The volume of queries to the Republic's Family Resource Centres increased by 16% last year.
However, the number of people using their counselling services fell by 10%.
The organisation blames the fall on a reduction in Government funding.
It also recorded an increase in the number of men's sheds, which are community-based initiatives where participants work on projects in a safe and inclusive environment.
There are 106 Family Support Centres scattered throughout disadvantaged communities across the Republic.
Funded primarily by Government, they promote better health, active learning, economic security and greater social participation while combating self-harm and substance abuse.
The programme has been fully functional for 15 years and, on average, each centre employs at least two staff supported by 28 volunteers.
The programme's annual report for last year records a 16% increase in inquiries, bringing the total to 223,000.
It says the main emphasis of people's engagement has shifted from job-seeking to building support groups for the long-term unemployed and people struggling with mental health issues.
Claire Dineen, who chairs the National Forum, said that the impact of the recession was prompting more men and young people to approach them and initiatives such as men's sheds were on the increase.
But she said that budget cuts last year led to a 10% decline in the number of people receiving professional counselling.
Ms Dineen added that supporting families is crucial to ensure that children are protected.
She said that people must learn from the past, including the recent past, and acknowledge that where families are allowed fall through the net, it is often the children who bear the brunt.
