Over 2,000 men access free mental health counselling in Galway

A free mental‑health counselling service aimed at men was rolled out across County Galway in September, and it has already attracted more than 2 000 participants who have taken part in over 13 000 sessions, Minister Mary Butler said on Tuesday. The initiative is backed by Movember Ireland, which helped to fund the programme and promote its launch.

The minister highlighted that the numbers show a growing willingness among men in Galway to seek help for mental‑health issues, a trend she says could have wider benefits for community well‑being. “It’s encouraging to see so many men stepping forward,” Butler said, noting that the service has been available at no cost and is staffed by trained counsellors who can be reached via phone or online chat.

The programme was introduced in September as part of a broader effort to tackle stigma around mental health for men. While the exact dates of future sessions have not yet been confirmed, the minister said the service will continue to operate throughout the year, with additional resources expected to be added if demand remains high.

Local residents who have used the service reported feeling supported and less isolated, according to preliminary feedback collected by the team running the programme. The data also suggests that men are more likely now than in previous years to seek professional help when they need it.

The free counselling service is one of several community‑based initiatives currently operating across County Galway, all aimed at improving access to mental‑health support for residents who might otherwise face barriers to care. While the programme’s long‑term impact remains to be seen, the early figures indicate that it has already made a significant difference in the lives of many men in the area.

For further details, see GalwayBayFM.

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