Pieta: Darkness into Light 2024
Darkness Into Light, Pieta’s annual fundraising event to raise money for lifesaving suicide and self-harm services is back at 4.15am on Saturday, 11 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, which is proudly supported by Electric Ireland, 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.
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.
Calling on businesses to sign up at https://www.darknessintolight.ie/groups/companies, 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 as young as 8 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 https://www.darknessintolight.ie/groups/companies.
How to contact Pieta
To avail of Pieta services, which are free of charge, please visit www.pieta.ie for all centre contact details and our National Therapy Services phoneline 0818 111 126. Pieta provides 24/7 support – if you are suicidal, self-harming or bereaved you can contact Pieta 24/7 via the Freephone crisis helpline on 1800 247 247, you can also text HELP to 51444 (standard message rates apply).
Jessica Clohisey
Fundraising and Marketing Manager, Pieta
