St Brigid’s Family & Community Centre is set to receive €100,460 in new mental health funding to expand counselling services and introduce a new programme supporting men’s mental health in Waterford.

The funding, announced by Minister for Mental Health Mary Butler, is part of a €3 million national investment in community-based counselling and talk therapy services under Budget 2026.

As part of the funding, St Brigid’s has been selected as one of just three Family Resource Centres nationwide to deliver the new Men Connect programme. The centre will receive €40,000 this year and €80,000 annually from 2027 to provide outreach, mental health promotion and counselling services for men.

A further €20,460 has been allocated through a new partnership between the HSE and Community Therapy Ireland to expand free counselling services in the local community.

Announcing the funding, Minister Butler said the investment would strengthen local services, improve access to counselling and ensure more people can receive support close to home.