Thousands brave the weather to unite under 'One Sunrise Together' for Darkness Into Light 2021

On Saturday, May 8th, thousands of people shared ’One Sunrise Together’ and sent messages of hope around the world to people who have been impacted by suicide and self-harm. In a year where we have spent so much time apart from loved ones, this was a rare unifying moment, and Electric Ireland and Pieta would like to extend their appreciation to everyone who got involved in this year's socially distant Darkness Into Light event, proudly supported by Electric Ireland. 

 
RTE’s The Late Late Show kicked off the special weekend with a dedicated Darkness Into Light programme with viewers showing incredible generosity, raising more than €1 million euro for Pieta. Friday evening’s show was a sign of the support to come. Despite the windy and wet conditions thousands of people across the country joined for Darkness into Light on Saturday to share ‘One Sunrise Together’. The support continued right across the weekend with many more participants in the iconic yellow t-shirts rising at dawn on Sunday also, showing solidarity for those impacted by suicide. 

The kindness and support continued online where many people shared images of their sunrise moment and offered words of hope and solidarity to those impacted by suicide. Several well-known personalities supported Pieta, including Louise Cooney, Maurice Shanahan, Jack McGrath, Mary Black, Lawson Mpame, Laura Whitmore and Donie O’Sullivan.   

The generosity and support of everyone who signed up or donated means that Pieta's free crisis helpline can continue to support people struggling with self-harm or suicidal thoughts. Pieta employs over 200 qualified therapists and support staff across 20 centres nationally, and their services are free to anyone who needs them. With over 22,500 calls and texts placed to Pieta’s crisis line so far this year, Darkness Into Light is a vital fundraising event to ensure this service remains freely available to everyone 24/7. 

With the pandemic continuing to put stress on the nation’s mental health and the demand for Pieta’s services continuing to rise. The funds raised from this year’s Darkness Into Light will make a direct impact on communities around the country, with the funding going direct to Pieta’s life-saving services. 

Look back at some special moments from the weekend. 

Electric Ireland is proud to continue to shine a light on mental health through its long-term partnership with Pieta and Darkness Into Light by now partnering with RTE to launch a brand-new four-part documentary series I’m Fine. The new series follows Lorcán McMullan, Ray Connellan, Conor O'Keeffe and Hugh Mulligan as they speak about their struggles with mental health.  

 These brave men spoke so honestly about their own stories on Friday night’s Late Late Show. 

I'm Fine is exclusively on RTÉ Player and is sponsored by Electric Ireland. Watch it. Share it. Talk about it. Start the conversations that will help someone you love. During the darkest of times, we're Brighter Together.