Award for Darkness Into Light Abu Dhabi

Laura O’Sullivan from Bouladuff, Thurles, is a proud member of the Darkness Into Light Committee in Abu Dhabi.

Inspired by the amazing work carried out by Pieta House, a group of irish expatriates set up Darkness into Light Abu Dhabi in 2015 to bring the Darkness into Light walk to the United Arab Emirates. As a result of the incredible support received from the community, they are now operating as a charitable initiative all year around, offering free support services to those experiencing mental health difficulties in the community.

In December, Darkness into Light Abu Dhabi were awarded the Spirit of the Community Award at the Pride of Abu Dhabi Awards 2018. Known for its impeccable standard of support within the community in the United Arab Emirates, the voluntary group Darkness into Light Abu Dhabi is led by Maria Kelly (native of Caltra, Galway). The group has developed a charitable initiative, which now offers free support to those in crisis in the community and fills a major gap in the mental health landscape in the UAE.

Determined to eliminate the taboo surrounding mental illness in the Middle East, this committee, which is made up of 90% Irish expatriates, has now been recognised for being an exceptional team of volunteers that work together and dedicate their time to raising awareness for mental health and providing accessible support for their community in the UAE.

Events run by the group include monthly 'Tea & Talk' support sessions. These events inspire an unmatched vibe of acceptance and support. Sharing stories of lived experience and acquiring strategies for self-care to aid cognitive healing, recovery and growth are top priority for the monthly Tea & Talk sessions organised by the Darkness into Light Abu Dhabi committee.