LIMERICK’S Haven Hub has secured almost €125,000 in EU funding from Léargas to deliver mental health and wellbeing projects for young people in Limerick.
The funding will support the Social n’ Sober and Youth Group programmes, creating safe spaces, building confidence, and fostering connections for young people aged 15 to 30.
Haven Hub founder Leona O’Callaghan described the funding as a “massive opportunity” to strengthen youth mental health support in the region.
“Some of our young people will be given the chance to visit European countries through the Discover EU Inclusion Project to remind them that the world is a big and beautiful place, even in hard times.”
The Haven Hub is committed to suicide prevention and mental health support, with branches in Limerick, Ennis, and Waterford.
It provides late night volunteer services, youth programmes, and community initiatives.
According to the National Self Harm Registry Ireland, there were over 50,000 hospital presentations for self harm between 2020 and 2023, with annual figures consistently above 12,500.
Matthew Ede, Haven Hub interim chair, said “the numbers speak for themselves. Far too many young people in Ireland are struggling with their mental health and too many feel they’ve nowhere to turn.”
“Limerick’s young people have so much potential and the Haven Hub is here to help them realise it”.
The Hub are also calling for more accessible, community-based mental health support for young people in Ireland.
For more information on the hub and its services, visit havenhub.ie or contact via email on [email protected].
