The Investors in Mental Health Award is an initiative developed by AWARE – the depression charity for Northern Ireland. The aim is to provide recognition to individuals, schools or organisations who are making a significant contribution to the promotion of positive mental health. AWARE will annually recognise “Investors in Mental Health” and make a presentation to these organisations or individuals.  The award will take the form of a framed certificate and permission to use the Investors in Mental Health logo.

Mental Health is an increasingly important issue, with poor mental health affecting 1 in 4 of us each year.  AWARE wants to highlight the importance of good mental health and encourage our community to discuss it openly. The Investors in Mental Health initiative aims to create a community where good mental health is promoted.

Recognition through Investors in Mental Health can be a factor in:

• Attracting potential employees to your organisation through the creation of positive work culture.
• Supporting enrollment in your school by highlighting a strong pastoral care system. 
• Supporting mental health awareness within your community group. 

Receiving the Investors in Mental Health recognition will enable you to use the AWARE Investors in Mental Health logo on your website, headed paper, Pastoral Care section of your school brochure, or company newsletter. You will also receive a framed certificate to hang in your office or school.

We will be contacting the local press to highlight organisations that have received this award.  You may also have the opportunity to become involved in showcase events to demonstrate how your organisation is promoting good mental health.

There is no cost involved in accepting this award.

AWARE will be reflecting on the schools, individuals, and organisations that have engaged with us in the previous calendar year to produce a list of IMH Award winners.  If you would like to request that you are considered for the Investors in Mental Health Award, please contact one of our offices using the phone numbers at the bottom of the page.

Some examples of why organisations and individuals may be recognised include:

• Hosted the Paws b programme for at least one class and hosted an accompanying training session for teachers and/ or parents (primary schools).

• Hosted our Mood Matters Young People Programme over the past year to at least one whole year group and in doing so, have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to the mental health and wellbeing of your pupils (post-primary schools).

• Organised and facilitated a public talk for students or staff on their campus (Regional Colleges and Universities).

• Organised Mood Matters or Living Life to the Full programmes for students or staff during the year or have developed young people’s support groups on campus in collaboration with AWARE.

• Have a proportionate percentage of your workplace trained in Mental Health First Aid.

• Have a proportionate percentage of managers complete a 1-day Mental Health Awareness for Managers course. 

• Have a significant number of staff participate in a Mood Matters Workplace programme.

• To have signed up to the Mental Health Charter and be working with AWARE to progress in meeting the objectives within the Charter.

• Held fundraising events and achieved a notable fundraising target.

Fundraising groups, individuals, and businesses may receive recognition having achieved a notable fundraising target.

If you would like to find out more about how to fundraise for AWARE, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or click here. 

If you are interested in learning more about the Investors in Mental Health Awards, please contact AWARE using the details below.

AWARE Belfast Office: 028 9035 7820

AWARE Derry office: 028 71 26 0602

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Investors in Mental Health 2020 Recipients