Céilí Flood founded Little Light Jewellery as she grappled with her own mental health challenges in the wake of losing her brother-in-law, Keith, to suicide in 2020.
Keith had been a source of support for Céilí as they both shared their struggles. His loss hit her deeply, but it also ignited her desire to support others on their mental health journey.
The brand’s name is symbolic of the inner strength each individual holds, a light that can guide them through challenging times.
The new Little Light Glimmer necklace will see funds go to Pieta House and help them provide counselling to anyone suffering from suicidal ideation, self-harm and bereavement.
This necklace showcases a lighthouse charm in sterling silver, finished with 14k gold plating. The lighthouse symbolises guidance and the promise of brighter days ahead.
“When I started Little Light, I wanted to give people hope, a gift that could speak words when you didn’t have the words,” Ms Flood said.
“My sister lost her husband, and I didn’t know what to do or say. She channelled her grief through poetry, that really inspired me. I love jewellery so it started from a dark place, and I really feel it has brought me such light.
“Keith was a massive part of our family. I introduced him to Fiona. He was such a beautiful person, and he lit up any room he went into. He worked for Dublin City Council and people would remember him. He made an impact quite quickly with people.
“I was suicidal myself for about a year and a half before he died. It was something that I would have spoken to Keith about, and my sister, because they’re both my best friends.
“When he died, I got such a fright. Not only was I devastated that he’d passed away, it also scared the life out of me because of my intrusive thoughts in the background every day. I was terrified.
“I got in touch with Pieta. They recommended that I come in and do the 12-week course. The service they provide is really, really second to none. I’m not sure I’d still be here today if it wasn’t for them.
“It’s very important it’s free. At the time when we lost Keith, my two sisters and I left work, and we were out of work for a couple of years.
“If it hadn’t been free, I wouldn’t have been able to take up the opportunity and possibly would not have survived.”
Little Light Jewellery has launched the Glimmer necklace, with all profits go to Pieta House
All profits from the Glimmer necklace will go towards supporting the work of Pieta House.
Each piece of Little Light jewellery is accompanied by a poem written by Céilí and her sister, Fiona, which is inspired by their personal experiences.
“I brought out Glimmer this year because I really wanted to give back to Pieta House and put out a message about mental health awareness. It’s still stigmatised big time, even in 2024,” Ms Flood said.
“The necklace itself is a little lighthouse; Pieta is kind of known for that Darkness into Light.
“I remember in one of my last sessions with Pieta, I said to the counsellor that Little Light one day could pay Pieta back in some way. She said she’d see me either in a newspaper or on the telly talking about it, and now I’m here.
“If you know a friend that is going through a rough time and you get them the piece, or maybe you know someone that has lost someone to suicide, it brings up the topic of suicide awareness. They really are a talking point.
“To me, it’s not about selling jewellery. It never was. When Keith died, I remember saying within the first week that I just really want to and hope that we will, as a family, do something big in his memory.
“It’s more about sending the message of kindness and compassion,” she added.
