Darkness Into Light events postponed

The Chairperson for Darkness Into Light Nenagh, Brendan Murphy, has confirmed that Pieta House have decided to postpone this year’s Darkness Into Light event which was due to take place on May 9th.
He said: "Pieta House have made their decision in the interest of health and safety and in keeping with the Government's health guidelines in relation to Covid-19. Pieta House are hoping to reschedule the event in the autumn if it is safe to do so. This is a major blow for the organisation as the Darkness Into Light events account for a huge portion of the organisation's funding which enables them to provide services for people who are in suicidal distress and people who engage in self harm.
"In contrast to the above Pieta House expect an increase in people seeking their help in the coming weeks and months as Covid-19 has already seen large amounts of people lose their jobs in the last week as well as people now being.
"We need to abide by the Governments guideline's to avoid the spread of Covid-19 but we need to also look after our mental health and we can do this by keeping in touch with our families, neighbours and friends, particularly people living on their own. We now live in a world where communication has never been better but we actually talk less to each other than ever before. Unfortunately some people know their friends' social media profile better than the person themselves and it’s easy to hide behind a smile even in the most difficult of times. I am appealing for people to pick up their phones and check in on neighbours and friends during this difficult time and simply ask them the question "are you OK?". 
"It’s a simple message but I feel it is a very important one as we work together over the next number months to overcome Covid-19, and I honestly believe we will, but we need to look out for each other along the way now more than ever.
"Darkness Into Light 2020 may be postponed but Pieta House will continue to provide their amazing services for those that need it so we are appealing for people to please spread this message. Anyone that would like to donate to Pieta house can do so through their website www.pieta.ie as we really need to support their services. "The Darkness Into Light Nenagh committee would like to thank everyone for your support to date and we will keep you updated in relation to this year’s event once we receive further details."