AWARE NI

🗓️ SAVE THE DATE 🗓️ Lock in your calendars because big things are coming! We're unveiling our event lineup for the year ahead, and trust us, you won't want to miss out! From heart-pounding adventures to virtual challenges, there's something for everyone to get involved with. Check out our timeline and visit https://lnkd.in/e46Dskvj to explore all the upcoming excitement! Together, let's make a difference! 💛

As a mental health charity, we find it important to highlight messages that promote mental well-being in all areas, including popular media. It's been one year since Barbie took summer cinema by storm - but did you pick up on the mental health messaging within the film? Throughout the film, Barbie and Ken are impacted by issues of self-esteem, negative thinking, and feelings of anxiety. This reminds us that it is okay not to be okay even in a seemingly perfect world. AWARE NI's mental health support services can help you share how you are feeling with others who understand and learn more about managing feelings of stress and anxiety. Remember, you are (K)enough. 💛 #AWARENI #Barbie

We’re thrilled to share the impact of our incredible partnership with Wilson Nesbitt! 👏 Last year, they dedicated their efforts to this amazing cause, participating in events like the Santa Abseil down the Europa Hotel, a chilly Sea Splash at Ballyholme Beach, and the Belfast City Marathon relay. As our collaboration wraps up, we’re excited to announce that they've raised a fantastic £4,000 for those facing mental health challenges in NI! This generous amount will support our vital work across the community, including our 23 established Support Groups. These groups provide invaluable help to individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder and their families. Thank you for being part of this journey and supporting such an important cause! 💛

Rest is an essential part of self-care. Taking time to relax and recharge is just as important as staying active and engaging in activities like exercise. Whether it's reading a book, or simply enjoying a quiet moment, find what helps you unwind and make it a priority. Remember, self-care isn't just about productivity; it's about caring for your mind and body. So today, give yourself permission to rest and do something that brings you joy 💛 #SelfCareSunday #MentalHealth #AWARENI

Thank you to Connor McCullough, who cycled all the way from Ballymena to the Bealach na Ba pass in Scotland – covering 280 MILES in just 3 DAYS for AWARE NI! 🚲 "My friend who introduced me to the cycling club sadly died by suicide a few years ago. It impacted me significantly, and I faced my own mental health challenges through grief, stress, anxiety, and low mood." To cope, Connor turned to talking therapy and cycling, which he found almost meditative. "Getting out on the bike, whether alone or with friends, has been hugely beneficial for my mental health. It's the only time I'm single-minded and focused on one thing—my speed, my navigation, my cadence. I'm just thinking about cycling." In memory of his friend, who introduced him to cycling, Connor has raised over £1,660 to support people with anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. Thank you so much, Connor! 💛

Wait a minute - the Olympic torch made a stop in Belfast? 🔥 The Olympics are in full swing, and the competitive spirit is gripping everyone worldwide and is making everyone want to go for gold. 🥇 What if we told you that you could? Join AWARE NI for The Jungle Olympics on Saturday, 14 September 2024. Ready for a team-building event like no other? Picture ‘Total Wipeout' with a nostalgic Sports Day twist as we bring you wacky games, thrilling challenges, and absolute craic! And the best part? You'll be raising vital funds for the 1 in 5 impacted by mental ill-health here in Northern Ireland. To find out more and get your team signed up, email [email protected]

Meet Rachel from Belfast! 👋 Since 2022, Rachel has been making monthly donations to AWARE NI, driven by her own mental health struggles and her passion for helping others. Her support through regular donations has been crucial in sustaining and expanding our services so that we can reach more people in our community who are facing mental health challenges. Join Rachel and others in becoming a regular donor. Your support is vital to our charity, helping us continue our mission. 👉 Sign up today: https://ow.ly/jLBe50SN9ja Thank you for your generosity! 💛

HUGE congratulations to Lewis Smyth from Crawfordsburn for completing an incredible 31 marathons in 31 days, covering an astounding 1,310.6 km! 🏃♂️ (PHEW...we're tired just typing that!) Lewis has raised an impressive £7,428 for AWARE NI, which will allow us to continue providing essential mental health support to those who need it most in our communities 💛 Thank you to Lewis and to everyone who supported him along the way! 🙌

We’re thrilled to celebrate this year's Pride theme, Love Your Mind, highlighting the importance of mental health in the LGBTQ+ community 🌈 AWARE NI is honoured to be one of the charities leading the parade! Join us as we shine a light on the mental health challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community and remind everyone that support is always available. Remember, no matter who you are or what you’re going through, AWARE NI is here for you. Together, let's embrace Love Your Mind and support each other in creating a healthier, happier community 💛

We're thrilled mental health was highlighted in the King's Speech. Ensuring mental health receives equal treatment to physical health helps combat stigma and improve access to services 💛 We'll keep watching to see what this means for Northern Ireland. In the meantime, AWARE NI's support services are here to help those living with mental ill-health: • AWARE NI's peer-led support groups are free to attend and connect you with people who understand what you are going through. • Our education & wellbeing programmes empower individuals and communities with the knowledge and skills to maintain positive mental health. Learn more about our services at aware-ni.org.