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Newtownabbey Charity Joins 2024 Launch of Darkness Into Light

Proudly supported by Electric Ireland, Darkness Into Light is the annual sunrise event which raises vital funds for local mental health partner charities, and will take place on Saturday 11th May when thousands of participants will take part in the 15 official walks across Northern Ireland, one of which is at V36 Park in Antrim & Newtownabbey.

At Tuesday’s launch [26 March], Pieta and Electric Ireland were joined by representatives from the 12 local mental health charities in Belfast where City Hall was illuminated in the colours of Darkness Into Light. In the past decade, Darkness Into Light has raised over £1 million for Northern Ireland partner charities and Pieta to help with issues of suicide, self-harm, and mental health. To sign up and take part in this year’s fundraising event visit www.darknessintolight.com

Speaking at the launch, DIL 2024 ambassador and founder of Sunrise Social Caroline McKenna, said: “I am honoured to be an ambassador for Darkness Into Light. It is an event I have supported for many years, and I am honoured to have come on board this year in a more official capacity. Darkness Into Light is a truly special event. Beginning in darkness and continuing through to dawn, the 5km walk symbolises the journey from despair to hope. It is an opportunity for communities to come together, foster the sense of hope and raise crucial funds to support people in the community who need it most. So please, sign up and join us for the most important sunrise of the year and see the difference your support makes to local communities across Northern Ireland.”

This year, people in every county in Northern Ireland are encouraged to sign up to participate in one of 15 organised walks, or to take part in their own way,and in doing so support the charities in their local area that are providing vital services to those in need.

Stephanie Manahan, CEO, Pieta, said: “Darkness Into Light is not just an event; it is a beacon of hope, guiding us towards a future where every individual feels supported and valued. Together, with Electric Ireland's support and the collective efforts of our participants, volunteer committees and communities across the Island of Ireland, we can continue to shine a light on the importance of mental wellbeing and provide support to those in crisis.

Bill Coyle, NI Residential Manager, Electric Ireland, commented:“Electric Ireland is very proud of our ongoing support for Pieta and Darkness Into Light over the last twelve years of our partnership. Each year, we work with Pieta to create marketing and fundraising campaigns to promote awareness of this incredible event and encourage as many people as possible to participate and support. The power of Darkness Into Light is in its ability to bring hope and consolation to communities across the country and to raise much needed funds for the vital services provided by Pieta and partner charities in Northern Ireland. This movement reflects our values as an organisation and our determination to make the world brighter for our customers, staff and the communities we serve.”

The 12 partner charities across Northern Ireland provide easily accessible, free of charge services, which are available online, by phone or in person. Darkness Into Light plays a crucial role in enabling Pieta’s partner charities in Northern Ireland to uphold their commitment to providing suicide prevention, intervention, and bereavement support services to individuals of all ages throughout Northern Ireland, ensuring that help is always within reach when it's needed most.