Darkness Into Light, Pieta’s annual fundraising event to raise money for lifesaving suicide and self-harm support, will take place at 4.15am on Saturday, 11th May, 2024.
With 100,000 participants expected at more than 230 official walks across four continents and many more taking part to fundraise in their own way, Darkness Into Light 2024 will bring communities together for the most important sunrise of the year, beginning in darkness and continuing through to dawn, symbolising the journey from despair to hope.
Launched today by Bláthnaid Treacy, Erica Cody and Eoin Doyle, the ambassadors are calling on the public to sign up today and support Pieta’s flagship fundraiser.
Speaking at the launch, Darkness into Light 2024 ambassador, Bláthnaid Treacy, said: “I am beyond proud to work with Pieta and Electric Ireland to support Darkness Into Light this year.
“Having participated with friends and family for as long as I can remember, it truly is the most important sunrise of the year and I look forward to taking part again this year.”
To put into context the scale of services provided by Pieta and the ongoing need for donations, last year, the charity received 100,000 calls and texts to its crisis helpline, provided nearly 52,000 hours of therapy and saw close to 7,000 clients across the country.
The charity also supported over 600 families and households bereaved by suicide.
Pieta depends on the funds generated by Darkness Into Light, with over 85% of the charity’s annual income coming from public fundraising.
Pieta’s 300 qualified Therapists, Suicide Bereavement Liaison Officers and support staff across the country rely on this essential income to continue their lifesaving work.
By participating in the event, supporters can make a real and tangible difference, as the €26 sign-up fee for Darkness Into Light can enable Pieta to answer two calls to their 24/7 helpline, providing immediate support and guidance to those in crisis.
Stephanie Manahan, CEO, Pieta, emphasised: “With around 100,000 crisis calls and texts to our helpline last year, we are under pressure to make sure we can continue to provide this vital service and keep our promise to those in their darkest hours that there will always be somewhere for them to turn.
“Together, with Electric Ireland’s support and the collective efforts of our participants, volunteer committees and communities across Ireland, we can continue to shine a light on the importance of mental wellbeing and provide support to those in crisis.
“Darkness Into Light is not just an event; it is a beacon of hope, guiding us towards a future where every individual feels supported and valued.”
Calling on people to sign up at www.darknessintolight.ie, Pieta and Electric Ireland are reminding people across the country that by getting involved in the event, they are making a valuable contribution towards Pieta’s vital therapy and support services for those impacted by suicide.
Pieta provides an easily accessible, free of charge service which is available online, by phone or in person.
Support is open to people from all walks of life and Therapists provide assistance to individuals from 8 to 88 years old.
Darkness Into Light plays a crucial role in enabling Pieta to uphold its commitment to providing suicide prevention, intervention and bereavement support services, ensuring that help is always within reach when it is needed most.
In addition to supporting Pieta’s lifesaving services, Darkness Into Light is a global movement dedicated to raising awareness of the issues surrounding suicide and self-harm and funds essential mental health and suicide prevention services offered by Pieta’s 28 partner charities across the world.
Be it walking, running, swimming or sharing their sunrise with family and friends, this event provides an important opportunity for people all around the world to come together, foster a sense of hope and raise crucial funds for suicide prevention.
Sign up today at www.darknessintolight.ie.
To avail of Pieta services, visit www.pieta.ie or call 0818 111 126.
Pieta provides 24/7 support via the Freephone crisis helpline on 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444 (standard message rates apply).
