Darkness into Light event to shine light on suicide and self-harm

These activities, carried out within Covid-19 guidelines, will help shine a light on suicide and self-harm, raising vital funds for the suicide prevention and bereavement services provided by 17 partner charities in Northern Ireland as well as Pieta, the founding charity of DIL.

Darkness Into Light ambassadors from a range of areas have helped drive people’s preparation, while also encouraging sign-ups at darknessintolight.com. A number of ambassadors have set their own DIL challenges, too, ranging from sunrise walks to challenging mountain hikes across the Mournes.

For 2021, Darkness Into Light also gained community support from popular outdoor nature site Trek NI, who has helped signpost the best walks and places to watch the sunrise from multiple locations in each county on a weekly basis through their site and social media, all the while acknowledging the need to adhere to Covid-19 restrictions.

Darkness Into Light, which has become a global movement of comfort, solidarity and hope for all those affected by suicide and self-harm, is supported by Electric Ireland.

Elaine Austin, Pieta CEO said: “Darkness Into Light is crucial in delivering the funds needed to support this level of service.

“It is important for all of us to hold on to hope and Darkness Into Light gives us the opportunity to come together under this one common purpose, to remember our loved ones and to help those struggling at this time, and I do hope you will all join us on May 8.”

Clare McAllister, Electric Ireland added: “We are extremely grateful to those who have already signed up to support this year’s special Darkness Into Light sunrise event. Already we have raised important funds for charities right across Northern Ireland and we want to keep that momentum going in order to raise more to support the vital services they provide.

“We would encourage everyone who is taking part in DIL to be sure of their own safety, especially if they are doing an activity at dawn, and of course, whatever they are doing should be done in compliance with current Covid-19 guidelines set out by the Northern Ireland Executive.”

For more information about signing up and fundraising visit www.darknessintolight.com