Charity benefits from sky dive

INTREPID volunteers and staff of Aware Defeat Depression, Northern Irelands' only charity dedicated to helping people with depression to get well, jumped out of a plane recently, to raise not just their adrenalin levels, but awareness of the illness and much needed cash for the charity.
By The Newsroom
Published 10th Jun 2010, 11:56 BST

Charity spokesperson Alison Smyth said: "Depression affects one in four of us and is linked to 75% of all suicides in Northern Ireland so it is important that we learn to recognise the signs and symptoms of the illness and understand how to get help for someone with depression."

She added "Our message today is the sky's the limit when you are feeling well, so if you are depressed give yourself the chance to enjoy life by telling someone how you feel and going to see your GP. People do recover from depression and go on to lead active and fulfilling lives, but only if they get good help and support. "

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Mary Elaine McCavert is a helpline volunteer who raised a considerable sum in sponsorship.

She said: "I started volunteering for Aware in February '09 answering calls on the helpline and soon realised just how essential a service like this is. Also, on a personal level, I have loved every second of my time volunteering and have met some really amazing people. So, I guess it's just my way of helping such a great charity."

Local businesses based all over the province sponsored the sky dive, so that all sponsor money could go directly to the charities education and training programmes and local services. For more information on how to help someone with depression call Aware Defeat Depression's helpline on 08451 20 29 61 which has details of local support groups and services, or visit their website www.aware-ni.org.uk

Related topics:PeopleDepressionNorthern Ireland