A new campaign is hoping to highlight the critical issue of suicide and self harm in Ireland.

The Electric Ireland 'National Wake Up Call' is supporting the Darkness Into Light campaign by Pieta House. Darkness Into Light sees thousands of people take part in a pre-dawn walk.

Last year, almost 500 people died by suicide in Ireland, more than twice that of road deaths.

Paul Stapleton, general-manager of Electric Ireland, said: "We are very proud to support Pieta House, their vital work and their important message of hope.

"Darkness Into Light has become much more than a fundraiser; it is now a national movement which reaches every community throughout Ireland.

"Last year 120,000 people participated in 110 locations all over Ireland. This year we'd like to encourage as many people as possible to wake up early on May 6th to help raise much needed funds to help Pieta House create a brighter future."

On May 6th, walks will be held at over 150 venues on four continents.

Image: Pieta House

You can register to 'Wake Up' and walk here.

Brian Higgins, CEO of Pieta House, added: "Pieta House's vision is for our services to no longer be needed.

"Our goal is to replace suicide, self harm and the stigma around them with hope, self care and acceptance. Right now, Ireland has the second highest suicide rate in Europe and this is a figure that we must change.

"I want to ask everyone to collectively 'Wake Up' to the issue of self harm and suicide in Ireland. Suicide affects everyone and everyone is related to suicide."

Anyone affected by issues raised in this article can contact Pieta House on 1800-247-247 or the Samaritans on 116-123.