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Services
Support
Support Groups
Our self-help support groups are one of Aware Defeat Depression’s key services, providing regular in-person support in communities across Northern Ireland. The groups are facilitated by local volunteers who are trained and supported to carry out their role. Often volunteers have personal experience of depressive illness and as ‘well’ group members are there to support the recovery of others.
Depression can be a very isolating illness and many sufferers carry a sense of shame. Our groups provide an opportunity to meet others with similar experiences, this helps to demystify the illness and allows group members to speak freely about how they are feeling. As an organisation Aware Defeat Depression is non-directive and at group meetings members share information, discuss options and support each other to move forward.
Helpline
Our telephone and email helpline service allows people to discuss their concerns in confidence with someone who understands and to get accurate information about the illness, its treatments and self-help. This provides a very accessible way to get help and ease isolation which can be particularly important for those who have mobility problems or find it difficult to get out due to their depression. The helpline always signposts to our support group network where appropriate and can be an important stepping stone for those who need to build confidence to attend a group meeting for the first time.
Information
Public Talks
As part of our commitment to open, accessible information provision and taking services to where people are, Aware Defeat Depression holds a twice yearly series of public talks to provide the public with information on depression and a variety of related issues. These talks are typically delivered by mental health professionals who bring their expertise and the most up-to-date information. At the end of each talk time is allowed for questions and this can be a great opportunity for audience members to put their queries to an expert in the field. Our public talks are free of charge and open for anyone to attend.
Publications
Aware believes information about depression to be an important tool for recovery and we have a wide range of factual information literature which is available on request from the office, at support groups and public talks.
Awareness
Mood Matters
Mood Matters is our depression awareness programme for young people. It is delivered through schools and other appropriate youth settings and aims to promote knowledge and develop understanding of the importance of mental health and depression among young people and to encourage help-seeking behaviour in themselves and others.
Where possible we also fulfil requests for depression awareness sessions for adult groups.
