Tipperary woman part of a Darkness into Light group honoured in Abu Dhabi

A Tipperary woman is part of an Irish ex-pat group in Abu Dhabi that has been honoured for promoting mental health in the country.

Laura O'Sullivan from Bouladuff, Thurles is part of the Darkness into Light group in the Arab state that has received one of the country's top humanitarian awards.

Inspired by the amazing work carried out by Pieta House, the 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. 

However  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. 

Members of the committee at the ceremony  - Left to Right - Carolyn Rogers (New Zealand), Madiha Butt (Pakistan), Sinead Squires (Limerick), Claire Devine (Tyrone), Sarah Corcoran (Waterford), Marian O’Connor (Waterford), Laura Brennan (Clare), Maria Kelly (Galway), Kieran O’Malley (Clare), Carol Madigan (Limerick), Laura O’Sullivan (Tipperary), Ciara Moran (Mayo), Fiona Manning (Westmeath), Jane Ryan (Clare), Priya Mitchell (United Kingdom). Absent from photo: Valerie Healion (Offaly), Judith Duffy (Galway), Sirajum Munira (Bangladesh).

The on  December 6, their wonderful was recognised when the organisation was awarded the Spirit of the Community Award at the Pride of Abu Dhabi Awards 2018.

“We are so happy with this amazing honour and thank Pieta House for all the help provided in setting up the group”, said a delighted Laura.

The pioneering work of the Darkness into Light group has received the presidential seal of approval for its efforts.
President Michael D Higgins wrote to the group, including Tipperary woman Laura O'Sullivan, to congratulate them on the honour.
The president described their honour as an excellent example of the solidarity and collective support for which Irish communities abroad are well known, including in the United Arab Emirates, a close partner for Ireland and host to the largest Irish community in the Middle East.
He continued - “The work by Darkness into Light to raise greater awareness of mental health issues in the UAE fosters a deeper and more widespread understanding of the human condition itself. It also encourages the support and emotionally intelligent fellowship of others, which represents humanity at its best”.
He said the support of the Irish contingent for the awards ceremony is a tangible reminder of why people at home in Ireland continue to be so v ery proud fo our fellow Irish citizens living abroad who are making a positive contribution in their host societies.
He said he was happy to send his best wish to all.