AWARE NI is the depression charity for Northern Ireland - and the only charity working exclusively for people with depression and bipolar.
A Derry-born charity, we now have two offices; one in Derry/Londonderry and a second office in Belfast.
AWARE NI has an established network of support groups across the country, alongside online support group options, which are run by our trained volunteers. Support groups welcome people with low mood, anxiety, depression and bipolar as well as carers for people with mental ill-health. We also deliver information outreach sessions and attend community events to give more information about AWARE and our services.
AWARE delivers mental health and wellbeing programmes into communities, schools, colleges, universities and workplaces. These programmes include our suite of Mood Matters programmes, Living Life to the Full, Mental Health First Aid and Mindfulness. Our programmes take a preventative approach to mental ill-health and teach attendees techniques to look after their own mental health and wellbeing.
AWARE NI has a dedicated and passionate fundraising team organising fundraising events in schools and communities throughout Northern Ireland.
At AWARE, we believe that the people who use our services should have a say in how they are developed and delivered, so we employ people with experience of depression at every level in the organisation, including the Board of Trustees.
We rely on our dedicated and caring volunteers who run our support groups. Many of our volunteers began as service users themselves and as such are an excellent asset to us and keep us informed on staying in touch with people's needs. You too can help make a difference and change lives by volunteering with AWARE NI.
Our Vision, Mission and Values
AWARE NI has been working since 1996 to support all those in Northern Ireland affected by depression or bipolar.
Our Vision
A future where people can talk about their mental health openly
A future where people can talk about their mental health openly, access services appropriate to their needs and have the skills and knowledge to maintain positive mental health.
Our Mission
Our mission is to promote emotional health and wellbeing across Northern Ireland
To promote emotional health and wellbeing.
To help people build resilience and maintain positive mental health at every stage of their life journey.
To ensure that individuals living with depression, anxiety, and bipolar are aware of and have access to appropriate support.
To advocate for policies that facilitate access to appropriate support across Northern Ireland.
Our Values
Our values are that, above all else, we value our service users
We will treat each other and our service users with dignity, respect and empathy.
We are committed to the highest standards of professionalism, honesty and openness in all aspects of our work.
We are committed to providing high-quality services and to being innovative for the benefit of people using our services.
We are committed to championing equality, diversity and inclusivity in all aspects of our organisation through an intersectional lens.
What We Do
Take a Holistic Approach
We recognise that positive mental health is more than just the absence of mental illness and we promote positive coping skills, self-awareness, self-esteem, warm relationships and good physical health.
Deliver Quality
We aim to deliver services that are of the highest quality, reflecting evidence-based best practice and that are well planned and managed. We aim to be effective, efficient and accountable in all our work.
Involve People
We help people to take control of their illness and their personal life and we work with organisations to help them become more aware of the needs of people with depression.
Treat People Equally and with Respect
Our stakeholders will be treated in a non-judgmental manner, with dignity and respect, and have equal opportunity to develop to their full potential.
Develop Partnerships
We work together with a wide range of groups to maximise our ability to realise our mission.