€10,000 fund for counselling service

A long-standing Cork charity was one of 40 social enterprises nationally to be awarded development monies recently.

Since 1982, Cork Counselling Services, based on Fr Mathew St, has provided counselling and psychotherapy on an equal access and affordable basis to the community. The organisation also trains students to professional counselling standards in an applied setting, which is accredited by Ireland’s largest professional body, the IACP and by Coventry University in Cork’s twin city.

In addition to €10,000 funding, Cork Counselling Services will also receive business support by means of the Rethink Ireland Accelerator Programme, which helps with business strategy and impact assessment. Last year, the organisation served 400 clients with a range of mental health and wellbeing issues.

The Social Enterprise Development Fund is a €3.2 million Fund being delivered from 2018-2022. The fund was created by Rethink Ireland in partnership with Local Authorities Ireland and is funded by IPB Insurance and the Department of Rural and Community Development through the Dormant Accounts Fund.

Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities at the Department of Rural and Community Development, Joe O’Brien TD, said: “Now, more than ever, we need innovative leaders to re-think the way we live and work at an individual, local and national level to create a fairer, more inclusive and sustainable society for everyone.”

Chairman of Cork Counselling Services Eamonn Kiely said: “It is a significant boost for our organisation to receive this funding in a year when our services have been very stretched.

“We are supported to continue to think strategically even when day-to-day operations are busy. If we have a sound vision, there is help for us to make it happen.”