Pieta takes difficult steps to protect frontline services

In 2024, Pieta delivered over 51,000 hours of free therapy, answered more than 100,000 calls and texts to our 24/7 crisis helpline, and provided thousands of education and training sessions in schools, workplaces, and communities.

This shows both the scale of the need and the life-saving difference Pieta makes every day for people in suicidal crisis, those engaging in self-harm, and anyone impacted by suicide. Protecting these frontline services is, and always will be, our top priority. 

Like many charities, Pieta is experiencing significant financial pressures. Rising costs of care, the impact of the cost-of-living crisis, and a tougher fundraising climate have placed increasing strain on our resources. For several years, we have drawn on our reserves to maintain services, but this is no longer sustainable.

Following a careful review, Pieta is now beginning a phased restructuring to reduce costs and secure our long-term future.

This process will focus on maintaining frontline services so that they remain available to anyone in suicidal crisis, those engaging in self-harm, and anyone impacted by suicide.

“Like many charities, Pieta is facing an incredibly tough financial situation. Generating more than €10 million of donations every year to keep our services open is a huge challenge, both for Pieta and for our thousands of incredible supporters. Between rising costs and people under pressure with the cost-of-living crisis, there has been a decline in our levels of donations. This has a significant impact on us and our ability to fund the work we do.

“We need to ensure Pieta’s sustainability into the future, so that we are there for those who need us in the years ahead. To do this, we will need to reduce our costs to match our levels of income. I want to reassure those who rely on us that we will always prioritise our frontline services, and that Pieta remains focused on our charitable objectives, continuing to be there for the people who need us.

“We are asking our supporters, partners, committees, and volunteers to continue standing with us. Your support has always been the lifeblood of Pieta, and with it, we can ensure Pieta is here for everyone who needs us - today and in the future.”

We are deeply grateful to all of our staff, supporters, partners, committees, and volunteers who continue to stand with us. Together, we can protect and sustain Pieta’s services into the future. 

Over the coming months, we will launch a number of fundraising appeals and events, including our No More Silence campaign (10th September - 10th October), culminating in the first Pieta Tea and Talk Morning supported by Lyons Tea.

Together, we can ensure Pieta remains a place of hope, compassion, and support for all who need us.