Pieta exist to reduce suicide and self-harm, and to support those who have been impacted by suicide and self-harm

Pieta provide professional counselling, support and education to those experiencing suicidal thoughts, self-harming behaviour and to those impacted by suicide and self-harm.

Hope is at the heart of what Pieta do, guiding their values and behaviours, and at their core they believe in the following:

• Respect: Acknowledging the inherent worth in every person and treating everyone with dignity, courtesy, and consideration.
• Compassion: Demonstrating care, kindness, and a willingness to understand others’ experiences and perspectives. Adopting a people-centred approach that is free from judgement.
• Transparency: Communicating openly and honestly with integrity and taking responsibility for one’s actions and decisions, while being held accountable.
• Collaboration: Working together in partnership, seeing each person as one who is resourced to play their part in achieving positive outcomes.

How Carlow Volunteers Can Help Out

In 2009, in the Phoenix Park in Dublin, 400 people set off on the inaugural Darkness Into Light 5km walk to raise funds for Pieta. From small beginnings, the movement has continued to grow, and now there are over 150,000 participants in Darkness Into Light each year.  The participants begin the walk in the darkness of night, and will finish the walk as the dawn sun rises.

Each year the walk provides an opportunity for people to connect with their local community and to bring hope to people who have been impacted by suicide. Dedicated volunteers are essential year on year to make the event a success and to help us all continue to raise awareness and hope in the global fight against suicide and self-harm.