Electric Ireland and Pieta are launching an urgent appeal for the public to donate at darknessintolight.ie to ensure that Pieta’s essential frontline services can remain in operation and continue to be delivered free of charge. On May 9, over 250,000 people were due to come together worldwide for a walk highlighting the fight against suicide and self-harm.
Darkness Into Light is the main annual source of funding for Pieta.
As the walks cannot now take place, a Darkness Into Light ‘Sunrise’ appeal will take place on that day. People are urged to donate what they can and to come together while remaining apart by getting up at 5.30am to watch the sunrise and to show solidarity with those impacted by suicide. People can share their sunrise moment using the #DIL2020.
The need for Pieta’s services is greater than ever as Covid-19 has wide health impacts. As more people find themselves worried, anxious, under strain, financially impacted and in many cases isolated and alone, the effect on mental health is significant. Research shows that one in five Irish people are experiencing clinically defined levels of depression.
Even before Covid-19 the public need for Pieta’s services was on the increase, with calls to Pieta’s helpline up 49 per cent year-on-year while text messages to Pieta had increased by 46 per cent. As much as 80 per cent of Pieta funds come from the general public and these funds have been greatly impacted due to social distancing restrictions.
Just €20 can fund two life-saving calls to those in crisis.
Donate at www.darknessintolight.ie.
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