IN 2009, in the Phoenix Park in Dublin, 400 people set-off on the inaugural Darkness into Light 5km walk to raise funds for Pieta House. From small beginnings, the movement has grown year on year and in 2018 over 200,000 people took part in 150 locations, in 16 countries and across 5 continents.
Each year the walk provides an opportunity for people to connect with their local community and to show their support for those who have been bereaved by suicide. Since Darkness Into Light began, supporters have helped to raise almost €20 million, which has enabled Pieta House to keep its doors and their 24/7 helpline open for people in crisis, free of charge. Since 2012, when the first international event took place in London, international charity partners have benefited from an investment of €3 million in local mental health support services.
PIETA HOUSE
Founded in Dublin in 2006, Pieta House was established to provide freely accessible one-to-one counselling to people suffering from suicidal ideation, engaging in self-harm or to those bereaved by suicide.
With over 240 qualified therapists in 15 centres and a 24/7 helpline and text service, they do everything they can to ensure that help is available to those in crisis. They have provided counselling to over 44,000 people, with almost 7,500 people coming through their doors in 2018.
The Suicide Bereavement Liaison Service delivers practical and emotional support to bereaved families in their time of crisis, either in their homes or a place of their choice.
Pieta House also provides support to children and adolescents through their Resilience Academy, a six-week programme for secondary schools designed to promote positive mental health.
All their services are provided free of charge. Their 24/7 Suicide Helpline (Ireland only) can be accessed by calling 1800 247 247 or text HELP 51444
SPONSOR
Electric Ireland has supported Darkness into Light since 2013, working with Pieta House to bring hope to communities across Ireland that have been affected by suicide. Marguerite Sayers, executive director ESB, commented on the long term partnership between Electric Ireland and Pieta: “Electric Ireland has proudly supported the Darkness Into Light event for the past seven years and over that time we have worked with Pieta to grow Darkness into Light into the global event it is today. Darkness into Light reminds us all to believe in the power of hope.
“We are looking forward to helping to make this year’s walk the most successful yet.”
VENUES IN IRELAND
Achill
An Cheathrú Rua
Antrim and Newtownabbey
Ardee
Arklow
Arranmore Island
Athlone
Athy
Bailieborough
Ballaghaderreen
Ballina
Ballinamore
Ballinasloe
Ballincollig
Ballygar
Ballymahon
Ballymena
Ballymote
Ballyvolane
Ballyvourney
Baltinglass
Banada
Banagher
Bandon
Bantry
Blarney
Blessington
Boyle
Bray
Buncrana
Bundoran
Cabinteely Athletic Club
Caherdaniel
Cahersiveen
Carlow
Carndonagh
Carrick
Carrick on Suir
Carrick-on-Shannon
Carrigaline
Cashel
Castlebar
Castlerea
Castletownbere
Causeway
Cavan Town
Celbridge
Clare Island
Claremorris
Clifden
Clonakilty
Clonmel
Clontarf
Cobh
Colemanstown
Cookstown
Courtown
Crossmaglen
DCU Campus
Derry City
Dingle
Donegal Town
Doolin
Drogheda
Dromore
Dromore West Village
Dundalk
Dungarvan
Dunleer
Dunmanway
Edenderry
Enfield
Ennis
Enniscorthy
Erris
Fairyhouse (Ratoath)
Falcarragh
Fermoy
Galway City
Glanmire
Glenamaddy
Glenbeigh
Gweedore
Hannahstown
Headford
Inchigeelagh
Inis Meáin
Inis Mór
Inis Oírr
Inishbofin
Inistioge
Inisturk
Kanturk
Kenmare
Kilkenny City
Killaloe/Ballina
Killarney
Kilmallock
Kinsale
Kinvara
Letterkenny
Limerick City
Lisnaskea
Listowel
Longford Town
Loughrea
Maghery
Malahide Castle
Mallow
Marlay Park
Maynooth
Midleton
Miltown Malbay
Mitchelstown
Monaghan Town
Monasterevin
Mountmellick
Moynalty
Mullingar
Murroe
Naas
Navan
Nenagh
New Ross
Newcastle West
Oranmore
Ormeau Park
Oughterard
Phoenix Park
Portumna
Rathdowney
Rathmullen
Ringsend
Roscommon Town
Roscrea
Rostrevor
Schull
Shannon
Sixmilebridge
Skerries
Skibbereen
Sligo Town
Strabane
Swinford
Thurles
Tinahely
Tipperary Town
Tory Island
Tralee
Trim
TU Dublin Grangegorman
Tuam
Tullamore
Tullow
Tymon Park
UCC Cork
UCD Campus
Waterford City
Westport
Wexford Town
Wicklow Town
Youghal
International venues are on the website.
DETAILS
What is the date again?
Saturday, May 11th. Times vary in venues all around the world so check on your venue page for start time. It’s very early on Saturday morning wherever you are.
Who can participate?
Everyone is welcome. However, children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Can I register on the morning of the event?
Online registration is open until May 11th. You cannot register in person at the event, so all registrations need to be completed before you depart.
How do I register for Darkness Into Light?
You can register online for any venue using www.darknessintolight.ie Register online by clicking on one of the orange buttons on the homepage of this site. You will then be asked to pick your venue and from one of three registration categories 1) for individuals, families and friends; 2) groups of adults up to 50 people; or 3) for organisations that want to register groups of children and accompanying adults up to 50 people. Once you have completed your registration you will receive an email confirmation.
SHARING OPTIONS: