Local organisations have been advised to apply for grant aid made available to counselling services through the Family Support Agency in 2009.
Carlow/Kilkenny Fianna Faíl TD, Bobby Aylward called on local groups providing marriage, child and bereavement counselling services to avail of the grants.
“The services provided by groups which give marriage, child and bereavement counselling are essential for families and people in severe distress and emotional difficulty,” he said.
“These grants provide practical support for that excellent and very necessary work. Last year over €11 million was provided to over 600 organisations throughout the country.
“Letters have been issued to all the organisations which received funding last year, but any organisations in Kilkenny which are currently providing these type of services can also apply for funding for next year.”
Deputy Aylward said the scheme was designed to assist the development of family support services in the community and promote and enhance the stability of everyday family life, helping family members to deal with difficulties or traumatic events.
“Grant aid ensures that a larger and more accessible service is made available within the community at a low cost,” he said.
Full details and application forms for grants can be found at www.fsa.ie and all organisations that might qualify are encouraged to apply.
