Local schools celebrate at AWARE’s first investor in Mental Health Awards

AWARE, the depression charity for the North of Ireland held its inaugural Investors in Mental Health Awards last week with local schools from Derry recognised for their achievements.

The Investors in Mental Health Awards is a new initiative developed by AWARE with the aim of providing recognition to schools, individuals or organisations who are making a significant contribution to the promotion of positive mental health in the North of Ireland.

Schools and companies from all over the country attended the awards ceremony which was held in the Bridge Suite of the iconic Titanic Belfast.

Seven schools from Derry – Foyle College, Oakgrove Integrated College, St Cecilia’s College, St Columb’s College, St Conor’s College, St Joseph’s Boys’ School and St Mary’s College – were awarded an Investors in Mental Health Award for hosting AWARE mental health awareness programmes such as Paws b Mindfulness or Mood Matters for Young People, which have been delivered to pupils.

The schools were also recognised for hosting public talks for students or setting up support groups for young people.

The Investors in Mental Health award will enable them to showcase their strong pastoral care system.

Corporate organisations were also recognised for hosting AWARE programmes such as Living Life to the Full or Mood Matters in the Workplace and also for outstanding fundraising efforts.

At a time when, according to a recent Deloitte report, mental ill-health is costing companies £45bn per year with AWARE stating it has never been more important for employers to invest in the mental health and wellbeing of their staff.

Additionally, the Investors in Mental Health Awards recognised individuals who made outstanding fundraising contributions to AWARE over the past year.

Depression is currently the leading cause of disability worldwide and at this time 1 in 9 people in the North of Ireland are living with a diagnosis of depression.

AWARE wants to highlight the importance of good mental health and encourage open discussions around the subject.

The Investors in Mental Health Awards will seek to create a community where positive mental health is celebrated.

Karen Collins, CEO of AWARE said: “We are delighted to have held our first annual Investors in Mental Health Awards.

“At a time when stories surrounding mental health are often negative, we believe it’s important to tell the positive ones too.

“The day was a celebration of the contributions being made towards positive mental health in Northern Ireland.

“We would like to thank and congratulate all the award recipients for their fantastic efforts throughout the past year”.

To find out more about the Investors in Mental Health Awards, how to become an Investor in Mental Health, or to check out the full list of 2020 winners go to www.aware-ni.org

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