Aware NI - About Aware

About Aware

Background Our Mission Our Values Funders Achievements & Milestones

Background

Aware Defeat Depression has been working to support all those in Northern Ireland who are affected by depression or bipolar disorder (manic depression) and their carers since 1996 when its first premises open in Derry/Londonderry.

We are a service user and carer led organisation and unique in the field as the only mental health charity to focus exclusively on depressive illnesses, the most common of all mental health problems.

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Our Mission

  • Reducing stigma
  • Increasing Understanding
  • Supporting People
  • Exerting Influence
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Our Values

  • Involving People
    We are committed to empowering people to take control of their illness, their personal life and their organisation
  • 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
  • Equity and 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
  • Partnership
    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.
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Funders

Aware Defeat Depression gratefully acknowledges all support received in the financial year 2005/06.

  • Armagh & Dungannon Health & Social Services Trust
  • Awards for All
  • BBC Children in Need
  • Craigavon & Banbridge Community Health & Social Services Trust
  • Derry City Council
  • Down Lisburn Health & Social Services Trust
  • Eastern Health & Social Services Board
  • ESB
  • Foyle Health & Social Services Trust
  • Limavady Area Partnership
  • North & West Belfast Health & Social Services Trust
  • Northern Health & Social Services Board
  • Progressive Building Society
  • Sperrin Lakeland Health & Social Care Trust
  • The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland
  • The Department of Health, Social Services & Public Safety
  • The Tudor Trust
  • Ulster Gardens
  • Western Health & Social Services Board
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Achievements & Milestones

1997 - First administrative offices opens at Great James Street in Derry.

2000 - Launch of Mood Matters Depression Awareness Programme.

2001 - 20th support group established.

2003 - Aware Defeat Depression wins the Lottery Monitor UK Award for Excellence (Kids’ Category) in July 2003 for Mood Matters Depression Awareness for Young People.

2004 - Aware Defeat Depression was one of only ten UK winners presented with the GlaxoSmithKline Impact Award for small to medium sized registered charities was a proven track record in community health care.

2004 - Aware Defeat Depression opens an office in Belfast.

2005 - Dedicated lo-call helpline service launched.

2006 - Retirement of Gerry Ward, Aware Defeat Depression Chief Executive and Co-Founder.

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