Our Background

AWARE is the depression charity for Northern Ireland – and the only charity working exclusively for people with depression and bipolar disorder.

A Derry born charity, we now have two offices; one in Derry/Londonderry and a second office in Belfast. AWARE has an established network of 25 support groups in rural and urban areas across the country, which are run by our trained volunteers. Support groups welcome people with depression and bipolar disorder as well as carers for people with the illness. We also deliver Information Outreach sessions and attend community events to give more information about AWARE and our services.

AWARE deliver mental health and well being 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. 

AWARE has a fundraising department 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. Become an AWARE volunteer. 

Our Vision, Mission and Values

AWARE has been working since 1996 to support all those in Northern Ireland affected by depression or bipolar disorder. 

Our Vision – 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 – To promote emotional health and well-being To help people build resilience and maintain positive mental health To ensure people with depression and bipolar disorder can access appropriate support To increase public understanding of depression and reduce the stigma surrounding the illness

Our Values – Above all else, we value our service users. We will treat everyone with dignity, respect and compassion. We are transparent in all our work and accountable to our stakeholders.

What We Do – At AWARE we aim to: 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.

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.

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.

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.

AWARE is registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC100561. Company No. N.I. 30447