Pieta House launch Darkness Into Light Sunrise appeal

Pieta House launch Darkness Into Light Sunrise appeal

By Mary Dennehy

PIETA House has launched a special Darkness into Light Sunrise appeal, which encourages people to donate what they can to the charity this May.

More than 250,000 people across the globe were expected to take part in the annual Darkness into Light event on May 9.

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Thousands of people across 202 locations worldwide walked together in hope against suicide at last year’s Darkness Into Light

However, due to current restrictions, events cannot take place as planned.

This week Pieta House has launched a special appeal for people to donate what they can to the charity and to come together while remaining apart by getting up at 5.30am on May 9 to watch the sunrise.

The Sunrise event on May 9 will also show community and solidarity with those impacted by suicide.

Ellen 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.”

Ms Austin added: “While we are devastated that we won’t come together physically on May 9, 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.”

Electric Ireland has been supporting Pieta through the Darkness into Light event for the past seven years.

Marguerite Sayers, Executive Director of Electric Ireland said: “We are appealing to people all over Ireland to come together, while remaining apart, and support this urgent appeal to ensure that Pieta, who are on the frontline of suicide prevention, can continue saving lives.”

Pieta provides free therapy to those engaging in self-harm, with suicidal ideation or bereaved by suicide.

Some 80 per cent of charity’s funds come from the general public.

For further details on the Darkness into Light Sunrise appeal or to donate, visit Darkness into light

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