With the move to Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions now underway, it is safe to say that this will be a challenging time for many.

But there are support systems in place to help people deal with specific issues that may effect them both during the lockdown, over the coming holidays and into the future.

Crisis Volunteers:

Text50808.ie is a free 24/7 text service, providing everything from a calming chat to immediate support for people going through a mental health or emotional crisis – big or small.

From breakups or bullying, to anxiety, depression and suicidal feelings, our Crisis Volunteers are available 24/7 for anonymous text conversations. Our aim is to provide immediate support in the short term and connect people to resources that will help them in the future.

Simply Text 50808 for help and for more information go to www.text50808.ie

Samaritans:

Samaritans is a registered charity aimed at providing emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide throughout Ireland.

Every seven seconds, Samaritans answer a call for help.

They’re there, day or night, for anyone who’s struggling to cope, who needs someone to listen without judgement or pressure. Simply phone 116 123 for help.

For more information, to volunteer or to donate go to www.samaritans.org/ireland/samaritans-ireland/

Aware:

Aware provides support & information for people who experience depression or bipolar disorder.

The three pillars of Aware’s work are information, education and support. The organisation provides a range of services including group meetings offering support and information, a telephone and email support service, and a number of programmes based on principles of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

To contact them, phone 1800 804 848 or email supportmail@aware.ie

For more information, to volunteer or to donate go to www.aware.ie

Pieta House:

Pieta provides a free, therapeutic approach to people who are in suicidal distress and those who engage in self-harm.

They provide a professional one-to-one therapeutic service to people who are in suicidal distress, those who engage in self-harm, and those bereaved by suicide. All of their services are provided free of charge and no referral is needed.

To contact them phone 1800 247 247 or Text HELP to 51444

For more information, to volunteer, fundraise or to donate go to www.pieta.ie

Alone:

ALONE work with older people who are socially isolated, homeless, living in poverty or crisis and we support them to age at home.

They provide direct support to hundreds of older people every week through our four main services – Support Coordination, Befriending, Housing with Support, and Campaigns for Change.

If you need support, or would like to make a referral, please call their national phone line on
0818 222 024

For more information, to volunteer, fundraise or to www.alone.ie

Jigsaw:

Jigsaw is a national centre for youth mental health. They focus on intervening early to support the mental health of those aged 12 to 25 years of age. Jigsaw operates 13 services in communities across Ireland. They offer a place you can visit for free with confidential support from trained mental health professionals.

For assistance contact Jigsaw by phone on 1800 544729 or by email at help@jigsaw.ie

For more information go to www.jigsaw.ie

ISPCC Childline:

ISPCC is the national child protection charity in Ireland. They provide national listening service Childline and therapeutic services to children.

Childline is open every day and is for all children and young people up to the age of 18 in Ireland. Here they can talk with Childline in confidence, about anything that might be on their mind, without judgement or reprimanding.

Childline is free and can be contacted at any time of the day or night by calling 1800 66 66 66 or by sending a text to 50101.

For more information got to www.childline.ie