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First ever 'Darkness into Light' walk to take place in west Belfast

The suicide awareness centre on the Falls Road is the only support service available for those affected by suicide in west Belfast
The suicide awareness centre on the Falls Road is the only support service available for those affected by suicide in west Belfast The suicide awareness centre on the Falls Road is the only support service available for those affected by suicide in west Belfast

The west Belfast community group is taking action to address the "disturbing" increase in the number of suicides in the area.

Last year the Irish News revealed how the number of deaths by suicide in west Belfast in 2015 had more than doubled in twelve months to 33 and now a campaign is being launched to raise awareness and funding towards tackling this crucial issue.

This work will culminate in a 'Darkness into Light' charity walk in Hannahstown on May 6, the first time such an event has taken place in west Belfast.

Started by suicide prevention charity Pieta House the walks have become a worldwide movement helping those affected by depression, self-harm and suicide.

Gráinne McGarry from Hannahstown Community Centre said the walk is about tackling the "disturbing facts and figures" in relation to suicide in west Belfast. At present the only support service available is the 'Suicide Awareness and Support Group' on the Falls Road.

"The message really is getting together as a community and being a source of hope for people," she said.

"There is not enough awareness or enough support and I think with suicide people don't really talk about it. If it happens there isn't that openness, but when we do this walk it will be a talking point. You always hear different stories week to week how someone else's family has been affected and it's just a waste of life," she added.

A coffee morning launch for the 'Darkness into Light' charity walk will be held this Saturday morning from 9.30 to 12.30 in Lámh Dhearg CLG clubrooms, where a representative from Pieta House will be on hand to answer questions. The walk will take place on May 6.