Six places to go if you’re struggling with your mental health in Galway
Everyone’s mental health fluctuates from time to time, and money should not be a barrier in reaching out for help in times of need. Here are six places to go in Galway, free of charge, if you’re struggling with your mental health, want a chat, or are even just worried about a friend.
Where?
Second Floor
Lismoyle House
Merchants Road
Galway
H91 FX4T
How do I contact them?
Phone: (091) 502921
Pieta House provides free counselling to anyone who have suicidal ideation, who are engaging in self-harm and, those bereaved by suicide. Its staff are fully qualified and provide one-to-one therapy. Its mission is to support people and communities in crisis by providing free accessible, professional services to all.
Where?
Victoria House
Eyre Square
Galway
H91 R9CH
How do I contact them?
Phone: 091 549 252
Email: galway@jigsaw.ie
Jigsaw is a free, confidential support service that caters for 12- to 25-year-olds. It provides guidance and support for young people who are going through difficult or distressing times and provide advice and guidance to anyone who is concerned about a young person in their life or work. Its network aims to provide tailored community-based help for young people’s mental health.
3. Student Counselling services
Where?
5 Distillery Road
When coming into college from Newcastle Road (Distillery Road entrance is just opposite Mocha Beans, where AIB bank used to be), they are on the right-hand side in a two-storey house.
How do I contact them?
Direct Tel: 091 492484
Ext.: 2484
E-mail: counselling@nuigalway.ie
Students of NUI Galway can avail of counselling online since the pandemic hit. They say on the NUI Galway website that they still continue to see students face to face; however, this is limited to only under exceptional circumstances. To arrange an appointment, students must also use their NUI Galway student email addresses for all contact with the counselling services.
Where?
14 Nun’s Island
Galway Co. Galway
H91 YR27
How do I contact them?
Phone: 116 123
Email: jo@samaritans.ie
Samaritans are not currently offering face to face supports. However, their phone supports are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They have 20 branches in Ireland with volunteers ready to answer the phone if you feel your situation is urgent, or if you just need a good chat. Even if you don’t have mental health issues, if you are worried about a friend, you can call them for advice or guidance. You also don’t need to give the Samaritans personal information
5. Text 50808
Where?
On your phone, a 24/7 text service
How do I contact them?
Text HELLO to 50808, anytime – day or night, for free on all major networks (Vodafone, Eir, Three, Gomo, Tesco & Virgin).
Customers of 48, An Post & Clear Mobile should use 0861800280 – standard SMS charges may apply to the 086 number.
50808 is a free, anonymous 27/7 messaging service provided by the HSE to provide everything from a calming chat to immediate support. Their aim is for trained volunteers to help you sort through your feelings until you feel you are in a calm, safe place. After texting HELLO, you will get two automated responses. One outlining the terms and conditions, and the second asking “What’s going on for you?” Once you respond to this and share a bit about why you decided to text in, you will be connected with a volunteer, usually within five minutes. The volunteer will then introduce themselves and you can share whatever you feel comfortable with, with the volunteer giving you support, asking questions and listening. You may also receive information about other services, so you can continue to get support.
6. Aware Support and Self Care Group
Where?
Wednesdays, 7pm
Croí na Gaillimhe,
1 Mill St,
Galway
H91 X37V (SVP Centre)
How do I contact them?
Register your spot online in advance here.
The Aware Face-to-Face Support & Self Care Group is a peer support group for people experiencing anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and mood related conditions, to give and receive support.
Two Aware volunteer facilitators open the peer support group, and any of the ten participants are invited to share their thoughts and feelings. The facilitator may ask questions to clarify what has been shared, and the person who shared is then asked if they would like thoughts and support from the group. A proactive approach is used in the meetings, in which participants can express emotion, acknowledge feelings, and focus on helpful actions they can take. Everything said at the meetings are completely confidential.
For more Galway Pulse stories, click here.
