AWARE WELCOMES CATE CONWAY AS CHARITY’S NEW AMBASSADOR

AWARE, the depression charity for Northern Ireland, has welcomed local radio presenter Cate Conway as their ambassador.

In her role as an AWARE ambassador, Cate will be supporting the charity’s campaigns, attending events and helping to raise significant awareness of AWARE as the charity looks towards its 25th anniversary in 2021.

The role will enable Cate to become involved in a cause that she is passionate about having experienced first-hand the impact of poor mental health following the loss of her former Q Radio co-host Stephen Clements earlier this year. Cate would like to use her new role to encourage people to realise the immense power in speaking up when they don’t feel strong and access help and support.

Cate said, “Being in my forties I’ve been through quite a few major life changes recently that all took their toll on my mental health. I found great relief in reaching out to friends and co-workers when I didn’t feel like myself and it was affecting my ability to work and socialise. I hope I can use my position as an ambassador to raise awareness of the importance of mental health issues and of the good work carried out by AWARE. At this time 1 in 9 people in Northern Ireland are living with a diagnosis of depression, so it’s really important to encourage open discussion around the subject”.

AWARE has an established network of support groups in rural and urban areas across Northern Ireland which are run by trained volunteers supporting people with depression and mental health issues as well as carers for people with the illness. In addition, the charity delivers mental health and well-being programmes into communities, schools, universities and colleges and attend outreach sessions and community events to give more information about the charity and its services.

Karen Collins, Chief Executive of AWARE said of the appointment, “AWARE is delighted to welcome Cate on board as an ambassador. Depression does not discriminate, and we are full of admiration for Cate’s genuine desire to help support us at a time when mental health issues are so prevalent. Cate is extremely passionate and committed and we look forward to creating a positive change together”.

Further information about AWARE or to access support or useful resources during the COVID-19 pandemic go to: aware-ni.org/covid-19-support