FUNDING HAS BEEN released for an additional 9,000 counselling sessions in communities around Ireland, with a focus on reaching LGBTQ+ people and young people. The new funding will support a partnership between the HSE and Community Therapy Ireland (CTI), a national association of 29 counselling and psychotherapy providers. It also aims to strengthen access to early intervention mental health supports. Minister for Mental Health Mary Butler said: “This demonstrates the importance of providing services that are accessible, stigma-free and responsive to people’s needs.” The pilot will provide outreach, mental health promotion, and counselling services at the community level through a partnership with family resource centres (FRCs).