merrion street

Minister of State with responsibility for Mental Health, Primary Care and Social Care, Kathleen Lynch T.D. today (24 November) announced that annual funding of approximately €130,000 is being made available to Limerick Youth Service for mental health services.
Minister Lynch visited the Limerick Youth Service last week and received a presentation from CEO Ms Catherine Kelly and Youth Work Manager, Mr Maurice Walsh.
Minister Lynch commented, “I was very impressed by the proposal put forward by the Limerick Youth Service. They clearly have a great track record in delivering services to the young people of Limerick City and County. The funding will allow LYS to employ a Mental Health Youth Worker, an additional Psychotherapist/Counsellor and an Administrative Assistant.
This is very much in line with my priorities for 2016 in delivering mental health services for young people at community and primary care level. Many young people need support to get them through a difficult or challenging time in their lives and quite often this support is most appropriately provided at community level. This is a welcome collaboration between the HSE and Limerick Youth Service, who have worked together on other projects in the past.”
Speaking about the announcement, Catherine Kelly, CEO, Limerick Youth Service said, “Minister Lynch is passionate about and committed to reducing the stigma of youth mental health. She heard first hand from young people how their involvement with youth work has helped them to speak about their mental health and help reduce the societal stigma. Thanks to the Minister’s belief in our ability to engage at early and moderate levels with young people and families this much needed resource will enable us to deliver the best possible service to young people as well as supporting parents, volunteers and staff.”
Teresa Bulfin, Senior Operations Manager, HSE Mid West Mental Health Services, welcomed the announcement saying, ‘Limerick Youth Service is a great resource for young people and delivering an enhanced mental health service in a community setting offers a valuable opportunity to support our youth though the difficulties they can face, supporting them to maintain mental wellbeing and building their resilience for the challenges ahead. The HSE are delighted to be involved in this positive initiative.”

ENDS