Aware are nominated charity for Dunloy Cuchullians

AWARE Defeat Depression are delighted to receive a cheque from Dunloy Cuchullains for proceeds raised during their fun day on Saturday.

Aware Defeat Depression are Northern Ireland's only charity dedicated to helping the one in four people in the province who will experience depression at some point in their life.

Their work includes providing twenty free support groups across the country, a telephone helpline for people in distress and several training programmes to raise awareness of depression and how to spot the signs and symptoms of this life threatening illness.

One of the courses offered by Aware is Mental Health First Aid, which eighteen of the Cuchullains coaches have now completed. Designed by Aware Defeat Depression and the Public Health Agency, the course will help coaches recognise people suffering from depression and teach them how to provide support as well as recognising early signs - vital in helping prevent future problems. Dunloy is a small community that was affected by three suicides in recent years and as a result, Cuchullains are determined to support the young men and women who play at the club and raise awareness of the importance of good mental health, on and off the pitch.

Aware Defeat Depression appreciates every donation that is made because money from the public allows us to continue with the work we do to prevent further suicides. Depression is cited in 75% of suicides so it is important to help people recover from depression. A support group member said, "I found the simple concept of people affected by depression meeting, sharing experiences, giving and getting support was very powerful. This was undoubtedly the turning point in the road to my recovery."

Aware Defeat Depression have a free fortnightly support group in Coleraine, meeting in the Lodge Hotel on the first and third Tuesday of every month. For more information on the support groups, or the other work Aware Defeat Depression does, visit www.aware-ni.org. The helpline is also available from Monday to Friday, 9am-1pm by calling 08451 20 29 61.

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