HSE Mid West have recently announced the opening of Solace Café, a free, confidential, out-of-hours non-clinical mental health service where adults in Limerick City can access support by appointment.
Solace Café is based at Limerick Mental Health Association (LMHA) headquarters at Sarsfield Bridge, in the former premises of the Pier One Hotel. In its pilot phase, Solace Café is open 6pm to midnight, Thursday to Sunday, and adults who need support 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.
People accessing the support sessions will be able to learn about coping strategies and access a range of supports, including one-to-one, peer, psychosocial and recovery supports, as well as help with sign-posting to other relevant local services where appropriate.
Solace Café is for adults who are experiencing emotional distress, anxiety or feeling overwhelmed, and are seeking a calm, confidential space. However, if anyone is at immediate risk of harm or needs urgent medical treatment, they are always advised to call 999/112.
The new Limerick service is the latest of five such café-based pilot initiatives running nationally as part of the HSE Crisis Resolution Services model.
Commenting on the development, Maria Bridgeman, HSE Mid West Integrated Healthcare Area Manager for Limerick City and North Tipperary said they were
“delighted to open this new community-based service for the Mid West with Limerick Mental Health Association. By offering support in an informal, accessible, safe space in the evening, the café staff and trained volunteers will help adults navigate and resolve distress at the time most needed. We are deeply grateful to all stakeholders and supporters who helped bring this vision to life.”
Ian Hackett, Chief Executive Officer of Limerick Mental Association and Operations Manager, Solace Café, added that they were
“thrilled to open the doors of Solace Café in the heart of Limerick. This facility represents a safe, welcoming space where people can find support, connection, and calm during difficult moments. It’s more than just a café—it’s a lifeline for those who need it, and a symbol of our city’s commitment to compassion and community care. By creating a place where anyone can get support without judgment, we’re strengthening the community of Limerick and ensuring that well-being is accessible to all. The benefits extend far beyond the walls of the café and bring people together in a spirit of hope and solidarity.”
Limerick Solace Café is the peer support element of the HSE Mid West Crisis Resolution Service, which also includes a clinical Crisis Resolution Team.
The Café can be contacted at 061 446786 or emailed: solace@limerickmentalhealth.ie. Alternatively a text or WhatsApp message can be sent to 085 2612025