Demand for counselling services rose by 14% in 2025

A special community fundraising event this week celebrated care, connection and togetherness in the heart of Cork city.

Cork Counselling Services invited the local community to come together on Valentine’s week to the event at Republic of Work, South Mall on Tuesday.

Hearts for Cork aimed to highlight the importance of accessible mental health support and the role community connection plays in wellbeing. The money raised helps Cork Counselling Services continue to provide affordable, life changing counselling to individuals and families across Cork from its offices on Fr Mathew St.

In an address to the event, Tony O'Riordan, Chair of the Board of the service said: “Demand for counselling in our service increased by 14% in 2025 over the previous year. Cork Counselling Services offer very accessible and affordable counselling and we earnestly request support from the people of Cork to help our efforts in meeting this increased demand.”

Speaking about the initiative, Edel Horgan, Board Member of Cork Counselling services said: “Valentine’s is usually about showing love to the people closest to us. This event is about reminding people that care and compassion can be extended to our wider community. This is about connection. It is about people showing up for one another, having a conversation, sharing a moment, and knowing that their support is helping someone else access vital counselling services.”

Cork Counselling Services has been providing counselling and psychotherapy services in Cork for over four decades, supporting individuals, couples and families through a wide range of life challenges. If you would like to contribute to Hearts For Cork, donations can still be made at corkcounsellingservices.ie/donate.