Haven Hub strengthens youth mental health in Limerick through support groups

Haven Hub strengthens youth mental health in Limerick through support groups.

Haven Hub is expanding its efforts to provide safe, inclusive groups for teenagers and young adults to access emotional support

Haven Hub is expanding its efforts to provide safe, inclusive spaces where teenagers and young adults can connect, build confidence, and access emotional support as mental health challenges among young people continue to rise.

The group believe caring for mental health is no longer optional; it has become essential, and they are making various support groups available to the public. In a society increasingly shaped by digital interaction, young people face mounting pressures linked to constant comparison, online validation, and social expectations. Mental health professionals have identified these factors as significant contributors to anxiety and emotional distress.

At the same time, the use of alcohol as a central element of recreation and leisure can further intensify emotional vulnerability, particularly during adolescence. At this stage of life, when the brain is still developing, the consequences can be significant, potentially causing long-term impacts on mental and cognitive health.

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Responding to these realities, Haven Hub offers structured, community-based alternatives designed to foster healthy socialisation and emotional resilience.

Located in Thomondgate, in the heart of Limerick City, Haven Hub operates as a volunteer-led mental health service providing free support during weekend nights, a time often associated with increased social pressure and limited service availability. In addition to Limerick, the organisation also serves communities in Ennis and Waterford.

Janaina Carvalho, member of the Board of Directors, emphasises the broader societal relevance, “The challenges faced by this generation of young people are often unfamiliar to parents and guardians, who frequently struggle to identify effective ways to provide support. Haven Hub’s initiatives directly address this need by creating safe spaces where young people can connect, express themselves, and strengthen their mental well-being.”

Recognising that different phases of life bring distinct challenges, Haven Hub has different support groups where people of similar ages and experiences come together to support each other. This structure fosters mutual understanding and a greater sense of belonging. The program is funded by Léargas and the European Union.

Leona O’Callaghan, Youth Worker and Founder of Haven Hub, highlights the programme’s impact. She said, “We are extremely grateful to Léargas for supporting our projects. I feel incredibly fortunate to witness the difference this initiative is making in the lives of such an amazing group of young people. Seeing the support they show one another, watching their confidence grow, and observing them embrace their authentic selves in such an accepting environment is the most rewarding part of my work. We look forward to welcoming more young people as the project continues to grow.”

The Youth Group is designed for teenagers and young adults aged 15 to 22 who are passionate about mental health and wellbeing, while also seeking opportunities to develop creativity and meaningful connections.

All activities are funded by Haven Hub and include workshops, creative projects (such as filmmaking, writing, and digital media), weekly pizza meet-ups, wellbeing discussions, celebratory events, and opportunities to travel across Europe as part of international projects.

Social n’ Sober is aimed at young adults aged 18 to 30 and offers regular meet-ups centred on alcohol-free social activities. The initiative responds to a growing demand from young people seeking alternative ways to build friendships and strengthen connections outside environments traditionally associated with drinking culture.

Through monthly sober meetups and group outings, participants can engage in a variety of activities, including VR nights, quiz nights, wellness workshops, retreats, team games, and pizza parties. The programme fosters a positive, inclusive, and no-pressure environment, creating opportunities for young adults to meet new people who share similar values and priorities.

Haven Hub also has other support groups called S.T.A.R. – Survivors of Trauma and Abuse in Recovery, which offers tools for coping with life after trauma, and Lads Shed, a relaxed, men-only support group where men of all ages can meet.

Beyond its group programmes, Haven Hub relies on dedicated volunteer teams offering emotional support and suicide prevention services during hours not consistently covered by other resources. This service provides a vital safety net for individuals experiencing vulnerability or crisis.