Pieta (formerly Pieta House) is an Irish mental health charity established in 2006 by former Irish politician Joan Freeman. The organisation provides free, professional support for individuals experiencing suicidal ideation, self-harm, or bereavement following suicide.[2] Services are delivered across multiple physical locations in Ireland, as well as online, through phone and video support.[3] Pieta is known for its national suicide prevention services and its flagship fundraising event, Darkness Into Light. Like many charities, it has also been subject to public scrutiny regarding its governance and operations.
Pieta House, a leading Irish mental health organisation, was founded in 2006 by Joan Freeman in Lucan, County Dublin[4]. Its inception stemmed from a growing recognition of the urgent need for specialised services addressing suicide and self-harm.[5] Freeman’s vision was to create a non-clinical, community-based approach to crisis intervention, offering free, professional support to individuals in distress. The organisation’s focus on accessibility meant no referrals were required, and all services were provided at no cost.[6]
In 2016, following the closure of the suicide-prevention charity Console due to governance issues, the Health Service Executive (HSE) arranged for Pieta to take over Console’s counselling services and clients. This transition involved Pieta assuming responsibility for a number of centres previously operated by Console, as well as staff, ensuring continuity of care for people in crisis.[7][8]
The organisation was originally branded as Pieta House and rebranded simply as Pieta in 2018 to reflect its expanding mission and accessibility.
Over time, Pieta has expanded, investing in digital outreach and support systems, including online counselling and enhanced helpline services, to address the increasing demand for remote mental health support. It currently operates in 28 service locations across Ireland.[9]
Services
Prevention and Education
Pieta developed a range of educational programmes aimed at promoting positive mental health and building resilience.[10] Through programmes such as the Resilience Academy and Amber Flag, Pieta reached 193,373 students and community members in 2024. A total of 532 schools and organisations earned Amber Flags, and 98 schools participated in the Resilience Academy.[11]
Crisis support
Pieta operates a 24/7 crisis helpline and text service, staffed by qualified counsellors and psychotherapists. In 2024, this service received 99,946 calls and texts.[12]
Intervention
Pieta provides one of largest, specialised, counselling and psychotherapy services in Ireland. Pieta's counselling staff are required to be fully qualified and accredited with a professional counselling body in Ireland. Up to 12 free sessions are available to individuals affected by suicidal ideation or self-harm and up to 30 free sessions are available to individuals bereaved by suicide. These services are available in-person, in any of the locations across Ireland, as well as virtually, by phone or by video.[13]
In 2024, Pieta delivered 51,493 hours of therapy to 6,919 clients, including 17,848 hours for 2,433 young people under 18. Services were provided in person (65% of appointments) and remotely by phone or video (35%).[14]
Postvention
Pieta took over a Suicide Bereavement Liason Service, following dissolution of the charity Console. This service provides specialist in-person supports to families bereaved by suicide.[15] Its Suicide Bereavement Liaison Service supported 526 households bereaved by suicide in 2024.[16]
Fundraising and Awareness
The flagship Darkness Into Light walk remains Pieta’s largest fundraising and awareness event. In 2024, 98,443 participants joined events across 212 Irish communities and 12 countries worldwide, raising €4.52 million.[17][18]
Governance and Financial Management
Corporate Structure
Pieta is a registered charity in Ireland (CHY 16913) overseen by a voluntary board of trustees.[19] It is fully compliant with the Charities Governance Code and publishes audited annual accounts with the Charities Regulator.[20]
Income and expenditure
In 2024, Pieta reported income of €13.68 million, of which €12.6 million (73%) was spent on charitable activities and €4.7 million on fundraising. Statutory funding amounted to €2.79 million, with more than 80% of income generated through donations and fundraising events such as Darkness Into Light. Expenditure totalled €17.29 million, leading to a €3.6 million deficit, which was met by reserves. Year-end reserves stood at €10.7 million, in line with the charity’s policy of holding nine months’ operating costs.[21][22]
Oversight and audits
Like many Irish charities, Pieta has been subject to governance reviews. A 2018 Health Service Executive audit identified weaknesses in financial controls and record-keeping, and made over 50 recommendations for improvement. Pieta accepted the findings and subsequently introduced stronger oversight measures and new governance policies.[23][24]
In 2012, an audit by Pobal, a government agency, reported governance deficiencies at Pieta. Issues included the use of pre-signed blank cheques, inadequate control measures for electronic banking, and failure to adhere to public sector procurement rules. These findings led to the repayment of €31,000 in ineligible expenditure.
Challenges during COVID-19
In 2020, the postponement of major fundraising events during the COVID-19 pandemic led to a reported shortfall of about €6.5 million. To manage this, Pieta implemented temporary salary reductions of up to 30% and announced redundancies across its workforce.[25]
Sustainability challenges
In August 2025, Pieta announced a major restructuring programme aimed at saving approximately €3 million, citing a “financial position that is unsustainable” due to a significant decline in fundraising, rising operational costs, and broader economic pressures affecting charitable giving. Chief Executive Stephanie Manahan explained that fundraising has fallen by nearly 25% in recent years—from about €13 million pre‑pandemic to approximately €10 million last year—and that the organisation has been drawing €2.5–€3 million annually from its reserves to maintain services. The restructuring will focus first on reducing non-clinical costs, including job reductions, while preserving its core frontline services. Manahan emphasised commitment to the charity’s mission, noting that “the work we do is just too important.” [26]
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