Pieta ‘making progress’ on new location

Three months after announcing plans to close its office location in Athlone, Pieta has not yet established a new co-located base in the town and continues to deliver services online.

In March, Pieta announced it was to close its existing Athlone centre on Sean Costello Street and move to an outreach model of service from a new location shared with other health and community partners in the town.

At the time, a spokesperson said: "There is a three-month notice period in place with the landlord. Our services to our clients will continue in the meantime as we transition to a new location.”

The Westmeath Independent understands that currently services are being delivered entirely remotely. The former centre on Sean Costello Street, which was being provided rent-free to the charity, is now back on the market for let.

A Pieta spokesperson said: “Pieta support continues to be available locally for anyone affected by suicide or self-harm.

“We are making good progress with new local arrangements and will share further details once finalised. Anyone currently receiving support is being contacted and supported directly through Pieta’s appointment-based services.”

Pieta said its new combined service model allows it “to prioritise the sustainable delivery of life saving suicide prevention psychotherapy and counselling services”.