New mental health services for North Tipp
‘Significant step forward’ for local care
A Crisis Resolution Team and an out-of-hours support centre form part of a €1.3 million Government allocation to mental health services in North Tipperary.
Announced last week as part of Budget 2027, the new services have been welcomed as going some way towards addressing the deficit in options available to people with mental health needs in this part of the country.
They include a ‘Solace Café’, a free, out-of-hours, non-clinical crisis support centre aimed at providing a safe and welcoming alternative to a hospital emergency department for adults experiencing distress. While no location has been determined for the North Tipperary centre, Solace Cafés have already opened with success in Dublin, Cork, Sligo, Waterford, Limerick and Galway. The €330,000 centre planned for North Tipperary is intended to provide a more accessible, community-based support to people in distress than the ED setting.
North Tipperary has also been selected to receive one of only two new Crisis Resolution Teams being funded under Budget 2027. With an investment of €1 million per team, these specialist services provide rapid assessment and intensive community-based intervention for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, ensuring access to support when it is needed most.
Six teams are already operational elsewhere in the country, with Wexford joining North Tipp for a new Crisis Resolution Team provided for in last week’s budget.
‘COMPLETE GAMECHANGER’
“The team will provide out-of-hours supports for people experiencing a mental health crisis, offering rapid assessment and intensive intervention in the community and providing an alternative to the emergency department,” said local TD Ryan O’Meara. “This is vitally important for local people.”
He added that the planned Solace Café would provide local people with practical help on how to access appropriate health and community services. “Solace Cafés are a safe space and help people struggling with their mental health. In other areas in the country, they have resulted in a reduction in presentations to local accident and emergency departments. They are a complete gamechanger.”
Also welcoming last week’s announcement, Deputy Michael Lowry said the new services are born of growing recognition of the need for accessible support within the local community. “By providing early intervention and crisis support closer to home, these services can help prevent situations from escalating and reduce pressure on hospital emergency departments,” he stated.
“Mental health challenges can affect anyone, and it is essential that people have access to timely, compassionate and effective support close to their own communities. These new services will provide practical help and professional intervention for people experiencing distress or crisis,” the Thurles-based TD said.
“This investment represents a significant step forward for mental health care in North Tipperary and will make a real difference to the lives of many individuals and families.
“I will continue to work closely with the relevant authorities to ensure these services are delivered as quickly as possible and that North Tipperary receives the resources and support it deserves.”