West Tyrone teachers taking on challenge for AWARE NI

A GROUP of teachers from west Tyrone are to embark on a towering abseiling challenge in aid of the charity, AWARE NI.

The dedicated team of teachers and classroom assistants, all based at Holy Cross College in Strabane, will take on the feat at the City Hotel in Derry on June 9 next.

The group is being led by Sharon Patterson, head of Personal Development at the College.

“The challenge is an exciting one, but the main reason is that as staff who work with young people, we see the value in programmes that prioritise mental health, such as Mood Matters Young People, which AWARE NI delivers in our school every year,” Sharon said. “We also value AWARE NI’s services which cater to parents, communities, schools, and businesses.

“We are nervous yet excited; honestly, we are not trying to think about it too much. We are feeling the fear but doing it anyway! It’s all for a great cause, raising awareness and promoting mental health discussions.”

Margaret McCrossan, AWARE NI’s Community Fundraising Officer, said the importance of community involvement in such events should not be under-estimated.

“Everyone here at AWARE NI are thrilled to have teams like Holy Cross College participating in our abseil at the City Hotel Derry. Their dedication raises crucial funds and awareness about mental health challenges and the support AWARE NI provides. Community support is vital in creating meaningful change.”

AWARE NI’s Strabane Support Group meets fortnightly on Wednesdays at 6:30pm at Melvin Sports Complex, offering invaluable peer support and resources for individuals seeking mental health assistance in their local community.

For more information and to register for the abseil on Sunday, 9 June, please visit aware-ni.org/derry-abseil.

See the link to donate: https://www.justgiving.com/team/-171386204711hcc?utm_medium=team&utm_content=team%2F-171386204711hcc&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=pfp-share