Almost €46,000 has been allocated to nine voluntary and community groups in Westmeath which provide a range of counselling services and supports. The funding was announced by Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Éamon Ó Cuív, on Friday.
The top recipient in Westmeath is Athlone Community Services Council, which is to benefit from funding of €18,700 towards its work. The New Beginnings counselling service in Athlone is to receive €8,600.
Cara Phort Family Resource Centre in Ballynacargy has been allocated €4,000, while the Lakelands Area Retreat & Cancer Centre, Mullingar, and the Monsignor McCarthy Family Resource Centre, Athlone will each receive €3,000.
The county’s hospice services will also benefit to the tune of €3,000 for the North Westmeath Hospice, and €3,600 for the South Westmeath Hospice Foundation.
Finally, Bethany, Mullingar and the Bethany Bereavement Support Group, Killucan, have each been allocated €1,000.
Local Cllr Ken Glynn welcomes the funding this week. “In light of the fact that counselling has been noted for assisting people in coming to terms with trauma, be it through illness, bereavement, or financial distress, the award of these grants is vital and timely,” he said.
“I congratulate all of the recipient groups on their trojan work in the community and pledge my support to them in the future.”
In total, over €3.5 million is being allocated towards counselling services in 560 voluntary and community groups around the country.
“The grants are used to help people to deal with difficulties in their relationships, to help children whose lives have been affected by parental separation, and to support families who have experienced the death of a family member,” said Minister Ó Cuív.
“I want to encourage people to avail of these professional supports which are available in their own communities to help them through difficult times.”
