Magherafelt schools and community group recognised at AWARE NI’s Mental Health Awards
Magherafelt Women’s Group, Magherafelt High School and St Conor’s College, Clady, were among 85 schools and organisations who were recognised by AWARE NI, Northern Ireland’s leading depression charity, at its fourth Investors in Mental Health Awards in Belfast for their commitment to promoting positive mental health.
The event, held at the Europa Hotel in Belfast, and saw the award recipients were celebrated for their efforts to raise mental health awareness, encourage open conversations and provide meaningful support within their schools and communities.
This includes delivering AWARE NI’s Mood Matters for Young People programme, which equips young people with practical tools and knowledge to look after their mental health and wellbeing.
Magherafelt Women’s Group also plays an important role in supporting local mental health education, partnering with AWARE NI to deliver mental health awareness and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)-based programmes to members of the local community.
The ceremony also featured contributions from Mental Health Champion, Professor Siobhan O’Neill, and Paralympic silver medallist Chloe MacCombe, alongside panel discussions with representatives from schools and AWARE NI’s support groups.
Launched in 2020, AWARE NI’s Investors in Mental Health Awards recognise schools, workplaces and community organisations across Northern Ireland that demonstrate an ongoing commitment to supporting positive mental health. This year’s awards celebrated the efforts of organisations working to make mental health a priority.
Gail Clarke, Chief Executive of AWARE NI, said: “The Investors in Mental Health Awards recognise that we all have a part to play in creating a mentally healthier Northern Ireland. With one in five people affected by mental health difficulties, it is important to celebrate those taking meaningful action and encourage others to do the same."