The walk begins in darkness at sunrise and continues for 5km through to dawn to symbolise the journey from despair to hope.
Northern Regional College’s Student Services Team are representing the College by taking part in the challenge this weekend.
Stephen McCartney, Head of Student Services, highlighted the College’s reason for taking part in the Darkness Into Light challenge:
“The challenge was created by mental health charity Pieta House and the event’s messaging is very close to what we do every day for our students.
“Here at the College, our student services team aim to support students with mental health issues and suicidal thoughts.
“Today, students face pressures which affect their mental health and they can greatly benefit from the help and support we can offer within the College.
“A student’s mental health journey at Northern Regional College is a wraparound service starting in the classroom before student services support is implemented.
“Taking part in activities like the “Darkness Into Light” challenge further reflects the work we do with our students across our campus sites on a daily basis.
“The challenge also helps raise awareness of mental health and suicide throughout Northern Ireland.
“Here at Northern Regional College, we are passionate about breaking down stigma around mental health eliminating barriers students may face if they are experiencing poor mental health.”
Northern Regional College’s Student Services work across Northern Ireland to support over 10,000 students at their Ballymoney, Ballymena (Farm Lodge and Trostan Avenue), Coleraine, Magherafelt and Newtownabbey campuses.
The Student Services Team ensures that all students have access to the full range of support and services offered by the College, including information and advice on Careers and Education Advice, Student Finance; Education Support; Northern Plus; and Counselling services.
The Darkness Into Light challenge is resuming in-person for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic across the globe, with over 200,000 people across expected to take part in over 17 countries across five continents.