCS, the percentage of the health budget allocated to mental health has never surpassed 6%, whereas it exceeds 10% in the UK.

Additionally, Ireland is currently ranked the highest in Europe for difficulty in accessing mental health services, with long delays in the wait for appointments.

Hugh Morley, Head of Business at CCS said that the charity is committed to improving mental health services in Cork city and county, something he described as “an uphill battle”.

He explained how in the years since the Covid-19 pandemic, the pressures on the mental health charities and services have reached unsustainable levels.

“The lack of multi-annual funding impacts the sector's ability to recruit and retain staff and hampers the development of vital services that are needed now,” said Mr Morley.

“It’s hard to keep going, when state funding is so tight, but keep going we will. The people of Cork have been with us for more than forty years,” he said.

CCS will be hosting the Big Community Quiz in Nemo Rangers tonight, Thursday 3 October to raise much-needed money for the charity.

The quiz will start at 7.30pm, with tickets available for purchase on Eventbrite. All funds raised will go towards the organisation. A table of 4 costs €40.

See corkcounsellingservices.ie for more.