This year has been one of growth, resilience, and community spirit at AWARE NI. Our 2024/25 Annual Report highlights the incredible ways our staff, volunteers, supporters, and partners have come together to support mental health across Northern Ireland.

From small beginnings, we now run 24 peer-led support groups across all six counties, holding over 1,000 meetings this year and providing a safe, non-judgemental space for people affected by depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and low mood. Feedback from our biennial Support Group Survey showed that:

• 98% of participants felt the groups helped with anxiety
• 96% saw benefits for depression
• 97% would recommend them to others

Beyond peer support, our Education and Training programmes reached nearly 18,000 people in schools, workplaces, and communities, equipping children, parents, employees, and leaders with the tools to care for their mental health and support others.

Our Communications campaigns continued to challenge stigma and spark conversation, from creative school projects and award-winning workplace initiatives to powerful storytelling through video and digital outreach. Meanwhile, fundraising events - from marathons and skydives to abseils and coastal walks- raised more than £150,000, ensuring we could continue providing free services where they are needed most.

As we look ahead, our focus is on sustaining and growing this vital work: strengthening our support group network, embedding diversity and inclusion across everything we do, and ensuring communities across Northern Ireland have access to the support they deserve.

We couldn’t do this without our volunteers, fundraisers, and supporters. Thank you for standing by our side - together, we are making a real difference for mental health.

👉 Read the full 2024/25 Annual Report