Introducing the Darkness Into Light Ormeau Park Volunteer Team
Electric Ireland is partnering with Pieta House to invite the people of Northern Ireland to Wake up and Walk on Saturday 12th May across several locations in Northern Ireland to raise vital funds for suicide prevention, suicide bereavement and self-harm.
Darkness Into Light 2018: Ormeau Park
Volunteers behind the Ormeau Park Darkness Into Light (DIL) walk are anticipating their biggest event yet. We were fortunate enough to catch up with the incredible volunteer team and a representative from their chosen charity, PIPS, to find out exactly what happens at the event and why Darkness Into Light is such an important event.
Supporting PIPS
This year the Ormeau Park group have chosen to support PIPS, a community-based organisation aimed at helping people in crisis whether suicidal or affected by suicide in their family or friends network.
“PIPS is unique in that it offers a walk-in service with no appointment required, but a promise that someone will be there to support and to listen,” says Louise Gault, a representative from PIPS.
She continues, “We are delighted to be working alongside the DIL Ormeau Park Committee and honoured to be chosen as the partner charity. PIPS rely on charitable contributions to support the therapy provided by volunteer counsellors. Monies raised at events like Darkness Into Light are crucial in allowing us to offer services free of charge, to as wide a section of the community as possible.”
Ormeau Park Volunteer Team
Ormeau Park Volunteer Team (from left): Helen Mckillen, Liz Poole, Patricia Haughan, Claire McKillen & Colette Snoddy.
Helen McKillen, Chairperson of the Darkness Into Light Ormeau Park Committee, is passionate about supporting charities in Northern Ireland and is happy that funds raised can support these organisations. She says, “Charities are flat out and I really feel for the councillors and the people working there. They are really doing their best. In our committee we have got to have the energy to bring this to people’s attention on their behalf.”
Reasons to Wake Up and Walk
“Individuals who walk in the DIL event will be helping fund the work of PIPS to allow it to continue to offer vital help to those in crisis,” says Louise. “Just as importantly though, walkers will not only be making their own personal statement but will be bringing comfort and strength to others by walking with them.”
Helen explains what inspires her, “What drives me is to not let these lives be in vain; we cannot forget those who have lost their lives to suicide.”
Claire McKillen, Helen’s daughter, is the Social Media Coordinator of the group. Claire describes the amazing feeling of walking from Darkness Into Light:
“it’s the atmosphere that makes this event so special. It’s so much more symbolic to be walking from the dark into the light, and when morning hits it’s a really electric atmosphere, everyone’s there for the same cause.”
The Importance of Kindness
The Darkness Into Light walk emphasises how we treat each other can often be a matter of life and death. The Ormeau Park committee are promoting a message of hope and kindness and the group emphasise the importance of being open and taking time to listen to each other.
“Even if you don’t think you can actually say anything to make things better, sometimes just listening to someone is all they need,” says Claire.
Could your kindness go a bit further? Check out our 7 Ways to be Kind in support of Darkness Into Light.
The Darkness Into Light Experience
Claire describes the walk as emotional and uplifting and something that everyone needs to experience.
“When you go away from that walk, you remember that all those people were there together and are there for one another. It is really special,” she says.
Louise concludes by “It is so important to get the message out to our communities about mental health and suicide prevention. Not only addressing and talking about mental health issues and helping prevent suicide, but also bringing the message of hope.”
Electric Ireland and Pieta House, the organisers of Darkness Into Light, have joined together to de-stigmatise suicide and self-harm and promote a message of hope.
Walk with us from Darkness Into Light at 4.15am on May 12th #DIL2018, proudly supported by Electric Ireland. Sign up at darknessintolight.ie.
If you have been affected any issues mentioned above and need to talk to someone then call Lifeline NI number 0808 808 8000.