So Energy and Darkness Into Light

This week, So Energy’s London and Manchester teams joined thousands of people across the world to support Pieta’s Darkness into Light event. We’re very proud to share that we raised £1,273, with So Energy matching contributions to bring the total to £2,546.

Read on to find out more about the events So Energy held as part of this incredible cause, and how the money we raised will make a difference.

What is Darkness Into Light?

Darkness into Light is an ESB group charity sponsorship initiative, supporting suicide awareness and prevention. Every year, thousands of people complete a sponsored sunrise walk, coming together to move from darkness into light. The walks provide an opportunity for people to connect with their local community, and to bring hope to people who have been impacted by suicide.

Established in 2013, Darkness into Light has since grown into the international event it is today, managed by the leading suicide prevention charity Pieta. From its inception, the event has raised over €29 million.

Why walk?

While the services Pieta provides have always been absolutely vital, they have perhaps never been as important as they are today. Thanks to the pandemic, the last two years have been difficult for everyone - in particular those affected by suicide and self-harm. This means that more people than ever are relying on the self-saving services that Pieta and its partner charities provide free of charge.

The money raised by Darkness into Light walks means that more people can get the help they need, when they need it, by enabling Pieta to keep its doors and its 24/7 helpline open free of charge.

So Energy’s involvement

When we merged with ESB Energy last year, we didn’t just gain access to ESB’s 90+ years of experience and expertise from Ireland and the UK - the strength of our partnership is also based on our shared values and sense of purpose.

ESB’s long-standing partnership with Darkness into Light has seen the organisation sponsor the initiative since 2013, working with Pieta to support people affected by suicide. Now, thanks to our merger, we are delighted to have had the opportunity to get involved and lend the support of our team to this important cause.

So Energy walkers from across the country

To mark the first year of So Energy’s involvement with Darkness into Light, we organised two dawn walks for our employees and their friends and family: one in London, and another in Manchester, taking place on the morning of Saturday 7th May.

Gathering at 4.30am, our brilliant teams followed a route around each city, watching the sun rise shortly after 5am as they symbolically moved from darkness into the light.

Amongst those taking part in the event was So Energy’s CEO, Monica Collings. "Taking part in Darkness into the Light was a special moment of reflection for me,” comments Monica, “because it was one morning of the year that people from all walks of life came together, not only to raise vital funds to help suicide prevention but also because we’ve all been touched by the impact of mental health issues that ultimately can result in suicide.

Monica adds: “The event itself was a very emotional and moving experience, and I’m proud to lead a company that supports such an important cause, and delighted to see so many colleagues taking part and demonstrating our caring value in full force."