Thousands of people set to take part in Darkness Into Light events at over 100 venues throughout Ireland

Conor Heneghan

A record number of people are expected to participate in events across Ireland and all over the world.

In excess of 150,000 people at over 150 venues all over the world are expected to take part in Pieta House’s Darkness Into Light events in the early hours of tomorrow morning, Saturday, May 6.

Events will take place at over 100 venues throughout Ireland, including a number of new venues across the country and there is still time to register for events apart from those taking place in Dublin, which are all fully booked.

Eight years since the first Darkness Into Light event took place in the Phoenix Park in Dublin in 2009, the events have generated huge support and have gone from a fundraising event to a global movement against suicide.

Speaking to JOE about this year’s Darkness Into Light events, Brian Higgins, Pieta House CEO, said: “Darkness Into Light started in the Phoenix Park in 2009 when 400 people gathered for a ‘sponsored walk’ and now it has gone from being a fundraising event to a global movement against suicide.

“It’s a crucial tool in helping us to deliver our vision of a world where suicide, self-harm and stigma are replaced by hope, self-care and acceptance.

“Darkness Into Light brings in about a third of our annual income. The fundraising gives us a flexibility to respond to need. At Pieta House we have 240 of the finest psychotherapists who sit with people at their most vulnerable. What they hear are the stories and the truths of people and the reasons why they need our help.

“What we’ve not had before is the ability to respond quickly and effectively to the needs that emerge through conversation with our clients. The extra fundraised income from DIL gives us the means to respond to emerging needs and that has allowed us in the last year to research and develop our Resilience Academy schools programme for Second Year students. The funds allow us to serve people better.

“For anyone who may be suffering, who may have suicidal ideation or is engaging in self-harm, or if they feel isolated, Darkness Into Light is this phenomenal and very visible sign and gesture that your community is there to support you.

“The generosity of people who support Pieta House is incredible. It’s that whole ‘pass it on’ mentality, where people give generously for someone else’s therapy and to allow us to keep it free for everyone. None of us knows whether or when we’ll need that help or not. So why should you register for Darkness Into Light and get up in the morning and do it? Because somebody in your community may need our help – and that somebody may one day be you.”

Darkness Into Light events will take place at over 100 venues throughout Ireland in the early hours of Saturday morning, including at a number of new locations for 2017 listed below.

To register, visit www.darknessintolight.ie.

Clare

Doolin

Cork

Ballincollig

Blarney

Cobh

Dunmanway

Skibbereen

Kerry

Caherdaniel

Kenmare