Laochas - The Warrior Soul Project

18/02/2026

I want to share some important news with you, which comes after a great deal of reflection and many thoughtful conversations. The board of Laochas – The Warrior Soul Project and I have made the difficult decision to begin the process of winding up the charity.

This follows my own decision to step back. After eight years of leading Laochas on a voluntary basis, and following a year of health challenges, I have come to feel that this is the right time for me to move forward into a new chapter. Together, we have given this work our very best and carried it as far as we could with care and commitment.

We took time to thoughtfully explore every possible pathway to continue the organisation beyond my involvement. However, the level of funding and organisational capacity needed to ensure long-term stability and the right supports simply isn’t achievable at this time. To continue without that solid foundation would not be sustainable, and it’s important to us that we close in a way that is responsible and considered. As mentioned below we will do this gradually over the next few months.

On a more personal note, this has been an incredibly difficult decision for us. Laochas has been such a big part of our lives and of the community for the past eight years. We’re so proud of what was built together and of the young people and families who trusted us along the way.

While it’s time for this chapter to close, the heart of what Laochas stood for — compassion, courage, and community — will always remain. Thank you for being part of the journey and for believing in us. It has meant more than we can say.

Thank you to our supporters and donors, funders, facilitators and therapists, and board members past and present. Your belief, generosity and commitment made this work possible, and the difference made in the lives of young people and families is because of you.

Finally, we would like to extend our deepest thanks to Nicola Behan’s family for allowing us to dedicate the charity in her name. Over the past eight years, we have supported more than two thousand young people through our one-to-one therapies and education programmes, and we sincerely hope she would be proud of the work being carried out in her name.

Much love, Leslie xx

28/01/2026

A gorgeous morning is guaranteed with the wonderful Catherine Sweeney Déise Music Therapy - Catherine who also provides music therapy to young people for us here at Laochas - is a wonderful human ☺️

Make some Noise! 🪇🥁🪈🎶
With Well Festival of Arts & Wellbeing in Waterford and Déise Music Therapy for ages 8-12

📍Ardkeen Library, Ardkeen Shopping Centre
📅 Thursday 19th February
⏰ 10am - 11am

Join Creative Arts Therapist Catherine Sweeney of Deise Music Therapy for a fun music workshop, encouraging imagination, listening, movement, connection and expression in children age 8-12.

Free event but booking essential – contact us on 051 849755 to book your child's place.

28/01/2026

We are delighted to see Jigsaw youth mental health services coming to Waterford later this year. It is heartening to see the government finally take youth mental health in our area seriously and commit real resources to supporting young people.

When Laochas was established in 2018, it was created to respond to a huge gap in services that was having a devastating impact on young people and their families. Since then, keeping the project going has often been incredibly challenging — at times feeling like an impossible uphill battle — particularly since Covid, when so many young people struggled deeply with their mental health.

To now see this gap being acknowledged and addressed fills us with real hope. This positive step forward gives us renewed optimism for the future and for the wellbeing of young people in Waterford.

24/12/2025

All of us here at Laochas - The Warrior Soul Project would like to wish you all a very happy Christmas and hope that 2026 is a peaceful one 🎄

There are so many beautiful things around, decorations, music, lots of people, new smells and expectations. This can be very overwhelming for some young people so here's a few stratagies we have found useful to help 😊

Also a little reminder to be kind to yourself and others, Christmas can be joyous for many but there are some for whom it can be an extremely difficult time. Money worries, anxiety, loneliness, grief, difficult family relationships. So to anyone out there who may be struggling just know that you are not alone, we have included some number/websites below if you need support over the holidays ❤️

Finally to all our fantastic volunteers, facilitators, therapists & supporters, much love to you all and many thanks for your support in 2025, we couldn't do it without you, L x

18/12/2025

Hey all, we only have a handful of these left if anyone still wants one contact us here 😊

14/12/2025

This is Nicola Behan who's memory Laochas is dedicated to..

We are thinking of her today & all who loved her on what would have been her birthday.

Since starting Laochas we have reached thousands of young people through our positive wellbeing school workshops, camps and one to one therapy...

All in your name Nickie 💚💛

27/11/2025

Hello all...
Christmas is just around the corner and that means Ireland's favourite tradition is on it way! The late late toy show!
The wonderful young people at Subla Youth Reach are selling treats for the toy show that can be ordered directly from them... We are absolutely delighted to say that the money they raise is kindly being donated to us this year 😊
Please feel free to share it on your socials if anyone wants to order they can send a message to the Subla Youthreach before lunchtime Wednesday the 3rd of December and we can arrange collection for the order.

Please check out the form below 👇

24/11/2025

15/11/2025

Wow seven years ago

Tune into Nuacht 7pm TG4 (second half) where Leslie & Conor will be talking to Marian O Flaherty about the project :)

05/11/2025

Fourth class in Scoil Lorcain perfecting some pretty cool mindfulness skills and helping to write a tune ☺️

05/11/2025

Here's a few snaps from Scoil Lorcain before the mid term... This is their third year taking part in the project, they are absolute superstars, getting involved and having fun learning skills to help cope with big feelings and every day challenges ☺️
Thanks for having us again guys!!!

04/11/2025

Supporting an Anxious Child

Come along to listen to strategies and tips for supporting children with anxiety delivered by Play Therapist Treasa Forristal

📍 Ardkeen Library Dunmore Road
🗓 Friday 21st November
🕰 10.15am

Book your spot here: https://parenthub.brillfrc.ie/events/anxiety-talk-support-your-child-with-managing-change-and-anxiety/