Pieta House expanding services in Athlone

PIETA House in Athlone is to expand its services, to cater for the needs of a growing number of people contacting the service in the midlands.

The decision comes in response to increased levels of calls. It is so acute that a decision has been made to operate the service six days a week and another additional four or five counsellors will be recruited.
Services provided by Console were transferred to Pieta House earlier this year. Two counsellors currently operate at the Irishtown office which will be kitted out to facilitate increasing staff numbers early in 2017.
Fundraiser with Pieta House Gerard Tiernan said that the range of services will now be expanded. “We can do a lot more as Pieta House, including suicide crisis support and self-harm, adding to bereavement support which was already available under Console,” he said.
“Everything will be extended. It is good for the midlands,” said Mr Tiernan.
Demand for support in the run-up to Christmas has been high, he said. “Christmas is not just about parties and the festive season. We will have extra staff to man the 
phones before and after Christmas.”
The centre will be modified and a new counselling room will be made available.
“The demand is getting bigger and bigger. It is a sign of the times. We have a huge area to cover, including Mullingar, Athlone and Tullamore,” he said.
While some funding is provided by the HSE, fundraising is also essential and a fundraiser is being planned for Wednesday, January 25. 'Make it Happen', a motivational and goal setting talk, will take place at the Sheraton Athlone Hotel at 7.30pm.
A Darkness into Light run will also take place in May, which is another significant event in the fundraising calendar for Pieta House.
“Fundraising is the key to it. Without that, the service won't survive,” he said.
He said that the community is very supportive and the level of funds donated did not dip in the wake of the Console crisis earlier in the year.
Guest speakers at the fundraiser will include Dr Eddie Murphy, Alison Canavan and Breifne Earley.
Tickets for the fundraiser, at a cost of €20, can be purchased online via www.eventbrite.ie.