New addiction and suicide awareness centre is opening in Ballina

MAYO Addiction and Suicide Awareness (MAASA) is opening a new drop-in centre in Ballina.

The centre, which will also have a charity shop, will operate from a premises in Diamond's car park, at the rear of the Broken Jug, and is hoping to open towards the end of January.

Joe McGuire, who was behind the setting up of the existing MASA centre and charity shop in Castlebar, has been involved in suicide, addiction and mental health awareness for many years.

The centre in Castlebar deals with many people from north Mayo, from Belmullet to Crossmolina and Killala, and, he said, there is a need for a dedicated drop-in centre for the area.

The new centre will have a number of private meeting rooms where you can talk to someone in confidence.

MASA offer immediate assistance and assessment in a non-judgemental environment and there's always someone available to listen, said Joe.

The Ballina centre will be opened six days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

MAASA's centre in Castlebar – on Richard Street – has remained open throughout the Covid crisis.

A big issue Joe sees arising from the pandemic is the increased levels of drinking in homes.

There is, he said, 'no measures, no closing time, and no one to say stop', and increasing numbers of people are contacting the organisation for advice about a loved one's drinking.

Online gambling is also a growing issue, as is loneliness, particularly among older people who, he said, are isolated and afraid to go out.

MAASA is accepting items for its charity shops – clothes, bags, shoes, and small items of furniture.

For information about how their services can help you, contact Joe at (086) 8702062.

You can find MAASA on Faebook here: https://www.facebook.com/MayoAddictionSuicideAwareness/?ref=page_internal