Global Darkness into Light walk to raise awareness of mental health

The Darkness into Light walk in Abu Dhabi on May 6 will raise awareness of mental health. Courtesy St Regis Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi will be among more than 100 locations worldwide to host the Darkness into Light walk on May 6 to raise awareness of mental health.

The 5-kilometre walk will be held at the St Regis Abu Dhabi, in partnership with Al Jalila Foundation, starting at 4.30am and continuing into the daylight hours.

“According to the World Health Organization depression affects 350 million people worldwide and is the leading cause of disability,” says Dr Abdulkareem Sultan Al Olama, chief executive officer of Al Jalila Foundation. “Barriers such as stigma and discrimination prevent people with mental illness from seeking help, resulting in cases going untreated. Community events like the Darkness into Light walk will give hope and healing to many.”

The walk is open to everyone and will leave from the Nation Riviera Beach Club and travel along the Corniche towards the marina and back again. There will be light refreshments at St Regis afterwards.

Registration costs from Dh97 for adults and there is a 20 per cent discount for groups of five people or more. For information and registration, visit register.primoevents.com/ps/event/DarknessIntoLightAbuDhabi.