How We Can Help You

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 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.

AWARE is the depression charity for Northern Ireland and the only charity working exclusively for those with depression and bipolar disorder.

Aware Defeat Depression, known as AWARE, Queen Street, Londonderry, Northern Ireland, BT48 7EQ, Company No: NI30447. Registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland with charity registration number NIC100561