Counselling Supports for Tusla Foster Carers 

On May 1st 2026 Tusla launched a new counselling initiative entitled LENA which will be delivered by Inspire. This initiative provides Tusla foster carers across Ireland with a free, confidential, independent counselling service and access to a wellness HUB to support you in the vital and often demanding role you provide to children and young people.  

Tusla Foster Carers have spoken about their wish for a service which is easy to access, confidential and independent. The Lena service is Tusla’s response to that request.  

The LENA service will include:  

• • A free and confidential 24/7 helpline, available 365 days a year 
• • Rapid access to therapeutic support, delivered locally by qualified, empathetic and experienced counsellors. 
• • Structure counselling available face to face, by telephone or via video. 
• • A digital support hub featuring online information, self-help tools and resources. 
• • Access to financial and/or legal information and signposting. 

The Lena Counselling service doesn’t replace existing supports, it is there to supplement them. Foster carers will continue to be supported in their role by Tusla with a range of essential services including allocated social workers, link workers, peer support workers, training, financial allowances and ongoing guidance and supervision.  

LENA is designed to complement the existing supports by offering independent counselling for foster carers outside of the formal care system. This independence is significant as it allows cares to seek help confidentially, without needing to go through their link workers or social workers, thereby enhancing privacy and encouraging early engagement with support services. But your link worker can also refer you if you would rather that.  

Further information about the number of sessions and types of support is available in our information leaflet.