Mayo people urged to share One Sunrise Together for Darkness into Light

ONE year into lockdown, Pieta’s services are in demand more than ever and they need the public’s support.

They are encouraging people to share One Sunrise Together and register at https://www.darknessintolight.ie/home-page-2021 to take part in a special Darkness Into Light that can unite us all while still staying physically apart.

Calls and texts to Pieta’s helpline directly relating to suicide, self-harm and suicide bereavement rose by 25% in December 2020 versus December 2019, and Pieta is expecting the pandemic burden to have far reaching implications throughout 2021.

Its counselling services have remained available throughout lockdown with phone, video and face-to-face appointments. In 2020, Pieta delivered over 52,000 hours of therapy and answered over 70,000 calls and texts for help through their 24/7 crisis helpline.

In Mayo, Pieta helped 19 people at their Ballina centre in 2020 and provided 1,600 hours of counselling across the county in 2019 and 2020.

By taking part in Darkness Into Light, participants will unite in every corner of Ireland to help shine a light on suicide and self-harm while raising vital funds for Pieta’s lifesaving services.

Last year, when it wasn’t possible to all walk together for Darkness into Light, Pieta faced a funding crisis, but Ireland came together as one community and got behind the event, with over €4 million raised following a tremendous public fundraising effort to ensure Pieta could continue to deliver their services through 2020.

In 2021, Covid-19 continues to impact not only the nation's physical health but its mental health too; it has impacted everything from people’s financial stability to their social habits. People are struggling with loneliness, a fact that is worsened with physical distance measures in place.

Pieta relies on the generous support of those who participate in Darkness Into Light each year to provide this important national mental health service free of charge, 24/7. While Covid-19 has been difficult Darkness Into Light is a chance for communities to look towards brighter days to come while sharing One Sunrise Together on May 8.

Elaine Austin, Pieta CEO, said: “We have all been faced with some incredible and daunting challenges over the last year. Pieta is here to support all of those in suicidal crisis and our free counselling has continued, uninterrupted throughout the Covid lockdowns. Our clinical team provide services over the phone, via text and in-person in twenty centres nationwide and, since last year, we now provide free counselling over video.

“Darkness Into Light is crucial in delivering the funds needed to support this level of service.”

Although there are no organised walks this year, Pieta and Electric Ireland are still urging the nation to sign up and mark this special Darkness Into Light sunrise within Covid guidelines on May 8 to show support to those impacted by suicide. Get involved for Darkness Into Light, whether that’s writing a sunrise note, walking, running, swimming, hiking, biking or simply sharing your sunrise snap using the hashtags #BrighterTogether, #DIL2021.

Sign up now at https://www.darknessintolight.ie/home-page-2021.