Pieta House Cuts 30+ Jobs After 10% Fundraising Drop, Darkness Into Light Income Falls

Pieta House has let go of over 30 employees following a restructuring program, driven by a 10% year-on-year decrease in fundraising revenue. This decline is partly due to a significant drop in income from the Darkness Into Light event, which raised approximately €3.5 million last year, falling short of the €4 million target.

CEO Stephanie Manahan stated on RTÉ's This Week that inflation, cost of living, and global volatility are impacting giving patterns. A further projected 10% fall in overall fundraising this year led to the staff reductions. Some fundraisers were among those who lost their jobs. The charity aims to diversify income through philanthropy, grants, and applications.

Manahan defended the charity's decision to vacate a building in Waterford, explaining it reduces overheads, similar to a move in Lucan two years prior which allowed opening five new locations. Despite financial challenges, Pieta House's 24-hour helpline, in-person and virtual therapy, school programs, and bereavement support services remain operational, and the organization is recruiting therapists. The HSE recently doubled its funding to Pieta House from €2 million to €4 million. Manahan urged anyone struggling with suicidal ideation to call 1800-247-247.