Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing

The following websites provide information and advice on how and where to get help if you are worried about yourself or someone else.

Directory of services

The directories below list the names, numbers and web addresses (where applicable) of organisations that offer services to help improve mental health and emotional wellbeing.

Pieta

Call our 24-hour Crisis Helpline on Free Phone 1800 247 247, or Text ‘HELP’ to 51444 (std msg rates apply) to speak to a therapist now. It is available to support those in crisis and those concerned about a loved one who may be at risk of suicide or self-harm.

Pieta

Lifeline

Lifeline is the local crisis response helpline service for people who are experiencing distress or despair. No matter what your age, if you are or someone you know is in distress or despair, Lifeline is here to help. Tel: 08088088000

Lifeline

Samaritans

Samaritans is a listening ear service that is available 24 hrs a day 7 days a week. Call freephone: 116123

Samaritans

Suicide Prevention

The death by suicide of a member of a club/community can have a deep impact on club members, in particular on teammates and coaches. Support and advice is available to clubs and communities if they have experienced suicide.

HSE Training

Drugs and Alcohol

Drug and alcohol misuse affects individuals, families and communities in Laois like other parts of this Island.

In the south Drug and Alcohol Coordination Teams (DACTs) are made up of statutory and community agencies with an interest in, or need to, address drug and alcohol issues in the Trust area. There is a DACT for each Health Trust area, and each has a Connections team. More information on these and where and how to access services/support locally is available on:

Drugs and Alcohol | IE

Gambling

Gambling support information, advice for anyone affected by problem gambling is available through a number of local agencies:

Support for Families

Information on a wide range of family support services available to families is on:

HSE | Support for Families

Support for young people

No young person should feel alone. SpunOut.ie is Ireland’s youth information website, designed by and for young people. It offers trustworthy advice on mental health, wellbeing, relationships, education, and more.

Check out the Navigator tool — a quick questionnaire that helps you find support and services based on your age, location, and situation. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, bullying, grief, school stress, or just need someone to talk to, there’s help available.

SPUNOUT | Support for young people

Support for Older People

Our clubs need to be Age friendly! We should ensure we continue to welcome our previous players and members into club activities. Consider participating in the GAA Social Initiative.

The mission of the GAA Social Initiative is to make clubs more age-friendly, by increasing the participation of older members of society, with a focus on older men, through events specifically designed to enrich their lives and respect the important contribution they have made and can continue to make to community life.

HSE | Support for older people

Carers

Advice and support is available for the wonderful carers in our communities. In this section, you’ll find information for carers and relatives, such as supports and training for carers, carers allowance and community welfare services.

HSE | Carers & Relatives

Defibrillator Guidance

All clubs in Laois are encouraged to ensure their AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) are registered with the National Ambulance Service and can be accessed in case of an emergency. Please register your defib at HSE | National Ambulance Service – AED Registration Form.

Laois GAA have advice and guidance on first aid and defibrillators on:

GAA | Defibrillator Awareness and Information