Carlow families urged to take part or donate in Pieta's 'Light Up the Darkness' campaign

Pieta, the suicide and self-harm prevention charity, is urging people in Carlow to support its Light Up the Darkness appeal this December, as more than 300 people are expected to reach out to the charity on Christmas Day.

On Thursday, 18th December, Pieta is inviting communities across Ireland to Light Up the Darkness by dressing in festive lights, jumpers, or sparkles and sharing a nationwide moment of hope.

You can host a Big Christmas Light Up fundraiser or donate, helping make sure a compassionate, qualified therapist is there to answer when someone reaches out this Christmas. 

With over 80% of Pieta’s services funded by public donations, every cent helps ensure the charity can answer calls and texts from people struggling with suicidal thoughts, self-harm, or the loss of someone to suicide. Last year, Pieta’s qualified therapists responded to more than 100,000 calls and texts – around 300 a day, including Christmas Day. 

Demand typically rises during the Christmas season, with helpline activity from 24th December to 7th January averaging 12.5% higher than at other times of year. This period is consistently one of the busiest for the service. 

READ NEXT: RIP: 'A true gentlemen'- Shock and heartbreak as young Carlow man sadly passes away

Stephanie Manahan, Chief Executive Officer of Pieta, said: “Christmas can be a difficult time for so many people, and we know more people reach out for support throughout the Christmas season. Pieta is here every hour of every day - including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day - but we can only do that because of the generosity of people across Ireland. 

Light Up the Darkness is a powerful moment for communities to come together and share hope, and every festive light worn and every euro donated helps ensure these lifesaving services are there for those who need them most.

A €24 donation can help fund two vital calls for someone reaching out this Christmas, offering reassurance and connection when it is needed most.” 

Pollyanna Bolger, a therapist on Pieta’s Crisis Helpline, added: “People often reach out to us when they feel overwhelmed or alone, and sometimes it takes a few attempts before they’re ready to talk. But the moment someone speaks, even just a few words, you can feel the shift – that small glimmer of hope.

"Our role on the Crisis Helpline is to hold that light with them, to help them find their voice and feel connected in a really difficult moment. At Christmas, those moments matter even more. A compassionate voice, a steady presence, and the chance to talk can help someone take the next step towards safety. Every Light Up the Darkness fundraiser, and every donation, helps make sure our therapists can answer the calls that come in at the hardest moments.” 

Irish social media star Elmo Mattock is bringing his creativity to the campaign this year, teaming up with fellow influencers to release All We Want for Christmas in support of Pieta, helping to raise vital funds for the charity during one of its busiest seasons. 

Elmo Mattock said, “Pieta does incredibly important work, and I wanted to contribute in a way that could help raise funds when demand for support is at its highest. The idea for “All We Want for Christmas” grew from that, and it was great to have other creators get involved. Hopefully, it brings some additional attention and donations to a service that so many people rely on.” 

Helpline feedback also shows the difference this support makes. Last year, 74% of adults reported they felt better after contacting Pieta, and 96% of parents and carers said the helpline met their needs.