Kingswood residents walk for a ‘brighter future’

HUNDREDS of local people came together in solidarity as Darkness into Light events and sunrise walks were held across communities.

One event staged was the annual NINA for Life Suicide Awareness Sunrise Walk, which began at the Kingswood Community Centre and saw residents walking for a ‘brighter future’.

NINA is a community-based organisation that provides suicide awareness and education locally.

One of NINA’s founders Jean Haas, whose son Christopher died by suicide, told The Echo: “[On Saturday, May 11] we remembered loved ones and walked for a brighter future. It was an incredible event for many reasons.

“So many people came together to make this happen.”

Jean added: “Thank you to all the very beautiful people that walked with us [on Saturday].

“We are extremely grateful to everyone that gave us their time and support, you know who you are.

“Big thank-you to our Kingswood community centre, which opened its doors for us at 3.30am.

“Thank you to our very own Kingswood Choir for singing so beautifully.

“Our very own Kingswood Community College which raised an amazing amount of funds for us.

“We are also extremely grateful to Charlie O’Connor, Tallaght Person Nico Crowley Tallaght Person of the Year and Father Frank for supporting us [during the sunrise walk event].”

Learn more about NINA for LIFE through its Facebook page.

Pieta provides 24/7 support via the freephone crisis helpline on 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444.