Pieta’s Christmas appeal for lifesaving support

AS the CEO of Pieta, I find myself reflecting on the profound impact that it has had on countless lives across Ireland.

This Christmas, as we launch our annual appeal for donations, I am struck by the remarkable journey we have undertaken in providing crucial intervention and bereavement support to those in need.

Pieta relies on the generosity of the public as a staggering 85% of our funding comes from public donations. 

This festive season, every contribution will play a pivotal role in ensuring our services remain accessible and free to individuals of all ages facing the harrowing challenges of suicidal thoughts and self-harm.

Our Cork locations, in Shanakeil and Dunmanway, will continue to support people in crisis all over Christmas and beyond.

To truly comprehend the scale of our efforts and the ongoing necessity for support, it’s essential to grasp the impactful statistics from the previous year. In Munster in 2022 alone, Pieta delivered over 14,000 hours of free, one-to-one therapy, and helped almost 2,000 clients.

Over 38% of clients presenting to Pieta in 2022 in Munster were aged 18-35 and a further 32% of clients in the same year were under 18 years. 20 therapists work across Cork providing in person and online therapy support, our helpline therapists are available 24 hours a day ensuring there is always someone to turn to any time anywhere. We also have a dedicated team that work with those who have been bereaved by suicide and they will see you in your home or in one of our Cork locations.

Our Cork team are a central part of the national Pieta team of 170 qualified therapists, Suicide Liaison Officers, and support staff provided almost 52,000 hours of therapy to those in need and saw close to 7,000 clients across the country. 

Moreover, we extended our support to over 600 families and households grappling with the devastating aftermath of suicide.

In the face of such immense challenges our commitment to offering free counselling and therapy has never wavered. Pieta operates across 20 centres throughout Ireland, providing essential services online and over the phone. Our professional one-to-one therapeutic services extend not only to individuals suffering from suicidal ideation and self-harm but also to those who have been impacted by the profound impact of suicide within their families.

This Christmas season, we implore you to join us in ensuring that our services remain available to those in crisis. Your donations, no matter how big or small, will directly contribute to the lifeline we provide to individuals teetering on the edge of despair. Pieta’s 300 dedicated therapists and support staff work tirelessly to make help accessible, not just during the holiday season but throughout the year, ensuring that no one feels along in their darkest moments.

As part of our Christmas appeal there are several ways you can support Pieta:

· Donate directly to www.pieta.ie

· Send a Pieta Christmas Card or Christmas gift from www.pieta-house.myshopify.com

· Purchase a limited-edition Cloves & Cinnamon candle from www.maxbenjamin.com

For those seeking our support of wanting to learn more about our services please visit www.pieta.ie for all centre contact details and our National Therapy Services phoneline 0818 111 126. Pieta provides 24/7 support – if you are suicidal, self-harming or bereaved you can contact Pieta 24/7 via the Freephone crisis helpline on 1800 247 247, you can also text HELP to 51444 (standard message rates apply)

In closing, as we approach the season of goodwill and reflection, let us remember the importance of extending a helping hand to those in need. To date, the people of Cork have been extremely generous to Pieta, and we would like to extend our immense gratitude for this.

Together, we can illuminate a path to hope, providing solace and support to individuals navigating the darkness of mental health challenges. Your contribution to Pieta this Christmas will undoubtedly make a difference, reaffirming the power of compassion and community in the face of adversity.