A NEW service providing mental health supports for adults out of hours is already making an impact through timely intervention, onward referral and reducing acute hospital presentations, Minister of State Mary Butler has been told during a visit to Limerick to officially open the city’s Solace Café.
Located at Sarsfield Bridge, the Limerick Solace Café opened on November 20th 2025 and offers a free, out‑of‑hours, non‑clinical mental health support service for adults aged 18 and over.
The service currently operates from Thursdays to Sundays from 6pm to midnight, targeting periods of highest risk and reduced service availability. The Limerick Solace Café is delivered in partnership with Limerick Mental Health Association through a service level agreement with HSE Mid West.
By providing an accessible, non‑stigmatising alternative to Emergency Department attendance, the service supports early intervention and crisis prevention and aligns with HSE and national mental health policy priorities for community‑based, recovery‑focused care delivered in partnership with voluntary and peer‑led services.
Early activity indicates strong responsiveness to required need, which leads to a reduction in avoidable acute mental health inpatient admissions. Solace Café has provided a service to 121 individuals between November 20th 2025 and February 15th 2026. To date, 13% of attendees indicated they would have gone to the Emergency Department if Solace Café had not been available.
Speaking in Limerick as she officially opened the Solace Café this Friday, Mary Butler TD, Minister of State at the Department of Health with responsibility for Mental Health, said: “The Solace Café is a warm, friendly place where anyone going through a tough time can come in, have a chat, and get a bit of support. It’s not a clinical setting, it’s a safe, welcoming space right in the heart of Limerick City for people who need someone to talk to. More than 120 people have already come through the door, and it’s become an important alternative for those who might otherwise feel they have no option but to go to the Emergency Department.
“In Budget 2026, I’m putting funding in place for three more Solace Cafés around the country, so more communities have somewhere to turn when things get difficult. A huge thank you to the Limerick Mental Health Association and all the staff who worked so hard to get this Café up and running, and who continue to support so many people. If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, a calm space, or even just a cup of tea, you’re always welcome to get in touch,” Minister Butler added.
Ms Maria Bridgeman, HSE Mid West Integrated Healthcare Area Manager for Limerick City and North Tipperary said: “Solace Café is a safe and welcoming space where people can connect with trained peer supporters and volunteers who bring lived experience. The focus here is on active listening, practical support and signposting to the appropriate longer-term services where needed. Importantly, the café works closely with voluntary organisations such as the suicide prevention patrols and with Limerick’s unique CAST team, where Mental Health Services staff and members of the Limerick Garda Division respond together to people in experiencing a mental health crisis.”
Mr Ian Hackett, Chief Executive Officer of Limerick Mental Association and Operations Manager, Solace Café, said: “The launch of Solace Café marks a significant step forward in how we support mental health in our community. This space has been created to offer warmth, dignity and immediate connection to anyone who needs it. Solace Café is about meeting people where they are, providing compassionate, non-judgemental support, and ensuring that no one has to face a difficult moment alone. We are proud to open our doors and to stand alongside our community in a meaningful and practical way.”
Adults who need support of the Solace Café can book one-hour support sessions through a simple text or telephone booking process.
Staffed by trained support workers and peer connectors, these sessions are provided in confidence in the safe space of the café and can be booked as follows:
- Telephone: contact Solace Café on 061 446786
- Email: send a mail to solace@limerickmentalhealth.ie
- Text: send a text or WhatsApp message to 085 2612025
Photo Credit: Liam Burke/Press 22i
