A fundraising ceilí in aid of Pro Consult, a charity that provides professional psychology and counselling services, will take place on Friday October 7 in the Menlo Park Hotel.
Like many non-profit groups, Pro-Consult is just about surviving. The organisation’s grant aid was cut by 10 per cent this year, and it now relies more heavily on contributions and donations to continue operating.
Pro-Consult is a registered charity that has provided counselling services to the people of Galway city and county for the past 18 years. The group provides a subsidised counselling service and has provided 26,000 hours of counselling in the past 10 years for thousands of individuals and families, and more than 4,000 hours of professional counselling to people in need each year.
According to the charity, the current economic climate has created an impossible dilemma for many people struggling to cope with debt and financial uncertainty. The recession has caused an increase in the number of people suffering from severe stress and anxiety due to money worries, but those worst affected cannot afford to access counselling to help them deal with this stress.
It believes the emotional burden of debt is often compounded by the social stigma associated with financial difficulties, as people often hide their debt from those closest to them. Counselling can help to alleviate some of the isolation and distress during these difficult times by providing confidential, non-judgmental, support.
‘Just About Surviving’ will feature live music from the Four Courts Céilí Band. Tickets are €10 and doors open at 9pm. Tickets are available at the door and from the Pro-Consult office.
For more information contact Pro-Consult Institute of Professional Counselling, No 1 St Helen’s St, Cooke’s Corner, Galway, phone (091 ) 589581, e-mail [email protected], or visit www.proconsult.ie
