COMMUNITIES across Northern Ireland took part in the annual Darkness into Light event, a suicide awareness campaign that stages an early morning walk as the sun rises.
Raising money for mental health charities, the events took place at 10 locations on Saturday morning.
In west Belfast, the Cliftonville manager Jim Magilton cut the ribbon to start one of the walks at Lamh Dearg GAC in Hannahstown.
Organised by Pieta and backed by Electric Ireland, this year’s event also saw international big wave surfer Al Mennie showing his support as an ambassador.
Speaking ahead of the event, he said: “I am honoured to be a Darkness into Light ambassador for this year’s campaign.”
“Taking part is about more than just signing up for your local walk, it’s about standing together to bring hope, raise awareness, and ensure that vital support is available to those who need it most in communities across Northern Ireland.”
Over the past decade, Darkness into Light has raised over £1m in Northern Ireland for Pieta and its partner charities.
Nichola Mullen, director of fundraising and marketing at Pieta, said the fundraising was vital to support free, professional and accessible support services.
“Every lifesaving conversation, every lifesaving counselling session, and every moment of suicide and self-harm prevention we provide is made possible by the generosity of those who sign up, show up, and walk,” she said.
“We are deeply grateful for the incredible commitment of our supporters and our sponsor, Electric Ireland, whose efforts help us provide hope and vital support to those who need it most.”
Surfer Al Mennie (left) has supported this year’s Darkeness into Light campaign as an ambassador.
Ieuan Green from Electric Ireland added: “Darkness into Light is part of our dedication to making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve.
“This sponsorship is deeply important to all who take part each year to raise essential funds for mental health charities operating in local communities and stand in solidarity with those affected by suicide and self-harm.”
All money raised in Northern Ireland is divided equally between the seven Darkness into Light partner charities.
The annual Darkness into Light walk from Lámh Dhearg GAC in west Belfast, bringing together individuals, families, and communities to raise awareness and support for those affected by suicide and mental health issues. PICTURE: MAL MCCANN 
Leah, Meabh and Caragh taking park in the annual Darkness into Light walk with their family at Lámh Dhearg GAC in west Belfast. The walk brings together individuals, families, and communities to raise awareness and support for those affected by suicide and mental health issues. PICTURE: MAL MCCANN 
The annual Darkness into Light walk from Lámh Dhearg GAC in west Belfast, bringing together individuals, families, and communities to raise awareness and support for those affected by suicide and mental health issues. PICTURE: MAL MCCANN 
The annual Darkness into Light walk from Lámh Dhearg GAC in west Belfast, bringing together individuals, families, and communities to raise awareness and support for those affected by suicide and mental health issues. PICTURE: MAL MCCANN 
Deputy Mayor Cllr Tanya Stirling, leading the group of walkers. who took part in a Dawn Walk at Ulster University Coleraine. PICTURE: CAUSEWAY COAST & GLENS BOROUGH COUNCIL