The service offered more than 12,000 hours of counselling between January and June.
A mental health support service has seen a 20% rise in demand this year.
SOSAD has delivered nearly 12,000 hours of free counselling up until the end of June, an increase of over 2,000 on the same period last year.
The Laois branch has offered more than 1,500 counselling sessions so far in 2024, while it currently has 90 active clients.
The most common issues discussed include depression, anxiety and relationship difficulties.
It has 26 counsellors, who are both in training and qualified, and the service is reminding people it doesn't only operate on an appointment-based system, and people are welcome to walk in.
Public Relations and Social Media Co-Ordinator with SOSAD, Dave Lawlor, says the organisation relies on donations:
This story includes discussions on depression and anxiety. If you are affected by the topic of this article, please see details for helplines below:
-
SOSAD's freephone helpline is available 24/7, 365 days a year: 1800 901 909 -
Samaritans Ireland's 24 hour helpline can be reached on 116 123 -
Pieta House can be called on 1800 247 247 or text 'HELP' to 51444 -
Text About It's 24 hour text-line can be reached on 50808 -
Jigsaw Laois/ Offaly - +353 57 93 52871 Email:reception.offaly@jigsaw.ie -
SpunOut Text About It: Free Text 'YMH' to 50808
Westmeath Students Aim For Gold At National Entrepreneur Finals
14 Counties See No New Bus Shelter Installations In 2025
Construction Begins On GAA Club Grounds In Laois
Close To 900 Children In Midlands On Primary Care Psychology Waiting Lists
Health Minister And HSE Issue Formal Public Apology To Midlands Family
EU Approves New Plan To Boost Home Building And Curb Short-Term Lets
Safer Roads Conference To Look At Road Design, Engineering And Enforcement
Status Yellow Wind Warning Issued For Tomorrow
Midlands School Runner-Up At Certified Irish Angus Schools Competition
Midlands Town To Get New Fire Station
First Time Buyers In Offaly Town Could Wait Over 70 Years For Home
Survey Shows One In Three Women Downplay Female Health Issues At Work
Push For Government To Consider Other Climate Goal Options
ST. Patrick's Day Celebrations Kick Off Around The World
Laois Folk Singer To Perform In Times Square For St Patrick’s Day
Westmeath Councillors Seek Review Of School Bus Rules
Hauliers Suspend Protest As Government Agrees To Talks
Enoch Burke Challenges Prison Transfer As Unlawful In High Court
National Famine Way Roadshow Arrives In Westmeath Today
Gardai Investigating Stolen Cars In Westmeath