Pieta rows back on cutbacks plans

Pieta has announced that there will be no downgrading of its Athlone base or of any of its centres nationwide.

The charity has also confirmed that 43 roles nationwide that were at risk of redundancy will be redeployed and that full pay for all staff will be restored on July 1.

The charity made the announcement this lunchtime following an internal financial and operational review, prompted by the loss of its flagship fundraiser Darkness into Light.

The people of Ireland responded to the challenging financial situation with generous support for the ‘Sunrise’ appeal which, along with a number of other initiatives, raised an incredible €6 million and significant awareness for Pieta.

Pieta said: “These funds together with the Government wage subsidy scheme, increased support from the HSE and a 30% pay cut to staff from April to June of this year means that Pieta is in an improved financial position.”

Other key points arising from the review include:

Centre hours will be restored back up to January 2020 levels.

From next month, Pieta will engage in a phased reopening of centres for staff and will resume face-to-face counselling services from September, in accordance with government guidelines post Covid

14 additional ‘full-time equivalent’ therapists will be employed, 8 will support face-to-face counselling and 6 will join the Helpline team to meet the increased demand

The HSE has agreed to provide Pieta with additional funding of €114,608 per month, commencing in July. This funding must be spent on supporting the provision of 300 hours per week of therapy to high risk clients.

Pieta will also be engaging with Government and the HSE on a sustainable funding model for the delivery of services.

Speaking about the Financial Review, Pieta CEO, Elaine Austin, said: “I want to express my gratitude to the Pieta team and to our supporters across the country for their help, support and patience over recent weeks. Due to the overwhelming generosity and kindness of the people of Ireland, and increased support from the HSE and our corporate partnerships, Pieta is now in a more secure financial position, and we can confirm that our vital services will continue to be delivered across all of our Centres nationwide.”

For more information or to donate, please visit www.pieta.ie