AWARE NI, the Depression Charity for Northern Ireland, recently hosted its third biennial Investors in Mental Health Awards. Launched in 2020, the Investors in Mental Health Award recognises schools, workplaces, and individuals that foster open dialogue and proactive mental health support.

The event, held at the Europa Hotel in Belfast and hosted by well-known television weather presenter Barra Best, saw 68 individuals and organisations recognised for their dedication and ongoing work in fostering good practice in embedding positive mental health.

Schools across Northern Ireland were celebrated for integrating AWARE NI's mental health programmes, such as Mood Matters Young People, Paws b Mindfulness, and My Mind and Me, into their pupils' curriculum. These programmes aim to equip and empower young people with the tools and knowledge to spot the signs of mental ill-health, know where and how to get help should it arise, and learn how to maintain positive mental health throughout their life journeys. Equipping young people with the vocabulary to talk about mental health and learn how to get help should they need it is an essential early intervention strategy. Mental health nurturing can mitigate the negative effects of stress and adversity on the developing brain, which in turn improves emotional regulation, social relationships, learning and academic performance (National Scientific Council on the Developing Child, 2014). Therefore, it helps to build the foundation for positive adult mental health.

Our workplace winners worked in partnership with us to help embed good practice that fosters a mentally healthy workplace - engaging with us and our suite of AWARE NI Workplace Wellbeing programming (which you can learn more about by clicking here), having accessible mental health information and encouraging good habits to foster better working-life balance. It is vital to ensure workplaces have appropriate mental health support as mental health problems cost the Northern Ireland economy over £3.4 billion annually and are the leading cause of employee absence.

Individuals such as Pauline Alexander and Kenny King, Niamh Brownlee, Callum McCormick, Darren Wallace, and Lewis Smyth were recognised for their outstanding commitment to fundraising for vital mental health funds and raising awareness about mental health to try and reduce the stigma attached.

In addition to honouring our winners, the event included impactful speeches from Conor Donnelly, Head of Marketing at FinTru, who discussed the company's partnership with AWARE NI as its nominated charity. Chris Kerr, former Antrim GAA goalkeeper and mental health advocate, and Jordan Poucher, an AWARE NI support group facilitator, also shared their personal experiences with mental health challenges, offering powerful testimonies on the value of seeking support and raising awareness. Isla McManus, ambassador for AWARE NI's school poetry competition Express Yourself, also spoke and performed a song at the event. You can learn more about Express Yourself by clicking here.

Karen Collins, CEO of AWARE NI, expressed her appreciation for all award recipients, saying:

"The Investors in Mental Health Awards are our way of recognising the vital work carried out to support mental health in Northern Ireland. With one in five people affected by mental health issues each year, it is essential to celebrate these efforts and encourage others to take meaningful action. Congratulations to all awardees—your work is truly making a difference."

To find out more about Investors in Mental Health, or to see the criteria so that you can work towards an award for 2026, please click here.