Pieta Darkness Into Light walks in Longford and Ballymahon officially launched

Darkness Into Light 2024 is taking place on Saturday, May 11 at 04:15am and over 100,000 participants are expected at more than 230 official walks across four continents.

The Longford Town Darkness Into Light Committee hosted the county launch for Darkness Into Light on Thursday, April 11 in The Sin Bin, Longford Rugby Club.

2024 marks the eleventh year Darkness Into Light will be held in Longford.

Registering for an official Darkness Into Light event ensures Pieta can continue to provide lifesaving suicide and self-harm services, and support people bereaved by suicide.

These services are free of charge and are available online, by phone, or in person. By registering for an official event, supporters can make a real and tangible difference, as the €26 sign-up fee for Darkness Into Light can enable Pieta to answer two calls to their 24/7 helpline, providing immediate support and guidance to those in crisis.

County Longford has two official DIL venues, Longford town and Ballymahon.

PICTURES | Pieta thank people of Longford for taking part in Darkness Into Light

To put into context the scale of services provided by Pieta and the ongoing need for registrations and donations, last year in Leinster alone, the charity provided almost 30,000 hours of therapy and saw over 4,000 clients. The charity also supported almost 500 families and households bereaved by suicide across the province.

Pieta’s 300 qualified Therapists, Suicide Bereavement Liaison Officers, and support staff across the country rely on this essential income to continue their lifesaving work.

The Amber Flag Initiative is one of Pieta’s Education and Training services. The committee were delighted to have two Amber Flag participants from St Michael’s Boys’ National School who were also part of the Longford St. Patrick’s Day Parade entry at the launch.

Because the theme for this year’s parade was ‘Sláinte’ and focused on health and wellbeing, students decided to wear tie-dye t-shirts and dark t-shirts. The colours represented the light and dark thoughts we all experience and the interconnection between mental and physical health.

They want people to understand that difficult emotions can be scary, and asking for help can also be scary, but if we need help, we should ask for it. Their entry was the Overall Winner of the parade, and the committee would like to congratulate each participant for their hard work and their fantastic achievement.

Darkness Into Light events are not possible without the involvement of local supporters. The committee would like to welcome the support of the Employment Development & Information Centre (EDI), who provided the cup-cakes at the launch and will also be providing additional treats at the event, and the Longford Variety Group for their unexpected and appreciated donation.

The committee would also like to thank the Longford Sports and Leisure Centre, Longford Scouts Den, Longford Civil Defence, Longford County Council, DJ Mick Nash, Longford Tool Hire, Peter Hanley Motors, Fresh Today School Lunches, Longford Centre, DCI Electrical Services Ltd., and photographers Lalin Swaris, Michael Croghan, and Lissette Carcamo for their continued generosity.

Down Memory Lane | Glamour and style at gala Longford ball from yesteryear

Darkness Into Light 2024 will bring communities together for the most important sunrise of the year, beginning in darkness and continuing through to dawn, symbolising the journey from despair to hope.

This year sees the introduction of a Participant Pass for people to attach to the back of their outfit and keep as a memento of Darkness Into Light 2024.

Registration is available online at darknessintolight.ie. The committee will also be holding an Information and Registration Day on Saturday, May 4 in the Longford Centre from 11am to 5pm.