Darkness Into Light Belgium: Step into the sunrise, stand together

With just days to go, Darkness Into Light Belgium is calling on people across the country to sign up and take part in this year’s powerful pre-dawn walk on 9 May at 5.00.

Each year, participants gather before sunrise in a shared act of solidarity -walking from darkness into light to support those impacted by suicide and mental health challenges, and to raise funds for the CHS Helpline. Its 24/7 service answers thousands of calls every year from people struggling with their lives and, all too often, with suicidal thoughts. Beginning in darkness and ending at sunrise, the walk symbolises the journey from despair to hope.

This year, organised walks will take place in Cinquantenaire Park in Brussels, as well as in Ghent and Tervuren. Individuals can also take part in their own way, wherever they are, joining a growing community united by a common purpose.

Now marking its ninth year in Belgium, Darkness Into Light continues to bring people together in hope and remembrance. By registering, participants contribute directly to this life-saving Helpline, helping ensure that no one has to face their darkest moments alone.

In the weeks leading up to the event, Chair of Darkness Into Light Belgium, Sarah Ironside, has been actively encouraging people to get involved - both through community outreach and her personal “1 million steps” initiative, walking every morning in the Cinquantenaire Park. She has surpassed her initial goal of one million steps and is now working toward two million, raising awareness for those impacted by suicide.

Maria Walsh, a Member of the European Parliament, announced that she will be walking with Ironside on 5 May, and invited all Irish MEPs, staff, and members of the Irish community in Brussels to join them.

“As we approach the walk, I’m inviting everyone to take part - every step counts; every life matters,” said Ironside. “This journey is about showing what we can achieve together and keeping the conversation going.”

Patron of the Belgian event, European Commissioner Michael McGrath, recently joined one of the early morning walk in Brussels. Reflecting on the experience, he said:

“Walking from darkness into light in those quiet hours was a moving reminder of the solidarity and compassion that underpin this initiative. It reinforced a simple but powerful truth: even in the darkest moments, there is always a path forward - and hope can find its way through.”

Originally founded in Ireland in 2009, Darkness Into Light has grown into a global movement supporting suicide prevention through awareness and fundraising. In Belgium, the charity partner for the second year is Community Help Service (CHS).

The CHS Helpline - +32 (0)2 648 4014 – is free and confidential, providing support to people of all ages who are struggling with loneliness, emotional distress, or suicidal thoughts. Staffed by compassionate volunteers who are supervised by mental health professionals, the Helpline has seen a dramatic rise in the number of callers over the past three years. As a volunteer-driven organisation that relies entirely on donations to keep its service running day and night, 365 days a year, CHS is continuously recruiting and training new volunteers to ensure that as few calls as possible go unanswered.

Suicide remains a critical public health challenge in Belgium and is the leading cause of death among 10- to 54-year-olds. Nearly one in five Belgians report experiencing mental health difficulties, with young people particularly affected - underscoring the importance of accessible, immediate support.

Jeremy Jennings, president of CHS, highlighted the impact of the Darkness into Light initiative: “We are once again privileged to be the official charity partner of Darkness Into Light. The event touches so many lives. And it is a reminder that often it is in darkness that people find their way to the light - transforming their suffering into strength and their despair into hope.”

With the countdown to Saturday’s walk underway, Darkness into Light urges people to register now and be part of this meaningful moment.

Register to walk on 9 May 2026 here.
Donations: DIL for CHS: BE70 7350 7316 1125

Photos: DIL2025 ©Miguel Angel Vilar