Donegal child counselling services will remain open
The HSE has confirmed that funding has been secured for the delivery of the Raphoe Diocesan Counselling Services for the foreseeable future
The HSE has confirmed that an interim funding proposal has been established for the Raphoe Diocesan Counselling Service.
Following meetings with the HSE, Tusla and the Raphoe Diocesan Counselling Services the funding has been agreed by all parties.
This proposal addresses the immediate issues that were highlighted by the Raphoe Counselling Service and it ensures the delivery of the Raphoe Diocesan Counselling Services for the foreseeable future.
“The HSE looks forward to continuing to work in collaboration with TUSLA and the Raphoe Diocesan Counselling Services to meet the needs of people who require this important service,” the HSE disclosed.
The Raphoe Diocesan Pastoral Services, a not-for-profit organisation, is currently the only child and adolescent counselling service in the county. The service began in 1992 under Sister Mary O’Donovan and has been supported by the Raphoe Diocese since then.
Presently, there are a total of 26 part-time counsellors, including 11 student placements, who deliver the service in seven outreach centres across Donegal – including Letterkenny, Dunfanaghy, Stranorlar, Creeslough and Buncrana.
Counselling is also provided at Hughie’s Corner in Carndonagh and Gemma’s Legacy of Hope in Dungloe. Both of these are community-funded projects.