Seeing the light
Pieta and Electric Ireland launched Darkness Into Light 2024 in Cavan Monaghan alongside ambassadors, sports broadcaster Alan Quinlan and singer-songwriter Aaron Harte earlier this week.
Some 100,000 people are expected to participate in the 16th annual walk, which will take place in 230 locations - including at locations across Cavan and Monaghan - at dawn on Saturday, May 11.
Darkness Into Light brings 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.
Fiona Corby is the Cavan organiser and she told The Anglo-Celt that the event has grown locally, year-on-year, from 303 people the first year to a record 3,000 people taking to their feet to support the cause last year.
“This is the 14th year of Darkness into Light in Cavan and we now have our own outreach support centre with a suicide liasion officer,” she continued. “They are very busy and that is a good thing because it means that people are reaching out and asking for help.”
Walks take place at a number of locations in the county including Cavan Town, Swanlinbar and Bailieborough.
Last year, Pieta provided over 3,000 hours of therapy and saw over 100 clients in Cavan and Monaghan. This, says Ms Corby, is indicative of the organisation’s ability to reach into families and communities that are impacted by suicide.
“Darkness into Light is about breaking the stigma around mental health and highlighting the importance of asking for help when it is needed,” she continued before adding that “the event is now running for 14 years, which is testament to the efforts that are being made to support the cause".
Meanwhile, much goes on behind the scenes to ensure that Darkness into Light is a success. Organisation kicks off in September and, as Ms Corby outlined.
“It takes a lot of work to bring it all together.”
She says the event itself “means a lot to so many people” because often they are walking in memory of a loved one who died by suicide or in solidarity with those who are struggling. “It’s incredibly important to get the message out there that it’s okay not to feel okay and that it’s okay to reach out for help,” Ms Corby continued.
“The darkness will pass if people access the help they need. It’s also important to note that if there is a change in someone’s demeanor, you ask them if they are okay because that conversation could help the person who is struggling to open up and put them on the path to recovery that they need.”
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 the organisation’s lifesaving work.
To register, log on to: www.darknessintolight.ie/event/cavan/home