The ‘Darkness into Light’ charity walk is an international initiative focused on suicide prevention and the promotion of mental health. It is organised with the participation of Afesol Mental Health and forms part of a global movement spearheaded by the Irish foundation Pieta House. The ‘leitmotif’ of this walk is highly symbolic, as Afesol’s president, Cristian González, explained: “This walk symbolises the journey from darkness into light; that is why we set off at six in the morning and return with the first rays of the sun, which represents the everyone needs at a certain moment when they are struggling and need help and support".

The initiative in Mijas will take place on Saturday, 9th of May, starting at 6:00 hours from La Cala Boulevard, with the route running along the Coastal Path. It is supported by the Mijas Town Hall. “It is not simply a walk; it is a symbol, it is the firm step we take as a society to emerge from the darkness and move forward together towards the light, towards hope”, said the councillor for Social Inclusion, Mari Francis Alarcón (PP), who stressed that “suicide and mental health remain issues shrouded in silence, stigma and, all too often, loneliness”.

Prevention

As Afesol points out, suicide is the leading cause of non-natural death worldwide, affecting the entire population without distinction. To raise awareness of this issue once again this year, the health association is organising this walk, which focuses on prevention. “We must talk about suicide and we must work on prevention; as we have said, the leading cause of disability by 2030 will be mental health, and every day we see more young people self-harming”, said González.

The registration fee for the walk is 22 euros, and the proceeds will go towards helping those at risk of suicide and their families. Registration is required via the website darknessintolight.com.

Share it with this link: https://mijasint.com/?a=37939