‘We want people to know that they’re not alone’: Mental health charity announces free online support groups for Kildare residents throughout Christmas and New Year period

Mental health charity Turn2Me has announced a series of free online support groups running throughout the Christmas and New Year period, including on Christmas Day 2025.

Turn2Me has said that Christmas is "consistently" its busiest time of year, and as a result, will be hosting support groups for those who need it most in County Kildare and beyond.

Explaining its latest venture, a spokesperson for the charity said: "Turn2Me will host daily themed support groups at midday [12pm] from December 25, 2025 to 1 January 1, 2026, ensuring people across Ireland have continuous access to professional, compassionate mental health support."

The spokesperson also outlined Turn2Me's Christmas Support Group Schedule:

• December 25 — Christmas Blues
• December 26 — Family Issues
• December 27 — Bereavement
• December 28 — Family Issues
• December 29 — Bereavement
• December 30 — How to Manage Anxiety
• December 31 — Feeling Alone
• January 1 — Feeling Down

"All groups are free, confidential, and run by mental health professionals," the spokesperson added.

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'TURN2ME WILL BE HERE FOR THEM'

The CEO of Turn2Me, Fiona O'Malley said that the organisation prepares every year for a substantial increase in service usage during December and early January.

She elaborated: "Christmas can be an incredibly difficult time for many people, and while it’s often portrayed as joyful and carefree, the reality is that it’s one of the toughest periods for those experiencing loneliness, grief, family conflict, or financial strain.

"We want people to know that they’re not alone, and that Turn2Me will be here for them every single day of the festive season, including Christmas Day."

Furthermore, Ms O'Malley announced that Turn2Me will continue to offer up to six free one-to-one counselling sessions for adults living within Ireland, in addition to its free meditation programme and its free 'Thought Catcher' online mood diary service.

"Our goal is to make mental health support accessible, immediate, and stigma-free," she added. "Christmas can intensify emotions, and reaching out for help is a sign of strength."

Ms O'Malley concluded: "Whether someone is struggling with grief, feeling overwhelmed by family pressures, or simply feeling low, we encourage them to join our support groups or access our counselling services."

BRIEF BACKGROUND

According to its official website, Turn2Me is a registered charity that offers people "a high-quality, safe, anonymous, and confidential space for you to gain support for your mental health online".

Turn2Me is supported by number of different organisations, including the Health Service Executive (HSE), the Department of Health and Pobal.

It should be noted that the charity's online counselling service is available for users who those over the age of 18.

Turn2Me’s services are available nationwide at www.turn2me.ie.

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