Because under one sunrise, we’re brighter together
One year on from when the country went into lockdown, Pieta’s services are in demand more than ever and they badly need the public’s support.
Electric Ireland is proud to support Pieta for a ninth year and together with Pieta are encouraging people to register at www.darknessintolight.ie to take part in a special Darkness into Light that can unite us all whilst still staying physically apart.
By taking part in Darkness Into Light, participants will unite 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 people from all over Ireland came together as one community and got behind the event, with hundreds of thousands rising at dawn and sharing sunrise moments from across the country.
The support was nothing short of amazing with over €4 million raised to ensure Pieta could continue to deliver their services through 2020.
In 2021, Covid-19 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 8th.
Calls and texts to Pieta’s helpline directly relating to suicide, self-harm and suicide bereavement rose by 25% in December 2020 vs. December 2019, and Pieta is expecting the pandemic burden to have far reaching implications throughout 2021.
Pieta’s 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.
Every single person faces challenges and Pieta worked with well-known ambassadors, including Miriam O Callaghan, Donal Ryan and Oliver Dingley who shared Sunrise Notes, detailing how they have found light in the dark, especially over the last 12 months. You can read their Sunrise Notes HERE.
Pieta is encouraging the nation to take pen to paper to write their own Sunrise Note and share their stories of finding hope in the darkness online using the hashtag, #DIL2021. The concept of writing and sharing a heartfelt note will help bring people together through shared experiences of finding light in the darkness.
Pieta CEO, Elaine Austin, said; “… 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.
Marguerite Sayers, Executive Director, Electric Ireland, added; “We are proud to support Pieta with Darkness Into Light for our ninth consecutive year. We understand how difficult this year has been for many people, and there is an urgent need to support Pieta with their mission to help those who need it most.
Sign up now at www.darknessintolight.ie to get involved in Darkness Into Light whether it’s by writing a sunrise note, walking, running, swimming, hiking, biking or simply sharing your sunrise snap using the hashtags, #BrighterTogether, #DIL2021.
