Seeking support from Pieta House: ‘It was easier to open up to a stranger than to family’

At 18, Dean Hayes was grieving the loss of his grandmother and grappling with coming out as gay. He turned to Pieta House for help and has since become an active volunteer with the charity

Dean Hayes: "I come from a really supportive family, but, at the time, I felt like I was a burden. So I reached out to Pieta House, and the staff were fantastic.” Picture: Patrick Browne.

Most people in Ireland will be familiar with Pieta House. Opened 19 years ago, it has since then helped more than 70,000 people who have suicidal thoughts or who self-harm. 

Each year, it answers 100,000 calls and texts via its crisis helpline and provides 50,000 hours of counselling at its 20 locations around Ireland.