Thousands gather to show the power of communities in suicide prevention awareness
15/05/2026
Content advisory: this article discusses themes of suicide.
Communities across Belfast came together at the weekend to walk side by side in a powerful demonstration of hope, remembrance and solidarity for those impacted by suicide.
Organised by PIPS Suicide Prevention Ireland, a founding partner of The Royal Foundation’s National Suicide Prevention Network, the annual Darkness into Light walk saw thousands walk in support of those currently struggling, in memory of loved ones lost and in the hope that open conversations can save lives. As daylight broke, each step raised vital awareness of the support available for people in crisis.
In 2024, 290 suicide deaths were registered in Northern Ireland. Behind each statistic is a life, a family and a community impacted, underlining the continued need for accessible, compassionate and lifesaving services. As part of the National Suicide Prevention Network, The Royal Foundation has supported PIPS in providing support when it is needed most by boosting the operating hours of their compassionate listening service and implementing a Friday Night Crisis Helpline.
Darkness into Light is a collective response to the importance of community and greater need for awareness around suicide and suicide prevention in Northern Ireland.
Participants who took part in this year’s walk share their personal reflections on the power of togetherness:
“It’s so important that communities come together to talk about suicide prevention, because it makes people feel less alone. There is a serious problem with suicide, and the more we talk about it, the more we can combat it. When we gain knowledge and understanding, that’s when changes can be made, and bringing people together just shows you how many people care. One thing I hope people take away from this morning is that you’re not alone, and to keep going, even when it is dark, because the darkness doesn’t last forever, and the light will come. You have to step towards it.”
Annette Kelly, Darkness into Light Ambassador and Founder of Little Penny Thoughts
“It’s important to have people together, to know that they are among friends, and to show the wider community that there are supporters here. I hope the community sees just how many people have come out to support the work that charities like PIPS Suicide Prevention charity do, to appreciate the metaphor of walking into the light, and to see the sense of community that there is out here.”
Mark Borland, Current President of the Law Society of Northern Ireland and supporter of Darkness into Light
“We’re very naive in respect of what services are available in terms of mental health and suicide prevention, so the larger the community that are aware of the services that the likes of PIPS can offer, the better. Events like this Darkness into Light walk, with 2,000 people here, the greater the knowledge that is passed through the community and people can get the help they need. The buzz around is phenomenal and there’s real hope.”
Cathal Geoghegan, Managing Director at Hendersons and supporter of Darkness into Light
“I think everyone’s scared to talk about suicide when it shouldn’t be a scary thing. I tried to end my life twice and around about those times I was scared to admit that I needed a bit of help, but I could get the help and saw a bit of light and came out the other end. Coming to events like this every year is just so important. It gives me a reminder that it’s okay to feel a bit down sometimes and there are people there to help and support. I’m sure if one person was to reach out to another person who was here this morning, they would know that it’s actually all alright, that there is hope, there is love, and there is support in our community.”
Dylan Gibson, Broadcaster and DJ
“This is the 10th year of doing this walk after Matthew took his own life in 2015 and since then it’s just grown and grown, and the community is instrumental in making sure that it all runs as successfully as it does. The one thing that I want people to know is that there’s hope. There’s light, there’s hope, and things can change. For me, as a newly bereaved mother, I felt alone. The walk united me with a community who understood, and I just connected with people. It was beautiful.”
Colette Snoddy, who brought Darkness into Light to Belfast after losing her son Matthew to suicide
