Pieta Financial Crisis: Cuts & Suicide Prevention Efforts
- Suicide prevention charity Pieta is embarking on a meaningful restructuring plan to address a €3 million funding gap, a result of declining donations in recent years.The organization,which provides...
- According to Stephanie Manahan, Chief Executive of Pieta, fundraising efforts have been "a major challenge" since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Pieta operates on a total cost base of €17 million,receiving €3 million in funding from the HSE.
Pieta Faces Critical Funding Shortfall, Announces Restructuring
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A Lifeline Under strain
Suicide prevention charity Pieta is embarking on a meaningful restructuring plan to address a €3 million funding gap, a result of declining donations in recent years.The organization,which provides vital therapy to individuals experiencing suicidal ideation,self-harm,and bereavement,has described its current financial situation as “unsustainable.”
The Impact of External Factors
According to Stephanie Manahan, Chief Executive of Pieta, fundraising efforts have been “a major challenge” since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. She attributes this downturn directly to the escalating cost-of-living crisis, which is impacting disposable income and charitable giving across the board.
Pieta operates on a total cost base of €17 million,receiving €3 million in funding from the HSE. This leaves a substantial portion – 85% of its services – reliant on public donations, making the organization notably vulnerable to fluctuations in funding.
Declining Revenue and Reserve Depletion
fundraising income has steadily decreased since the pandemic,falling from €13 million to €10 million last year. To bridge the gap,Pieta has been drawing between €2.5 million and €3 million annually from its reserves, a practice that is no longer sustainable. The organization’s leadership recognized the urgency of the situation and informed staff of the impending restructuring plan on Wednesday.
| Year | Fundraising Revenue (€ millions) | reserve drawdown (€ millions) |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Pandemic | 13 | 0 |
| Last Year (2024) | 10 | 2.5 – 3 |
Restructuring and staff Impact
While the full extent of the headcount reduction remains uncertain, the initial focus will be on non-clinical roles. As of Friday, August 22, 2025, 18 employees have been given notice, with the expectation that this number will increase in the coming months. Manahan acknowledged the significant impact of the restructuring, stating, “The challenge of taking €3 million out of an organisation like Pieta is that, inevitably, it will of course impact on the whole organisation.”
Despite the difficult decisions, Pieta remains committed to its core mission. “The priority through all of this will be remaining “true to our purpose,” Manahan emphasized.”The work we do is just too vital. we are working with some of the highest-risk people in the country. they can’t afford to wait. They need to have access to a service immediately.”
Leadership and Financial Clarity
When questioned about potential salary reductions, Manahan stated that her salary of €120,000 is “benchmarked” against similar roles within the sector.She also noted that she has not accepted salary increases in the past three years, despite modest increases being offered to other staff members.
A Record of Service
Last year, Pieta’s psychotherapists provided 50,944 hours of free therapy to 6,865 individuals. The organization’s helpline also received over 100,000 calls and texts, demonstrating the significant demand for its services.