Information is just a click away on the new MentalHelp.ie web directory

If you or a friend or family member is going through a mental health difficulty, you probably have a lot of questions, like:

• ‘Where do I go for help?’
• ‘What supports are available?’
• ‘How do I support someone else?’

Mental Health Reform’s website, www.MentalHelp.ie, aims to answers these questions and more. Mental Health Reform is the national coalition promoting improved mental health services and social inclusion of people with a mental health difficulty. MentalHelp.ie is a guide to the services and supports offered by Mental Health Reform’s 49 member organisations.

Launched by Minister of State for Primary and Social Care, Kathleen Lynch TD, the site is intended as a resource for people experiencing mental health difficulties, their family members and carers, and the general public. It also provides an overview of how mental health services are organised and what to expect from them.

Dr Shari McDaid, Director of Mental Health Reform, explained: “Mental Health Reform frequently hears from people that they don’t know where to go to get information on mental health services, or that they are unsure of what services and supports are available to them or their family member. Our member organisations offer a wealth of supports and services, from support groups and helplines to training, supported housing and advocacy. MentalHelp.ie brings those services and supports together in a user-friendly website.”

MentalHelp.ie aims to offer information to people no matter what stage they are at in their mental health journey, from information on accessing crisis supports to details of benefits, training and supports for people with longer term experience of a mental health difficulty.

For people in a mental or emotional crisis, the site highlights the new free phone 24/7 Samaritans helpline 116 123. There is also guidance for how to support someone in a crisis. For those seeking counselling support, a number of free and low cost counselling services are highlighted.

Launching the website, Minister Lynch said:

“I’m delighted to see the services and supports of so many voluntary groups brought together in one place. This website will be a valuable tool for people looking for mental health supports. The website’s emphasis on social inclusion and recovery brings a positive and hopeful message. Wherever people are in their journey towards recovery, MentalHelp.ie will give them clear information on a range of supports available.”

Posted: March 2015