A Government-funded service is extending free counselling to anyone impacted by the defective blocks crisis.
The MyMind Centre for Mental Wellbeing has gained funding to deliver therapy appointments to people most in need of support.
Anyone affected by the defective blocks crisis, whether directly or indirectly, can access free counselling, psychotherapy and psychological support sessions through the service.
However, MyMind currently does not have any in-person facility for Donegal and Mayo, but people can engage with their choice of 150 therapists online or via video call. People are invited to visit www.mymind.org, or contact 0818 500 800 to book an appointment. There is no requirement for referral from a GP or medical professional.
Some 7,000 homes are registered to defective concrete block schemes in Donegal and Mayo.
Tom Hanratty from MyMind said that while uptake for the counselling is low, the centre is actively seeking professionals in the Donegal and Mayo regions who would be willing to provide in-person appointments.
MyMind Centre for Mental Wellbeing is an independent, community-based social enterprise working to provide access to mental health support early, affordably, directly, without stigma or delay. The centre’s Free Counselling Project is funded by the Department of Health and was officially launched back in February to support those experiencing long-term effects of Covid-19. It has since been extended to anyone in Ireland suffering as a result of the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, or from the impact of defective concrete blocks in their homes.