Turn2me, an Irish online mental health organisation, is set to launch an innovative new digital support programme for those adults affected by mental health difficulties.

The ‘Engage Programme’ will use a combination of weekly, online one-to-one counselling sessions provided by professionals as well as other services, such as Online Support Groups and a mood-tracking tool called ‘Thought Catcher’ – all services can be accessed free of charge at the organisation’s website available here.

“By providing a range of such services – and encouraging clients to consistently ‘engage’ with them – it is hoped that members will receive a more intensive level of support, all of which is provided and monitored by fully trained counsellors and psychologists,” it said in a statement today.

The programme runs over eight weeks for those accepted into it, is free of charge, and those taking part will be further supported to seek additional assistance elsewhere (if advisable) once they complete the programme after eight weeks.

Engage

Eoin O’Shea, director of research and policy at Turn2me: “Many people today are going online to access support for a broad range of mental health issues. This makes sense as our society progressively moves towards greater engagement through technology.

“Turn2me has been online since 2009 supporting those most in distress as a result of difficulties involving their mental health. The ‘Engage Programme’ is a new way of providing as much support as possible – and all at the click of a button. Nowhere in Ireland is a service quite like this available online, delivered by professionals, and offered free of charge. In the context of our recent austerity measures and rising suicide rates, Turn2me views accessible, professional support available online as an important step forward for many people in this country. It’s time to engage more with our mental health”.

Online

Those Irish-based adults interested in applying for the Engage Programme are encouraged to visit the Turn2me website, go to the Engage Programme webpage, and then complete the brief, online application form today.

Some of the benefits of online psychological support include convenience and accessibility, being able to engage with mental health professionals without being physically present (which may be useful for some difficulties faced), as well as having further information on both problems faced, and appropriate services, being available at the click of a button.

Free-of-charge

In addition to the Engage Programme, which is free of charge to Irish residents, the full range of Turn2me services is open to any adult with internet access. These services include online counselling, support groups, Thought Catcher, and mental health information. Anonymously and confidentially, people can log onto www.turn2me.org and choose a service most suited to their needs to get some support in their struggle.

Turn2Me is AgriLand’s chosen charity partner.