Darkness Into Light launch
JOAN FREEMAN, CEO of suicide and self-harm crisis centre Pieta House, was in Bray last week to launch Bray, Arklow and Enniscorthy’s Darkness into Light events.
Taking place on Saturday May 10, Darkness into Light begins in darkness at 4.15 a.m. as thousands of people walk or run a 5km route while dawn is breaking.
‘Wicklow and Wexford have shown great support for Darkness into Light so I’m delighted that Wicklow will have a second venue in Bray this year,’ said Joan.
Olympic boxer Adam Nolan attended the launch, as well as Cathaoirleach of Bray Town Council Tracy O’Brien, councillors and TDs, Community Guards, the Order of Malta, Lions Club member and Nicola O’Leary representing sponsor Electric Ireland as well as many other supporters.
Bray’s Darkness into Light event sets off from the National Sea Life Centre, Arklow’s event will begin at the Sea Scout’s centre and Enniscorthy’s event will start at Shamrock’s GAA Club. Online registration and further details are available now at dil.pieta.ie.
This year, Pieta House is linking Darkness into Light with their Mind Our Men campaign which aims to reduce male suicide in Ireland.
They are asking participants to bring a male friend or family member with them on the walk – it could be a friend, brother, father or work colleague. Joan, who is a psychologist, founded Pieta House in 2006. With nine centres throughout Ireland, Pieta House provides a professional, one-to-one therapeutic service for those who are experiencing suicidal ideation or engaging in self-harm.
A doctor’s referral or psychiatric report is not required and the service is completely free of charge. For more information on Darkness into Light, contact Marie Peelo on (01) 6281111