HSE West and North West welcomes announcement of a new Crisis Resolution Team (CRT) and Solace Café for Donegal

HSE West and North West welcomes the announcement by Minister Mary Butler of a new Crisis Resolution Team (CRT) and Solace Café for Donegal.

The new services will be supported by recurring funding of €1.3m in Budget 2026, supporting the recruitment of ten whole time equivalent staff, led by a Consultant Psychiatrist.

The Crisis Resolution Team will provide immediate outreach, and short term supports capable of reaching individuals in distress at home or in the community. People who are experiencing a mental health crisis often require specialist services that can provide brief person-centred intensive supports in a timely way. The Crisis Resolution Team can offer an alternative response to inpatient admission. The team will build, increase and enhance the service user’s resilience to enable them to respond to, and manage any current crisis, and any crises that may occur in the future.

The Solace Café in Donegal will be one of eight nationwide and will be part of the Crisis Resolution Services which along with the proposed Crisis Resolution Team, provide rapid assessment and intensive support to adults experiencing mental health crisis. Services that will be offered at the café will include crisis intervention and crisis prevention, through an informal safe space that is part of the community and social landscape, where people will feel comfortable seeking help when times are tough.

Minister of State for Mental Health, Mary Butler T.D., said, “I am pleased to announce that I have secured €1.3m in recurring funding to provide a Crisis Resolution Team in Donegal in Budget 2026, including a Solace Café. This is a major step forward for mental health care in Donegal. Through the expansion of community alternatives such as crisis resolution teams and crisis cafes, we are fundamentally changing how we respond to the needs of people in distress. I was so impressed by the culture and commitment of staff in mental health services on a recent visit to Donegal and I was determined to deliver on their ask for a crisis resolution service for the county."

Welcoming the announcement, Dermot Monaghan Integrated Healthcare Area Manager Donegal said, “This is a vital step in delivering more compassionate, community based mental health care in Donegal. The new team and the Solace Café will provide real time local support to people at their most vulnerable.”

Support is always available

If you, or someone you know needs support, visit www.yourmentalhealth.ie – for information on how to mind your mental health, support others, or to find a support service in your area.

You can get help through:

• text HELLO to 50808 anytime day or night (24/7) to text with a trained listening volunteer
• your GP
• Emergency Department
• HSE Mental Health Services
• yourmentalhealth.ie or telephone information line 1800 111 888 - anytime day or night, for information on mental health services in your area. Mental health supports and services - HSE.ie
• Samaritans on 116 123
• Pieta House on 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444