Today, we launch a report detailing the impact of COVID-19 on our member organisations. The report has found that many mental health charities and service providers have experienced significant increases in demand for their services, whilst also facing considerable challenges in meeting this demand alongside reductions in fundraising income.
“The findings of our survey demonstrate the serious impact COVD-19 is having on the mental health of people across the country. Our member organisations have reported huge increases in demand for their services which is coming at a time where they have suffered significant funding setbacks and a range of difficulties in providing the levels of service needed to meet demand.”, Fiona Coyle, CEO.
Some key findings:
- 48% reported that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on their organisation in the month prior to completing the survey.
- 55% had to cancel fundraising events and/or the delivery of services that generate income for their organisation.
- 76% had to withdraw services they normally provide due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- 26% either had experienced or expected to experience staffing issues as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, including a reduction in staff hours, staff lay-offs and/or the re-deployment of staff.
- 74% disagreed that the Government has done enough to address the mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- 92% agreed that the mental health services require additional resources to deal with the mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our members have said overwhelmingly that the Government are not doing enough to address the mental health impact of COVID-19. The community and voluntary sector needs substantial additional investment by Government to be able to continue providing increased levels of service at a time where many have faced serious fundraising challenges. What is also needed is a clear path out of this crisis. The Government must immediately establish the Implementation Group for Ireland’s new mental health policy Sharing the Vision so that work can quickly begin on developing a cohesive recovery plan for Ireland’s mental health system.”, Fiona Coyle.
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