The Breakthrough Programme:

Background:

The Breakthrough Programme was devised in 2016, in response to Anger Management, Depression, Suicide, Addiction and Anti-social behaviour of 18-30 year old Males’ in West Dublin. It was devised using our data from Salesforce and from  The National Office of Suicide Prevention, (NOSP)  statistics:

• This programme is to encourage more men to access counselling: specifically for anger management/anxiety/addiction/depression/suicide risk
• The majority of people who die by suicide in Ireland are male 82.3%.(NOSP 2014)
• The highest rate for men is amongst 20-24 year old males 544 per 100,000, or one in 184 men have attempted suicide or self-harm. (NOSP 2014)
• The programme is to target 18-30 year old males initially to offer dual support in relation to their mental health, combining physical training in conjunction with 1:1 psychotherapy.
• Anxiety is also extremely prevalent amongst BLCC male clients. 333 clients presented with anxiety approximately 72% of Beacon of Light clients cited suffering from some form of anxiety. (BLCC AGM report April 2015)

Beacon of Light Counselling Centre (BLCC) carries out an initial assessment to determine client suitability. The programme works on a dual process, the clients engage in 1:1 counselling at BLCC and also in Boxing classes in UFG (Walkinstown D12). The programme has used Muay Thai and Football as activities previously, but it currently runs with Boxing.

Logistics

The programme runs over a period of eight to ten weeks, the counselling usually takes place in the afternoons/evenings but could be subject to change of times. The classes are in the evenings, but could be subject to a slight change of times. The class is currently coached by Kenneth Egan Olympic Silver Medallist. Suitable participants are encouraged to address their own physical and psychological development. The programme uses psychotherapy, psycho-education, physical education and nutritional advice to address mild to moderate mental health issues such as: Anxiety, Anger Management, Addiction and Depression.

Sponsors & Supporters of Breakthrough:

The programme was initially funded by the Coca-Cola Thank You Fund in 2016.

We receive funding From the HSE National Lottery funds and the SDCSP Sports Partnership fund.

We traditionally have 10-12 male participants who are within the 18-35 age group. The selected candidates receive the programme at a very affordable price.

We have worked alongside: Shamrock Rovers, SBG (Straight Blast Gym) SDCSP (South Dublin County Sports Partnership) HSE, The Community Foundation and the Irish Youth Foundation.

We also have some philanthropists who support the programme, and we are always looking to establish new corporate strategic partners and philanthropists in supporting our existing programme.

Break Through Programme Evaluation Reports