Start 2016 with a splash with AWARE’s New Year’s Day Splash on Newcastle beach on Friday 1 January 2016 (fancy dress is optional!) Definitely the way to cure a New Year’s Day hangover!
Mental health charity, AWARE (formerly Aware Defeat Depression) is encouraging people to participate in the New Year’s Day Splash and make a brand new start by blowing away the cobwebs in the fresh sea surrounded by the stunning Mourne Mountains.
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Come along and join in on New Year’s Day with a dip in the sea in Newcastle for AWARE and support the battle against depression in Northern Ireland.[/caption]
Kieran Hughes, local AWARE Fundraising Officer, said: “We hope to have around a hundred people dipping into the sea on New years day. It’s really about helping to raise awareness about the impact depression can have on our lives. There is a registration fee of £10 and that will go towards our different support programmes etc.
“So everyone is welcome to come along and brave the elements on the beach at Newcastle. The participants will get a free pack and a tea shirt. Most of the people taking part are from the wider Newcastle area.
“And for safety support, we even have the RNLI in attendance just off shore in case anyone gets into difficulty. It should be a fun event.”
Participants will be making a real and positive difference to the lives of people affected by depression by helping to end the stigma that is still associated with mental illness. Every penny raised will be used to help people affected by depression and educate our young people on the importance of looking after your mental wellbeing.
AWARE’s New Year’s Day Splash is all your New Year Resolutions rolled in to one!
Once everyone has completed the dip (or swim or paddle!) they are invited back to the beautiful Slieve Donard Resort and Spa where they can enjoy a warm cup of delicious hot chocolate. The first 70 people registered will also receive a complimentary pass to the Spa at The Culloden Estate and Spa or The Slieve Donard Resort and Spa which can be used from January 2 to February 29, 2016.
Siobhan Doherty, Chief Executive of AWARE said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for people to get involved in something special and unique on New Year’s Day. Not only will people be participating in a very exciting event, but they will also be having fun whilst raising money for AWARE, the only charity in Northern Ireland working exclusively for those with depression.
“We are delighted that the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa are supporting us and will welcome participants into their hotel to provide a complimentary cup of hot chocolate. All participants will then receive a voucher for the spa that they can use throughout the month of January and February.”
For more information on the New Years Day Splash, visit the AWARE website at:
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AWARE is the leading charity in Northern Ireland that works exclusively for those experiencing depression and bipolar disorder. They specialise in the promotion of positive mental health and early intervention services. Since 1996 it has been providing support to those experiencing depression and their carers.
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.
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.
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