Staying In 21st April 2020 by Denise Curtin

‘Sunrise’ Appeal To Replace This Year’s Darkness Into Light

Darkness Into Light has been postponed but Pieta still needs your help.

As we continue to make efforts to fight the coronavirus pandemic, Darkness Into Light 2020 will unfortunately not be taking place this year.

The 5K event which usually happens at the beginning of May every year, sees people from all across the world start walking at 5:30am, watching the morning get brighter and moving in solidarity with those impacted by suicide.

But this year, while the event might be postponed, Pieta are launching a “Sunrise” appeal to replace the event and continue to raise vital funds.

This special appeal encourages people to donate what they can and come together while remaining apart. In order to get involved, all you need to do is get up at 5:30am to watch the sunrise and spread the message of hope by sharing your sunrise moment using the #DIL2020.

On May 9th, it was expected that over 250,000 people would have come together, highlighting the fight against suicide and self-harm. Darkness Into Light is the main annual source of funding for Pieta.

The need for Pieta’s lifesaving services is greater than ever as COVID-19 impacts not only on the nation’s physical health but its mental health too. As people find themselves worried, anxious, under strain, financially impacted and in many cases isolated and alone, the effect on mental health is significant. Recent research has also confirmed that 1 in 5 Irish people are experiencing clinically defined levels of depression. Even before COVID-19 the public need for Pieta’s services was on the increase, with calls to Pieta’s helpline up 49% year on year while text messages to Pieta had increased by 46%.

Elaine Austin, CEO of Pieta said:

“As a result of Covid-19, our helpline has seen an increase in calls from people all over the country who are in crisis right now with many others presenting with high anxiety. Our bereavement counsellors are supporting people who have lost loved ones and who are struggling to come to terms with their loss in a world where friends and family cannot grieve together as a result of the lockdown.

Funding from the public has never been more vital to keep Pieta’s door open. The Darkness Into Light walk will hopefully take place later in the year, but we can’t wait – we’re urgently asking people to donate, whatever they can. This will help fund our services, ensuring we can continue to support those in their darkest hours and to keep delivering our one-to-one counselling.

While we are devastated that we won’t come together physically on May 9th, we will share a special moment of togetherness by getting up at 5:30am and watching the sunrise. We would also appreciate if people can wear yellow or a previous year’s t-shirt that day to show support for those impacted by suicide.”

Donate at www.darknessintolight.ie.

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