Funding 'a step forward' in addressing men's mental health needs, says Cork TD 

A Cork TD has said that €2m in new funding for men’s mental-health supports will provide direct and free counselling options.

Cork North West Fianna Fáil TD Aindrias Moynihan said the move is a step forward in addressing the mental-health needs of men.

As part of the announcement by Mary Butler, junior health minister, the funding will deliver 15,000 free counselling sessions annually for men across Ireland, including in Cork.

Also, new pathways are to be developed to simplify access to support and to respond to the needs and preferences of men.

Supports will be made available through GPs and through a national marketing campaign targeting men directly from September 2025.

Improve access

The initiative is designed to improve access to mental-health support for men, who are often less likely to seek help, but more likely to experience acute mental-health crises.

Mr Moynihan said: “Too often, limited access can prevent men from getting the support they need. This funding will provide direct, free counselling options through GPs, over the phone, and online to help change that.

“I commend Minister Butler for her leadership in prioritising men’s mental health.

“The scale of what’s being delivered here, from the 15,000 free sessions to a full national marketing campaign, shows a real commitment to assisting men to get the supports they need.

Mr Moynihan added: “I would encourage all men to utilise these free services, should they need support.

“Talk to your GP, visit yourmentalhealth.ie, or call Connect counselling. This can all be done discreetly. Minding your mental health is crucial for all.”

Stigma 

The funding is targeted at stigma reduction and to encourage men, who otherwise would not usually avail of counselling, to seek help with their mental health.

The funding also assists men in accessing mental-health services and to provide much-needed support for men experiencing a mental-health crisis.

Social Democrats Cork East TD Liam Quaide added: “Any government initiative that increases access to psychological therapy is welcome. However, this funding should be prioritised for recruitment to permanent contract posts in HSE adult primary care services.”