Pieta's Athlone centre to close as services move to outreach model

Pieta is to close its existing Athlone centre on Sean Costello St and move to an outreach model of service.

The organisation said the move was part of a necessary cost saving plan but stressed that it remained fully committed to Athlone and surrounding communities.

Pieta said it would continue to provide services online and in person at its other locations as it transitions to a “co-located outreach model in Athlone”.

The charity said it would be looking to secure a location, in Athlone, to share with other health and community partners

"There is a three month notice period in place with the landlord. Our services to our clients will continue in the meantime as we transition to a new location," a Pieta spokesperson said.

Athlone is one of three centre nationally to close as part of the move to a co-located outreach model of service.

In a statement, Pieta said: “Maintaining continuity of care and protecting frontline capacity remain central to every decision we take. We will work with closely with our stakeholders and partners to secure a serviced location in Athlone over the coming months.”

The charity said 75% of its funding for its crisis intervention and mental health services comes from fundraising and public donations, with the additional 25% from the HSE.

“Despite extraordinary effort on behalf of Pieta and its wonderful supporters all over the country, the organisation has been unable to sustain the level of funding needed in the last few years, when inflation and cost of living increases have affected everyone.

“In the second half of last year, Pieta commenced a cost saving plan to help ensure our long-term sustainability and enable us to continue delivering the same level of service to our clients. The focus has been on managing our cost base across administrative, management and support functions, ensuring that frontline clinical services are protected.”

As a result, Pieta is pursuing a regional and local service model, which it said would be aligned with national health strategies and the development of HSE Regional and Integrated Healthcare Areas.

Under this model, Pieta will establish a presence within every Integrated Healthcare Area across the country. The integrated healthcare area for the Midlands covers Laois, Offaly, Longford, Westmeath.

“By co-locating services with other health and community partners, Pieta can deliver care in settings that are more integrated, accessible and cost-effective.

“Co-location enhances collaboration, reduces overheads, and ensures that clients can access supports within a broader system of care. It also enables Pieta to maintain visibility and availability within communities while ensuring resources are directed toward clinical delivery rather than building and facility costs.”

The statement continued: “Throughout our restructuring programme, all of our decisions have been guided by a commitment to maintaining therapeutic posts and ensuring that those experiencing suicidal distress or self-harm can continue to access our timely, professional support.”

“The continued demand for our services underscores the critical nature of our work and the importance of maintaining sustainable service delivery into the future. While it is our intention to focus initially on the restructuring of non-clinical services, the cost reduction plan will also require a phased restructuring of clinical services, resulting in an overall reduction in headcount,” it added.

Pieta’s qualified counsellors specialise in suicide prevention and tackling self-harm. The charity has centres nationwide and Pieta’s Freephone Crisis Helpline is open 24/7. All services are provided free of charge and no referral is needed. If you are in crisis, you can contact Pieta’s Crisis Helpline on 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444.

For more information and help visit www.pieta.ie