TRADITIONALLY AT THIS time of year, thousands of people across Ireland and the world would be preparing to wake up early and walk together for Pieta. As one of the biggest events in the charity’s fundraising calendar, Darkness Into Light helps to shine a light on suicide while raising vital funds for life-saving services.
For the second year running, Darkness Into Light won’t be taking place in its usual form, but there are still ways to come together for Pieta on May 8. Rather than gathering for organised group walks, Darkness Into Light participants can unite for a special sunrise while staying physically apart.
Participants can register to walk, run, cycle, swim, hike, or simply share One Sunrise Together for Darkness Into Light on May 8. It’s a chance to unite in a moment of hope and warmth, no matter where you are in the country or the world, and to raise crucial funds for Pieta. Sign up online at darknessintolight.ie.
Vital support
In 2020, Pieta delivered over 52,000 hours of therapy and received over 70,000 calls and texts for help through its 24/7 crisis helpline. In the first three months of this year, over 22,800 calls and texts have been made to the helpline. That level of care wouldn’t be possible without events like Darkness Into Light, says Emma Dolan, the charity’s Clinical Director:
“Donations and community events are critical to ensuring that we can do what we do.”
Every service Pieta offers – including the crisis helpline, one-on-one counselling and support in the immediate aftermath of a suicide – is free of charge, with 80% of the charity’s funding coming from the public. Over the last year, that support has become even more important, as Pieta has worked to adapt its vital services to comply with Covid restrictions.
“From the very start of Covid, we needed to make sure there was no break in our service and that people’s ability to get to us would not be affected. We did a huge amount of work to make sure that all of our therapists and all of our staff were available by phone and video call.
We reassured people that we were still there for them, that the doors were open, and that we were providing our service.
Investments in hardware, technology and training were necessary for the charity to continuously offer support to those in need – no matter where they were in the country. “It was a huge transition for everyone, but it really has meant that we can keep seeing people who rely on our services,” says Dolan.
Calls about suicide, self-harm and suicide bereavement are on the rise, with Pieta receiving 25% more helpline calls relating to these topics in December 2020 compared to December 2019. More people are turning to Pieta’s services for other reasons too, including loneliness, which accounted for 37% of calls last year.
The charity expects the pandemic burden to have far reaching implications throughout 2021 – and the funds raised from Darkness Into Light will help Pieta to plan ahead.
“We’re very conscious that as this year goes on, it is taking more and more of a toll on people, so we need to ensure we can continue to be there for people,” says Dolan.
Coming together for sunrise
While this year’s event will be different, Dolan says the message remains the same: hope for brighter days ahead:
This has been such a long year and such a difficult year for people. Trying to get that sense of community and connectivity is so important.
Whether you plan on watching the sun rise out the back garden or you’re going for a dip with a friend, you’ll be supporting Pieta and the life-saving work the charity does.
In the lead-up to the day, people are also encouraged to share their personal stories of finding hope in the darkness on social media, using the hashtag #DIL2021.
“Sunrise brings people together,” says Dolan. “By showing up, you’re creating a conversation, and allowing Pieta to be there to help people.”
Join Pieta on May 8th for a special Darkness Into Light sunrise, proudly supported by Electric Ireland. Let’s show we’re #BrighterTogether, by shining a light on those impacted by suicide and raising vital funds. While there are no organised walks this year, participants can walk, run, swim, hike, bike or simply share One Sunrise Together. Sign up at darknessintolight.ie.
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