Somewhere to turn to

“This is a time, it seems, when the world is asking us to adjust to huge change and uncertainty.”

The words of Hugh Morley, a counsellor with Cork Counselling Services in Fr Mathew Street. At the current time, according to Hugh, Cork Counselling Services is hearing heightened anxiety, stress, loneliness, loss, depression and frustration.

“We’re supporting people through money and work-related problems, illness, violence, abuse and issues of self-harm and suicidal feeling. Whatever it is, our professionally trained counsellors will go through it with you, so that you feel able to cope. Sometimes it can all just be too much.

“Many of our fears grow without us stopping to share what’s going on, where we’re at and what we can do. In these circumstances people benefit from reliable others who are trained to listen.”

Cork Counselling Services has been working with the people of Cork from Fr Mathew Street since 1982. The service wants to assure people that during this difficult time of anxiety and loss, its services continue to be offered to the community.

In line with Government and HSE directives, it is currently offering phone counselling in place of face-to-face counselling.

It is responding to people in the city and county who need support, who are isolated, or who are in crisis. Simply call 083-0777998 during work hours and the service will respond to you.

Continuing, Hugh said: “In all the years, Cork Counselling Services have never turned away a member of the community on the basis of ability to pay, and this is not going to change now. If money is an issue, people are still very welcome to come to us.

“If money is okay, we are gratefully accepting donations, as some sources of income to the charity have disappeared. Above all whoever you are and whatever your circumstances, we are glad to work with you to see can if we can help empower and accompany you.”

Counselling is a confidential and professional relationship where people relate what is happening for them.

Counselling can also help people to cope when they are faced with crisis.

After an initial assessment, clients are linked up with a qualified counsellor for ongoing support over an agreed period.

For more information, visit corkcounsellingservices.ie.