Dundalk Darkness Into Light walk to go ahead as Pieta announce in-person services for Louth
The Dundalk Darkness into Light Walk is to go ahead on May 11 following the announcement that the mental health and suicide prevention charity Pieta is to launch a new in-person support service at the Redeemer Family Resource Centre in Dundalk.
Confirming that this year’s event will take place, the committee that has organised the walk since 2017, welcomed the news that Pieta is to begin in-person services in the county in September,
“This is the result of seven years hard work” event director Cllr Seán Kelly said. He thanked everyone for their support and urged them to support the walk on May 11.
In a statement issued on Sunday evening, Pieta said “We expect to open the service in September 2024, pending completion of the necessary logistics and staffing arrangements. This shows our commitment to enhancing services for people in Louth in suicidal distress or engaging in self-harm. This has involved considerable work by many people over a number of months, and we extend our sincere thanks to everyone involved.”
“Pieta relies on our generous supporters to fund our services, and 100% of the funding for this service comes from donations. We remain committed to ensuring the long-term sustainability of our services. We’ll keep working closely with our four Louth Darkness Into light committees, local community, authorities, and the HSE to help ensure the long-term viability of this resource.”
“We’re grateful to the people of Louth, our dedicated volunteers, the four hardworking Darkness into Light committees in Louth, the Redeemer Family Resource Centre and the local HSE . Your steadfast support is vital in our mission to reduce suicide and self-harm nationwide and support those affected by suicide.”
It’s full steam ahead for the Dundalk committee organising the walk on May 11 at Dundalk Institute of Technology.
“Darkness into Light started here in Dundalk as a conversation between a couple of friends one night seven years ago in the Crowne Plaza,” Cllr Seán Kelly recalled in a social media post.
“Now we have delivered for the town. It’s a proud day. Thank you to all our committee members, both past and present, the volunteers, our sponsors and you, our supporters, who have been with us every year. Dundalk is at its best when people come together. Hope is finally home.”
Pieta said that it will continue to offer a variety of supports in Louth via phone and online counselling services, as well as having a local Suicide Bereavement Liaison Officer. They are also working with children throughout the county through their school programmes.
The Pieta crisis helpline is available 24/7 at 1800 247 247. Those seeking therapy can contact them at 0818 111 126, and schools interested in their resilience and well-being programmes should contact amberflag@pieta.ie and resilience@pieta.ie.