Pieta House Witnesses Large Increase In Under 18s Accessing Services

Clare FM

Pieta House has witnessed what it's described as a considerable increase in the number of young people accessing its services here in the wake of the pandemic. It's a member of Mental Health Reform, a coalition of organisations calling for an additional 20 million euro in Budget 2025 to deliver services and reform, as funding has remained stagnant in recent years, despite growing demand for supports. Pieta House has focused its post-covid strategy on supporting those under the age of 18, by increasing the volume of therapists in centres or through online or phone services, to cater for that age cohort. Ennis-based Spokesperson Tom Mc Evoy says only 13% of the organisation's funding comes from government sources, with the remainder from fundraising and reserves and he insists it's vital that adequate supports are available to those in need. Pieta House can be contacted 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 1800 247 247 or texting 'help' to 51444.