More Than 300 People Expected to Reach Out to Pieta on Christmas Day

• Calls to Pieta’s Crisis Helpline increase by an average of 12.5% between  Christmas Eve and New Year 

• Feedback shows most people feel better after contacting Pieta 

• Communities encouraged to fundraise or donate in December as part of Pieta’s Light Up the Darkness appeal, helping ensure their kindness supports every call answered this Christmas 

Pieta, the suicide and self-harm prevention charity, is urging people 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 – a day when many people look for support. 

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. 

“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. 

Public support is vital to keeping our services open and staffed by qualified therapists, ready to answer every call for help. 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.” 

“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.” 

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. 

If you or someone you care about needs support, Pieta’s 24/7 freephone Helpline is available on 1800 247 247, or you can text HELP to 51444 (standard message rates apply). For therapy service and appointment enquiries, please contact 0818 111 126. If you are in immediate danger, please call 112.