On World Suicide Prevention Day, September 10, Community Help Service (CHS) and Darkness into Light Belgium came together in a coordinated flurry of posts across Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
The aim was to highlight not only our partnership – which brought the moving Darkness into Light sunrise walks across Belgium in May – but also our shared commitment to addressing one of the most urgent public health crises of our time.
The statistics are sobering: globally, suicide is the third-leading cause of death among 15–29 year olds. Here in Belgium, an average of five people die by suicide every day. Among young people aged 10–24, the rate is two suicides every week, and research shows that 57% of Belgians aged 14–18 have experienced suicidal thoughts.
Against this backdrop, moments of solidarity matter. At the Darkness into Light sunrise walk earlier this year, hundreds gathered in parks across Belgium to walk side by side – to remember, to hope, and to shine a light in the darkness. Together, participants and volunteers raised over €30,000, enough to cover the CHS Helpline’s running costs for a year and ensure that our compassionate service is available 24/7 for those in need.
This year, the CHS Helpline has seen a significant rise in suicide-related calls – a clear sign that the demand for support is growing. The Darkness into Light walk, and our shared messages on World Suicide Prevention Day, remind us that, in the face of despair, there is light and there is hope.