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Information about our support groups

Living with depression, anxiety or bipolar can be very isolating. AWARE's support groups provide an opportunity to meet others going through similar experiences as you. This peer-led support can help you understand your illness, allow you to speak freely about how you are feeling and make you realise that you are not alone. Support group members share information, discuss options and support each other to move forward.

If you have any queries about attending a support group, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

To read the leaflet about AWARE Support Groups, please click here.

Click here to read our 2024 Support Group Attendee Survey

Click the play icon to watch our real life Support Group video which will show you what an AWARE Support Group looks like and just how effective they are for people with depression, anxiety and bi-polar disorder.

Feedback from participants:

"Depression is a difficult thing to accept you have, these groups help take away the stigma and you realise anyone can get depression. It provides you with confidence and support."

"AWARE provides a much needed practical service that helps people with depression, its services are free and the support groups are instantly accessible."

"Although I don't attend meetings that often, knowing they are there if I need them is such a comfort."

"I feel that attending AWARE support group meetings has helped me to fight my own depression."

Group Rules

Confidentiality

Due to the nature of the meetings, everything discussed is strictly confidential and must not be talked about outside the group. In addition, the identity of group members should not be revealed to others.

Support Group FAQs

Who are the groups for?

Support Groups are for people (18+) affected by depression, including bipolar disorder (manic depression.) This includes relatives, carers and friends who want to know more about depression and how they can help someone recover.
What is the purpose of the group?

The purpose of the group is to bring you together with other people experiencing similar problems, so you can support each other and help one another, learn more about your own illness and the treatments available. Attending a group also enables you to share experiences and develop self-help strategies and coping skills that will help you manage your depression.
How many meetings should I attend?

Attendance at a number of consecutive meetings is advised to achieve maximum benefit to help with your recovery. However, this is very much a personal choice.
Who leads our meetings?

A facilitator and co-facilitator lead our support group meetings. They are volunteers who have either experienced depression themselves or they have cared for someone suffering from depression. We also have volunteers from the Mental Health professions. In some cases our facilitators have experienced our support groups as members and have gone on to lead meetings on our behalf.

All our volunteers have received extensive training from AWARE and outside bodies prior to leading any meeting. Facilitators however, cannot offer advice or opinions about medical matters. Factsheets written by professionals are available at each group meeting or by contacting the Belfast Office on 028 9035 7820 or Derry Office on 028 7126 0602.
What happens at group meetings?

The meetings are very informal. After brief introductions and an explanation of group rules, individuals may talk about their experiences, share information and ask questions. No member is obliged to speak and short periods of silence are normal.

Members may talk freely and give their views on different issues, each person ultimately makes up their own mind about matters discussed and what action, if any, they decide to take.
What people have said about the Support Groups?

‘At my first group meeting I found out so much about my illness and the support I received from other group members was great’

‘Just listening to other group members helped me understand so much about my husband’s illness.’

‘It was reassuring to know that there are other people who have the same problems as me and that I am not the only one to feel this way.’
Is there a fee?

There is no charge for attending group meetings. Voluntary contributions however, are welcome.
How long do meetings last?

Meetings usually last between 1 and 1 ½ hours.

How We Can Help You

At AWARE, we believe that talking to others who know how you feel, is an important step in your journey to recovery.

We have a network of peer-led support groups across Northern Ireland welcoming people living with depression, bi-polar and anxiety, as well as their family members or carers. These support groups are led by our fantastic volunteers who are fully trained to facilitate the meetings.

We also have online support groups which take place over Zoom.

Our support groups are for over 18s.

We offer a support mail service for people that have any questions about depression or perhaps would like more information about the illness.

Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information on these services.

We also have free online factsheets which features mental health & well-being resources and information.

AWARE Ambassadors

Our AWARE Ambassadors are:

Lynda Bryans

Lynda has recently joined AWARE as an ambassador in December 2016 but has been a longstanding supporter of AWARE for many years as a Board of Trustee since 2005. Lynda had depression during her first pregnancy and said she felt totally worthless. Lynda opened up to the public in 2008 about her battle with depression in the hope that having a well known TV personality talk about mental health could help others in the same situation. Lynda said, “The reason I tell my story is because there are people in that position now. People who think they are never going to get better. People who are in that black tunnel and can’t see any way out of it."
Paulo Ross

Paulo Ross joined AWARE as an ambassador in September 2016. Paulo is currently breakfast show host on Cool FM and has his own show on Saturdays at 2pm. Paulo has a very good understanding of depression and the impact it can have on a person and their family. Paulo would like to do more to help raise awareness of depression and mental illness in order to encourage more people suffering to talk about how they are feeling and to seek help.
Cate Conway

Radio presenter Cate Conway was keen to join AWARE as an ambassador further to the loss of her former co-host Stephen Clements earlier this year. She would like to encourage others to feel comfortable speaking up when they don’t feel strong or need help. Cate says “Being in my 40s, I’ve been through quite a few major life changes recently that all took their toll on my mental health. I found great relief in reaching out to friends and co-workers when I didn’t feel like myself and it was affecting my ability to work or socialise. I want to raise awareness of the importance of mental health issues.”
Vinny Hurrell

Vinny joined AWARE as an ambassador in March 2013. Vinny works for the BBC and hosts his own radio show, The Vinny Hurrell Show on a Monday evening on BBC Radio Ulster. Vinny has been an active supporter of AWARE for many years and has become an ambassador in the hope that he can help de-stigmatise the illness of depression and ensure that more people suffering are able to open up in order to get the help they need.
Michael Conlan

Michael Conlan, WBA Interim Featherweight World Champion and two-time Olympian, came on board as an AWARE Ambassador in 2022. Michael is passionate about raising awareness about mental health and promoting AWARE's mission, having seen first-hand the impact of poor mental health on men in his community. Michael says “I am proud to be an ambassador of AWARE and I will use my voice and platform to support the charity and help raise awareness of the life-saving services it provides. Growing up in West Belfast, I have seen the impact poor mental health and depression can have and sadly I have lost friends and neighbours to suicide. I want people living with depression to know that they are not alone and that there are people who want to help and support.”

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteer for AWARE NI

Volunteers are at the heart of AWARE NI. They work alongside our staff in a variety of rewarding roles, helping us provide vital mental health support across Northern Ireland. With more than 70 dedicated volunteers already making a difference, we're always looking for compassionate people to join our team.

By volunteering with AWARE NI, you'll help us continue to support people living with depression, anxiety and bipolar through our mental health support groups and fundraising activities. As demand for our services continues to grow, so does our need for volunteers.

Our volunteers come from all walks of life and bring a wide range of skills, experiences and perspectives. Some have lived experience of mental ill-health or have supported a loved one, while others simply want to give back to their community. Whatever your background, if you're caring, reliable and passionate about supporting others, we'd love to hear from you.

We offer a range of volunteer opportunities in Northern Ireland. Some positions, including our Support Group Facilitator role, require training before you begin - but no previous qualifications or counselling experience are needed. We provide the training and ongoing support to help you feel confident in your role.

Whether you'd like to support people directly through our peer support groups or assist with fundraising events, volunteering with AWARE NI is an opportunity to make a real difference while developing new skills and becoming part of a supportive community.

Benefits of Volunteering with AWARE NI

Volunteering with AWARE NI is a rewarding way to support people living with depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder while making a positive impact in your local community. Along the way, you'll gain valuable experience, build meaningful connections and become part of a supportive team committed to improving mental health across Northern Ireland.

Ready to Get Involved?

AWARE NI is committed to creating an inclusive volunteer community and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds across Northern Ireland. We believe our volunteers' diverse experiences and perspectives help strengthen the support we provide.

If you're interested in volunteering with AWARE NI, we'd love to hear from you. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or complete the application form below.

Download an application form

Volunteer Roles

Support Group Facilitator

Volunteers usually work in pairs at one of our 24 support groups operating online and throughout Northern Ireland. This role involves facilitating the meeting, providing appropriate information and distributing literature. Most of our support groups meet in the evenings and therefore requires regular time commitment. All Support Group Facilitators are fully trained and act as ambassadors of AWARE.
AWARE(ness) Champion

This role involves providing information at health fairs and other local events in conjunction with distributing information to GP surgeries, chemists and other suitable local establishments. The hours for this role are flexible, although availability during normal office hours would be helpful.
Fundraising Volunteer

There are no qualifications needed to be a Fundraiser. You just choose something to do from our calendar of fundraising events, or if you prefer, you can organise your own event such as a quiz night, a barbecue, cake sale, coffee morning, in fact anything at all that takes your fancy. We will provide you with a Fundraising Guide and anything else you need to know and you will always be supported in your fundraising by the AWARE Fundraising team. To find out how to become a Fundraising Volunteer, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Uncategorised

Information about our support groups

Information about our support groups