Pieta opens new self-harm and suicide prevention service in Dundalk

Pieta, the suicide and self-harm prevention charity, launched a new support service at the Redeemer Family Resource Centre in Dundalk on Wednesday.

This service will provide free, professional counselling to individuals who are self-harming, experiencing suicidal thoughts, or grieving the loss of someone to suicide.

This expansion of services by Pieta in Louth is a critical step in their mission to provide accessible, in-person support to those in crisis in Dundalk and the surrounding area.

In 2023, Pieta offered the region 478 hours of phone counselling for individuals self-harming or experiencing suicidal thoughts, along with an additional 202 hours dedicated to suicide bereavement support. 

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Pieta is also actively engaged with over 4,500 students in Louth through their Resilience Academy and Amber Flag initiative, helping students build resilience and encouraging positive mental health practices in the community.

Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler, attended the opening and said: "I’m delighted to be here to help open this essential service in Dundalk.

“Pieta does such important work, and this expansion will provide much-needed support to people in crisis in Dundalk and the wider Louth area.

“Suicide prevention and mental health care are so important, and having free, professional counselling available locally makes a real difference.

“This new service is a reflection of Pieta’s incredible commitment to helping people, and I want to thank the staff and everyone involved for their dedication to supporting mental health in our communities."

Damien McKenna, Community Services Manager from the Redeemer Centre said they are very proud to have Pieta’s new in-person service here in Dundalk.

“Their presence, along with other important services and support groups at the Centre, makes it easier for everyone in our community to access help”, he continued.

“It’s great to work with Pieta and our local community to ensure that those struggling with thoughts of suicide or self-harm have a safe and supportive place to turn to."

Pieta is dedicated to preventing suicide and self-harm and believes these issues must be a national priority.

The new service in Dundalk expands the support Pieta has provided in the area for years, underscoring its commitment to addressing the ongoing needs of individuals in crisis across the country.

Suicide continues to be the leading cause of death for 15-34 year olds in Ireland, and almost 500 people die by suicide each year.

Stephanie Manahan, Chief Executive Officer of Pieta said of the opening: "We’re so pleased to be opening this new service in Dundalk, expanding our supports to reach even more people in Louth.

“Over the years, we’ve already been able to make a considerable difference here, but the need for suicide and self-harm prevention services is still very high.

“This new service will allow us to provide vital support to even more people who need it.

“Making suicide and self-harm prevention a priority in every community across Ireland is so important, as everyone deserves access to help when they’re struggling.

"I also want to thank Minister Mary Butler TD and the Cathaoirleach of Dundalk Municipal District, Councillor Sean Kelly, for being here at the opening.

“I’d like to express our gratitude to the Redeemer Centre for giving us a home and offer my heartfelt thanks to all of Pieta’s amazing Darkness Into Light volunteers and the wider Louth community.

“Your incredible efforts make all of this possible, and as a charity that relies on your support, we simply couldn’t do it without you."

The success of Pieta’s services relies on the generosity of the public, with over 80% of the organisation’s funding coming from community donations and fundraising events like Darkness Into Light.

The support from the people of Dundalk and the wider community is vital in keeping these services free and accessible.

Pieta’s new service at the Redeemer Family Resource Centre will offer free, face-to-face therapy to individuals experiencing suicidal distress or engaging in self-harm.

To discuss an appointment people can call Pieta on 0818 111 126 or visit Pieta.ie for more information.