Public continues to support ex-Console suicide service

Public support for the suicide prevention services formerly provided by Console has been maintained despite the crisis and subsequent closure of the charity.

Pieta House, which has taken over the operation of the counselling and telephone helpline services set up by Console, says it hasn’t noticed any falloff in financial support from the public.

"We haven't seen any impact, thankfully, but is early days yet," says Brian Higgins, chief executive of Pieta House.

It took over Console's services last July at the request of businessman David Hall, who was drafted in to resolve the crisis at the agency following revelations of mismanagement and overspending by founder Paul Kelly.

Mr Higgins says he has not had any contact with Mr Kelly nor have former Console staff heard from him since the summer.

Pieta House agreed to an initial three-month contract for Console staff last July so that services could continue uninterrupted.