Pieta, the charity dedicated to preventing suicide and self-harm, has confirmed that it is relocating to a new premises in Tuam.

And while the charity itself said that this would allow them ‘to continue offering the same level of care and support to people in Tuam and the surrounding areas’, one local TD expressed his ‘bitter disappointment’ at the relocation.

Pieta staff hope to begin the move to the new location in December – and until then, its counselling services will remain available at the charity’s current location on Bishop Street.

Pieta’s Chief Executive Officer, Stephanie Manahan, said they were ‘really pleased to have secured our new premises at Brú Bhride on Church View in Tuam’.

“While we continue to provide our services from Bishop Street for now, we look forward to welcoming our existing and new clients to our new location from December,” she said.

“Eighty per cent of our funding nationally comes from the generosity of public donations and we are deeply grateful to our supporters and fundraisers in Tuam and the surrounding areas who contribute so much to our services.

“We will continue to provide suicide and self-harm prevention counselling and suicide bereavement counselling services from our Tuam centre, and from our Galway service,” she added.

But Galway East Deputy Sean Canney called the relocation a regressive move.

“Pieta is walking away from a facility that was purpose built, was discreet and offer a wonderful service to so many people who have mental health issues,” he said.

“Pieta is more concerned about saving money, but their decision will affect the level of the service being provided at a time when the demand for mental health supports is growing,” he added.

He also expressed his disappointment that the request for additional funding to the Department of Health by Pieta has fallen on deaf ears at a time when the Government coffers were – as he put it – ‘awash with money’.

“It is also an insult to all the people who have put so much voluntary work into developing the centre on Bishop Street and the ongoing fundraising for Pieta over the last ten years,” he said.

“I am calling on the Government to sort out this farce and ensure that the service remains on the purpose-built facility on Bishop Street by providing the necessary to allow the level of service to continue to be delivered for Tuam and the western region,” he concluded.

Pieta provides free, nationwide support for people in urgent need who are self-harming, struggling with suicidal thoughts, or have lost someone to suicide.

To book an appointment, call 0818 111 126. For immediate help, their 24/7 crisis helpline is available at 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444.

Pictured: Sean Canney…regressive move.