SAMH & Youth Counselling

A key part of our work is to strengthen communities.

We do this through setting up partnerships called SÁMHs- Substance Abuse & Mental Health groups. its a handy abbreviation but also means peace or tranquillity in Irish. So we are trying to support communities to achieve a ‘SAOL SAMH’ (peaceful life).

SAMHs are a really important part of our work because they provide a forum for community members to collaborate in their own area in relation to substance use and/or Mental health at community level. Our SAMH groups have members from schools, GAA clubs, community groups, residents groups, Gardai, Mental health groups and lots more.

Each area is different but we are all focussed on trying to improve the health and wellbeing of our communities. If you want to get involved in your local SAMH click here.

SAMH Youth Counselling

This is free and confidential locally based counselling service for young people over 12 years of age who are having challenges to their positive mental health. The Task Force initiated this by funding a day week each week for a year at local level in our first SAMH area (skerries) which was then matched and expanded by SAMH partners (SYSS) Since then the task force has expanded it to other SAMH areas and now funds a full time service which operates across all the SAMH areas (see list below). This service provides FREE early intervention counselling as part of our prevention strategy at community level in recognition that early intervention is key in interrupting a young persons trajectory into future problems.