Mental Health awareness event for Newry

AWARE, the Depression Charity for Northern Ireland, has teamed up with PIPS suicide prevention charity, and the Royal College of Psychiatrists to host an awareness-raising event on young people’s mental health in Newry. The event will take place Monday 21 November at 6.30pm in the Canal Court Hotel and will raise awareness of the mental health issues being faced by young people and the support services available in the local community.

Speakers will include representatives from both charities, as well as the Royal College of Psychiatrists and local people with lived experience of depression and anxiety. 

Rhonda Murphy, Head of Support Services at AWARE, said “We’re looking forward to hosting an important evening to shine a light on the illness of depression and its impact on our community. Any of us at any time can experience mental health issues, but a particular ‘at risk’ group are our young people who face a host of pressures after leaving school. 

Depression, anxiety and other mood disorders are very common and also very treatable. There is no shame in saying you’re struggling. We would welcome anyone to come along to find out more about the help available.”

Jarlath McCreanor is an AWARE volunteer in Newry. He facilitates a weekly peer support group for depression and anxiety in Altnaveigh House as well as attending a group in Newcastle. He said, “We’re hoping this event will reassure people who might be experiencing low mood, anxiety or depression that there is hope and help available. We’ll be highlighting the power of talking and peer support and encouraging people to come along to AWARE’s group in Newry. 

I’ve been attending the groups for years to manage my depression and I have seen first-hand that they really work. They create a community of people who understand each other and have somewhere to really be themselves.”

The event in the Canal Court Hotel is free of charge, anyone is welcome to attend, and refreshments will be provided. 

Please register your attendance by emailing info@aware-ni.org