Galway East TD and Minister for Rural Affairs Seán Canney has received confirmation from Pieta House that there will be no downgrading of its services in the West.
Pieta House West, based in Tuam, supports clients across the region from Westport to Ballinasloe.
Minister Canney said: “This will come as a relief to those using the service, their families and those that support and care for them.
“More than 1,800 people have used Pieta House West since it first opened in 2013. Its services are in great demand with 50 current clients and another 30 people on the waiting list.
“There was serious concern at the funding crisis within Pieta House, which was compounded by financial challenges as a result of COVID-19.
“I contacted the Pieta House executive and have received the following assurances:
• Clients will continue to receive free, face-to-face counselling in all 15 Pieta centres as well as in four outreach centres nationwide.
• There will be no closures or downgrading of any centres.
• 14 new full-time therapists will be hired to support at centre level and on the 24/7 Crisis Helpline
• Ten full time equivalent Centre Manager roles and 33 Clinical Support roles that were identified at risk of redundancy in April 2020 will now be redeployed
• Pay for all staff will be restored to PRE-COVID levels from July 1.
Pieta House provide supports for those at risk of self-harm, those with suicidal ideation and those bereaved by suicide.
In addition to existing funding of €2.03 million a year, the HSE and Pieta House have agreed to additional funding of €114,608 per month once the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme ceases.
Pieta House recently raised more than €4 million from its Darkness into Light Sunrise Appeal which has also helped offset some of its financial challenges.
For more information, contact Minister Canney on 086-2513639
June 9 2020