Support Services ROI

Early support is most beneficial for mental health and wellbeing.

Your GP can refer your child or young person to mental health services. If you are referred to mental health services, they will decide your level of priority and contact you to make an appointment. 

The following services may also be of use if your child or young person is struggling with issues relating to mental health and wellbeing. Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and Middletown Centre for Autism is not affiliated with the services named. 

Addiction 

Drugs.ie – National directory of drugs and alcohol services. 

HSE Addiction Services – Addiction Services are provided through the HSE’s network of 32 Local Health Offices. 

HSE Alcohol Addiction Services – Services and supports for alcohol addiction.

Autism 

 

As I Am – A platform for the community to access information and share  experiences. 

Aspire – The Autism Spectrum Association of Ireland.  

Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland – Providing highly skilled autism assistance and companion dogs and raising autism awareness, understanding and inclusion within the community. 

Praxis Care – Praxis Care offers a wide range of specialist support services to autistic CYP and their families.  

The Shine Centre – Since its establishment Shine has worked with hundreds of families across Cork city and county to secure assessments, therapies, services and appropriate education for their children. 

Counselling 

Barnardo’s – Services for children, families and communities, to transform the lives of vulnerable children affected by adverse childhood experiences. Barnardo’s also provide a Children’s Bereavement Service.  

CARI – CARI (Children at Risk in Ireland) provides child-centred therapy for children and adolescents who have been affected by sexual abuse. CARI also provides therapy  to children, up to 12 years of age, who present with sexually harmful behaviour. 

Childline – A free, private and confidential service where you can talk about anything, online, on the phone, anytime.  

Exchange House Ireland – Youth services for the travelling community including mental health support.   

Helplink – National counselling for youths and couples for general issues, bereavement and addiction. 

ISPCC Teenline – The ISPCC operates Teenline, a national active listening service for children and young people up to the age of 18 in Ireland.  

 Jigsaw – Mental health advice and support – online and in person – for young people aged 12 to 25 years old, and for parents or concerned adults.  

My Mind – Child and adolescent counselling and psychotherapy.  

Parentline – Parent support, information, and guidance helpline.  

Turn2Me – Free online counselling and online support groups for young people aged 12 to 17 and adults.  

Depression & Anxiety 

Aware – Support for those experiencing depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety or other mood related conditions, or are concerned about a loved one.  

Pieta – Providing a professional one-to-one therapeutic service to people who are in suicidal distress, those who engage in self-harm, and those bereaved by suicide.  

Shine – Support services for people living with mental health difficulties and their families.  

SOSAD – Support and services for people who are struggling with suicidal ideation, self-harming, depression, bereavement, stress and anxiety, or if you simply need to talk. Counselling for ages 16+.  

Eating Disorders 

Bodywhys – The eating disorder association of Ireland.   

LGBTQI+ 

Belong To – Support, information and groups for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI+) young people in Ireland, their parents and carers, and other professionals.  

LGBT Ireland – Phone or online support for the LGBTI+ community – by phone, instant messaging or at peer support groups.  

Wellbeing 

CAMHS – CAMHS is available for children and young people and their families who are experiencing mental health difficulties that affect their ability to function in day to day activities. 

Spunout – Ireland’s youth information website created by young people, for young people. Articles and information on many topics, including mental health. Anonymous 24/7 text message support service.  

Step Up – Supporting students and parents with the move from primary to secondary school.  


Other Links and Resources 

Children & Young People’s Emotional Health and Wellbeing in Education Framework  

Elephant in the Room – Exploring young people’s awareness of mental health in Northern Ireland 

European Network of Ombudspersons for Children (ENOC) Position Statement on “Child Mental Health in Europe”  

Mental Health Foundation – About Mental Health  

Pathological Demand Avoidance Society

Youth Wellbeing Prevalence Survey 2020  

NSPCC – Promoting mental health and wellbeing  

WHO – Promoting adolescent wellbeing  

The Wellbeing Indicator Tool for Youth (WIT-Y) 

Still Waiting Action Plan (SWAP)  

Autistica – Supporting autistic children and young people through crisis  

National Autism Society – Mental Health   

NAS Good Practice Guide for Professionals  

Mind – Autism and Mental Health 

NI Direct – Your child’s mental health 

NI Direct – Mental health services   

HSE Mental Health Services  

Mental Health Ireland – Family Wellbeing Toolkit