Aware Defeat Depression
Aware Defeat Depression has been working since 1996 to support all those in Northern Ireland affected by depression or bipolar disorder (manic depression). We also welcome and support carers. We opened our first office in Derry/Londonderry and now have a second office in York Street, Belfast where our helpline is based. We also have an established network of over twenty support groups in rural and urban areas across the country, which are run by our trained volunteers.
One in four of us will experience depression in our lifetime, so depression is the most common mental health problem and one which we all have a responsibility to be aware of in ourselves and others. Aware Defeat Depression is the only charity in Northern Ireland which works exclusively with and for people with depression. Most of us have an understanding of the illness through caring for someone affected or from personal experience. 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 depression at every level in the organisation, including the Board of Directors. We rely on our dedicated and caring volunteers who run our support groups and helpline, many of whom began as users of our services themselves, to keep us informed and help us stay in touch with peoples needs.
Our Mission is to
- Reduce stigma
- Increase Understanding
- Support People
- Exert Influence for change
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
Have an Holistic Approach
We recognise that positive mental health is more than just the absence of mental illness and will promote positive coping skills, self awareness, good 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
Partnerships
We will work together with a wide range of groups to maximise our ability to realise our mission
Quality
Services will be of the highest quality, reflect evidence based best practice, be well planned and managed. The organisation will be effective, efficient and accountable in all its work.
Funders
Aware Defeat Depression gratefully acknowledges all support received in the financial year 2007/08
- Awards for All
- BBC Children in Need
- Progressive Building Society
- The Tudor Trust
- Ulster Garden Villages Trust
- Ulster Bank Staff Charity Fund
- Northern Ireland Bankers Association
- Belfast Cathedral, Black Santa Appeal
- Abbey Staff Fund
- Acheson & Glover
- McLernon Computers
- Northbrook Technology
- Seagate Technologies Staff Fund
- Edenderry Street Project
- The Ulster Chemists Association
- Irish National Flying Club
- Loreto Grammar School
- Bangor Academy
- St Pius X College
- Department of Health, Social Services & Public Safety
- Northern Health & Social Services Board
- Belfast Education & Library Board
- Southern Health & Social Services Board
- Western Health & Social Services Board
- Eastern Health & Social Services Board
- Foyle Health & Social Services Trust
- Limavady Area Partnership
- North & West Belfast Health & Social Services Trust
- Northern Health & Social Services Board
- Armagh & Dungannon Health & Social Services Trust
- Craigavon & Banbridge Community Health & Social Services Trust
- Derry City Council
- Down Lisburn Health & Social Services Trust
- Eastern Health & Social Services Board
- Sperrin Lakeland Health & Social Care Trust
Achievements & Milestones