Judging day shines a spotlight on Tullamore group's community impact

ACCESSIBLE Counselling Tullamore (ACT), a volunteer-led mental health charity, proudly welcomed judges from the prestigious IPB Pride of Place Awards recently for a special site visit. The charity has been shortlisted in the 2025 competition, which recognises community groups making an exceptional impact across Ireland, after being nominated by Offaly County Council.

Over the course of a 2.5-hour visit, judges Martina Moloney and Katrina Murphy met ACT founders, board members, counsellors, and community supporters and toured the purpose-built counselling facility in Tullamore, with a particular focus on the innovative sand tray therapy room – one of the first of its kind in the Midlands.

Since its establishment in 2020, ACT has provided life-changing mental health support to over 2,725 individuals, delivering more than 16,000 counselling and psychotherapy sessions to people aged 16 and over from across Offaly and the wider Midlands.

Chairperson Joe Connolly said: “This visit is a tremendous opportunity to show what community-led mental health care can achieve. Every client we’ve supported, every fundraiser held, and every volunteer contribution is part of a wider movement toward breaking down stigma and ensuring no one faces mental health challenges alone.”

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The judging presentation highlighted ACT’s commitment to accessibility, professional care, and innovation. Judges heard about ACT’s self-referral system, use of the nationally recognised CORE outcome measurement tool, and strong links with local GPs, schools, and organisations. The organisation’s success is underpinned by tireless fundraising and the dedication of its volunteer board, counselling team, and community partners.

A major focus of the visit was ACT’s forward-thinking strategic vision. The judges were introduced to newly formed board sub-committees on governance, finance, PR & marketing, and social engagement, developed through recent strategy workshops.

ACT’s first official Strategic Plan is due to be launched later this year, outlining steps for sustainability, capacity building, and outreach.

Lisa O’Connor, Co-Founder and Operations Manager, added: “Being shortlisted for Pride of Place is an honour that reflects the heart and soul of this organisation. From the legacy of our founder James O’Connor to the vision for our future, this journey has always been about community.”

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ACT also thanked the many individuals, businesses, and supporters who continue to sustain the service through fundraising and volunteering, as well as through corporate sponsorship initiatives like NFC-tagged access points and the annual Offaly Goes Green campaign.

The results of the IPB Pride of Place Awards will be announced in Limerick on 7^th November this year