Charity
Haven Hub Limerick Awarded €124k for Youth Mental Health Projects
Haven Hub Limerick Awarded €124k for Youth Mental Health Projects. Participants from Haven Hub’s Social n’ Sober group and Abruzzo Plus during their recent Ireland-Italy youth exchange in Dublin.
Haven Hub Limerick has secured €124,763.50 in EU funding from Léargas to deliver mental health and wellbeing projects for young people
Haven Hub Limerick has secured €124,763.50 in EU funding from Léargas to deliver mental health and wellbeing projects for young people across Limerick and neighbouring communities. The funding will support Social n’ Sober and Youth Group programmes, creating safe spaces, building confidence and fostering connections for 15 to 30-year-olds.
General Manager and Founder of The Haven Hub, 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. We are extremely grateful to Léargas for supporting our projects and I feel privileged to witness first hand the difference they make in each young person’s life.”
A recent highlight was the Haven Hub Ireland Exchange with Abruzzo Plus from Italy, which saw participants explore Dublin’s landmarks, visit the Cliffs of Moher, Lahinch Beach and take part in cultural exchanges through music, sport and workshops. The project promoted safe, substance-free spaces while strengthening friendships.
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The need for accessible, community-based mental health support is urgent. 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, Interim Chairperson of The Haven Hub, added, “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. By giving them safe spaces, real connections and opportunities, we can help them build the confidence to see the world and themselves differently. I’m delighted that Léargas is backing us to make that happen.”
Becky Holden, Interim Technology, Media and Communications Director, adds, “As someone close in age to many of the young people we support, I understand how much it matters to feel heard and accepted. There’s a lot of overwhelm in the world and the fallout from lockdown took away many opportunities we had to connect with others. With our new building about to open its doors, this is the perfect moment to grow what we can offer in Limerick. If you’re struggling or passionate about mental health, please reach out! You’ll find people here who understand.”
With branches in Limerick, Ennis and Waterford, The Haven Hub is committed to suicide prevention and mental health support through late night volunteer services, youth programmes and community initiatives that build wellbeing and resilience.
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