Tusla Welcomes Mainstreaming of Funding for Community-Based Counselling Services

This funding, which will now become part of Tusla’s core provision from 2025, follows a successful pilot phase funded through the Dormant Accounts Fund. It represents a vital step towards embedding high quality, accessible, and community responsive counselling and psychotherapy services into communities across Ireland.

The funding enables organisations to provide a range of therapeutic interventions including child and adolescent counselling, play therapy, creative therapies, bereavement support, and systemic family therapy. These services are essential in supporting children and families experiencing social or economic disadvantage, and contribute significantly to local community therapeutic supports.

Kate Duggan, CEO, Tusla, said:

“We are delighted to see this funding become a mainstream and sustainable part of Tusla’s support for children and families. The organisations funded have demonstrated the impact and responsiveness of their work through their delivery under the Dormant Accounts initiative.

Community-based counselling services play a critical role in meeting the therapeutic needs of children and young people where they live, with compassion and cultural understanding. This investment reflects our continued commitment to early intervention, local partnerships, and accessible supports that can make a real difference in young lives.”

Tusla allocated this funding based on a detailed review of service returns from participating organisations and in consultation with local area offices to ensure the funding addresses identified local need.

The Agency will continue to work closely with the funded organisations to support implementation, monitor outcomes, and ensure that services continue to evolve in response to community needs.