Caitlin's story is a reminder that hope can be found in connection and that being there for others can often help us find ourselves again.

Caitlin first experienced depression as she was finishing her A levels and trying to figure out what came next after school.

"I started to feel really closed off from the world," she shares. "I wasn't enjoying life the way I used to. Some days I couldn't even get out of bed — I just didn't see the point."

That feeling of having no purpose made day-to-day life incredibly difficult. However, everything began to change when Caitlin became involved with AWARE NI as a member of the fundraising team and as a support group facilitator.

Volunteering became a turning point.

"Becoming a facilitator really changed my perspective on life. I started to understand how vital small charities like AWARE NI are, especially when it comes to mental health support."

For Caitlin, seeing the difference the support groups make, week in and week out, is deeply meaningful.

"The difference from when people walk in the door to when they leave... It's like a weight has been lifted off their shoulders."

Facilitating the group doesn't just help others - it's helped Caitlin too. Watching people open up, support one another, and begin to feel less alone has had a profound impact on her wellbeing.