Local mental health charity, AWARE is delighted at how successful their recent public talk in Newcastle was. The event entitled “Let’s Talk about it… a conversation on depression” was held in The Newcastle Centre, Newcastle on the 9th of March and was very well attended by members of the local community.
Speaking at the event was, Dr Claire Mc Kenna, a Psychiatrist from Southern Health and Social Care Trust. Dr McKenna said: “I think events like this are really important. We need more integration between the statutory and community sectors to support and improve services.”
“Mental health carries the great risk of morbidity and yet is one of the most poorly catered for services we have.”
Siobhan Doherty, Chief Executive of AWARE said: “The response from the community in Newcastle has been fantastic. We currently operate a support group fortnightly in Newcastle on a Thursday evening at 7.30pm in the Newcastle Centre.
“Our next Newcastle support group will take place at on the 24 March. Anyone affected by depression or bipolar disorder is welcome as well as anyone who cares for people with the illness. We hope that following the success of this public talk people will attend.”
“We also have a range of well-being programmes which we encourage people to apply to, including Living Life to The Full, Mood Matters and Mindfulness. Information on all our services can be found on our website”
* AWARE is the leading charity in Northern Ireland that works exclusively for those with depression and bipolar disorder.
* According to the World Health Organisation Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, and is a major contributor to the global burden of disease.
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs369/en/
* 1 in 4 people will suffer from a form of mental illness at some point in their life. AWARE operate a helpline available Monday to Friday from 9am to 1pm. The number is 08451 20 29 61.
* AWARE currently provide support to more than 20,000 people across the north and offer a range of services to help those suffering with depression get expert advice as well as peer support.
