AWARE is the depression charity for Northern Ireland.
AWARE was established in Northern Ireland in 1996. We are the only charity in Northern Ireland dedicated exclusively to raising awareness of depression as a serious mental health illness and enabling people with depression or bipolar disorder to access support to help them with their condition.
A Derry-born charity, we now have two offices; one in Derry/ Londonderry and a second office in Belfast.
AWARE was founded by people with personal experience of bipolar disorder and depression, the negative impact this has on people’s on their lives and the lack of understanding and support available in the community at that time. They were driven by a passion to ensure that others should not suffer as they did. This user‐led ethos remains a key driver of AWARE’s work and the majority of our volunteers and staff bring to the organisation the unique insight of personal experience.
We provide the following services to people with depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder:
- Support groups for people with depression and bipolar disorder, their families and carers
- Education and training programmes including Living Life to the Full, Mood Matters and Mental Health First Aid
- Mindfulness
- Information booklets and factsheets
- An interactive website and email service
From the first support group set up in Derry just over 20 years ago, AWARE has grown in strength and diversity. We are now one of the leading mental health charities in Northern Ireland but we know there are still challenges to meet and exciting opportunities to develop.
Our vision is of a future where everyone can talk about their mental health openly, access services appropriate to their needs and develop the skills and knowledge to maintain positive mental health.
Why Aware is supporting Boardroom Apprentice
We believe that this is a great opportunity to help increase the diversity in Boards generally but we also believe is a good learning opportunity for both AWARE and the Apprentice.
Location of Board and Committee Meetings
These are typically held on zoom with 2 per year being in person in an agreed location (Belfast, Derry or mid way)
Frequency and timing of board/committee meetings
We hold 6 Board meetings each year. They are typically on a weeknight evening and the 2 in person events being on a Saturday. There is a schedule of Board and sub committee meetings available for 2023.
Date of Board Meetings (September 2023 – August 2024)
See schedule which can be provided
Committee of the Boards and meeting dates (September 2023 – August 2024)
See schedule which can be provided
