22 February 2019
By Mary Bermingham
mary@TheCork.ie
David Stanton, TD and Minster of State at the Department of Justice and Equality, today attended the official opening of Pieta House in Shanakiel, Co. Cork.
Previously situated in Highfield Lawn, Bishopstown, Pieta House was relocated to a new facility in Shanakiel House in June 2018 to enhance the services of Pieta House in Cork city and county.
Speaking at the official opening of Pieta House in Shanakiel, Minister David Stanton, said; “Pieta House is one of the most vital organisations in today’s society where they replace suicide, self-harm and stigma with self-care, hope and acceptance. As a community, it’s essential we support Pieta House and the services its team provides to the public on a daily basis. Pieta House has supported 7,438 people in 2018 across 15 centres nationwide and I’m very proud to be here today in my home county to officially open Pieta House Cork centre in Shanakiel.”
Since it was established to provide free and accessible, professional services to people who are in suicidal crisis or who are self-harming, Pieta House has worked with over 40,000 people, and has become one of Ireland’s leading charitable organisations. Pieta House began operating in Cork in December 2013 and its client base has grown exponentially since then. The facility also provides suicide bereavement counselling.
The relocation of the Cork centre has been supported by JCD the current owners of Shanakiel House. Set across six acres of landscaped grounds, the original building underwent an extensive refurbishment and the facility enjoys panoramic views over Cork City.
Chairperson of Pieta House, Fergus Clancy, commented; “We would like to extend our gratitude to the Pieta House team in Shanakiel for their ongoing commitment and dedication to provide stable support services to the people of Cork and surrounding areas. We hope the new state of the art facility in Shanakiel will become a flagship centre of the Pieta House organisation and continue the buildings long history of supporting Cork’s communities. We are very grateful to John Cleary of JCD for their support in developing this wonderful, historic building and extremely appreciative to the people of Cork who have embraced and hugely supported fundraising.”
Also in attendance at the opening was the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Mick Finn, who said; “Pieta House has had a very positive effect on communities in Cork. The centre has built a number of community-based services that have initiated a normalising effect on mental health and the power of opening up a conversation. Events like Darkness into Light, on 11th May this year, are superbly supported by the Cork public and ensure that Pieta House services remain freely available.”
Pieta House, which started as a small, Dublin-based charity in 2006, now employs over 240 therapists and administrative staff nationwide and has 15 centres across the country. From day one, all of the services it provides have been offered completely free of charge. As over 85% of its income comes from fundraising events and donations, Pieta House relies heavily on the support of its charity partners.
John Cleary John Cleary Developments, Chairperson of Pieta House Fergus Clancy and Lord Mayor Cllr Mick Finn , Pictured at the official opening of Pieta House in Shanakiel, Cork. Pieta House was relocated to a new facility in Shanakiel House in June 2018 to enhance the services of Pieta House in Cork city and county.
Pictures Gerard McCarthy
