AWARE Omagh charity talk aims to demystify depression

A CHARITY in Omagh is hosting a talk with mental health professionals to help demystify the stigma that can be attached to depression.

AWARE, a charity helping those facing depression across the North, will host the event at the Silverbirch Hotel later this month.

Speakers include Dr Chris Sharkey, a consultant psychiatrist in the Western Health and Social Care Trust, Dr Josephine Deehan, a general practitioner based in Omagh, and representatives from AWARE.

The event will also feature stories from local people on their lived experience of mental ill-health. Tom McEneaney, Head of Support Services at AWARE, said, ‘’We are delighted to be delivering this public talk alongside the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

“We need to reach out to local communities and let people know of the mental health support services available to them and how AWARE can support people experiencing depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder.”

The event is free of charge on Thursday, March 24 at 7pm and anyone is welcome to attend. Those interested are asked register your attendance by emailing info@aware-ni.org. The charity also runs a support group in Omagh which has recently relocated to new premises in the town.

The free-to-attend group is facilitated by AWARE’s trained volunteers, many of whom have personal experience of depression, at the Hub on Market Street every Tuesday evening.

Jarlath McCreanor, Volunteer Support Group Facilitator, said, “I joined an AWARE support group in 2010 and attended for four years before I became a facilitator. I found that the people there understood my journey with mental illness as they were or had been in the same place as me.

“I soon found myself opening up, feeling less lonely, and it put structure to my week. From there, I went on to become a group facilitator. I volunteer at three groups a week, and the reason why I dedicate so much of my time to them is that I believe in them. I know from a first-hand perspective that they work.”

l If you’re interested in attending the Omagh support group, please contact AWARE’s support services team at info@aware-ni.org