40 Years of Aware: Inspiring Hope. Supporting Recovery.
This Aware Mental Health Week (6th – 12th October), we mark 40 years since we began supporting people experiencing depression and bipolar disorder – four decades of listening, supporting, educating, and empowering people on their mental health journey.
We’re proud of the progress made, but we know our work is far from finished.
As part of our campaign this year, we asked people in Ireland a simple but powerful question: Have attitudes towards mental health really changed? While the video captures real voices and personal stories, we also ran a nationwide survey to get a broader view of how people across Ireland really feel about mental health today. Together, they paint a picture of progress, challenges, and the conversation about mental health that’s ongoing.
As part of Aware Mental Health Week, our range of free education programmes are open for registration so if you’re interested in learning more about your mental health and how to look after it, we’d encourage you to consider signing up.
We’ll also host a free webinar on Wednesday, 8th October, ‘Aware 40 Years On: What Does Mental Health Recovery Mean?’, where we’ll explore the evolving meaning of recovery in mental health in Ireland.
Keep an eye on our social media channels throughout the week as we will be sharing lots of content.
And don’t forget we’re here for you if you need support.
Choose from the below options to learn more.
We asked Ireland: Have attitudes to mental health changed?
As part of our campaign this year, we asked people in Ireland a simple but powerful question: Have attitudes towards mental health really changed? Filmed at Heuston Station in Dublin, the video explores how people in Ireland think and talk about mental health – from shifting attitudes to the realities of accessing support when it’s needed.
National survey
To mark Aware’s 40th anniversary, we commissioned a national survey exploring people’s attitudes towards mental health in Ireland, the availability of services, and what gives people hope. The findings highlight a growing understanding of mental health, but also reveal how cost and waiting times continue to prevent many from accessing the support they need. Encouragingly, hope emerges as a powerful theme and a key factor in recovery.
“I find hope by turning to my family and close friends. Their encouragement and perspectives help me stay positive and remind me that I’m not alone.”
Webinar
Join us for a special webinar during Aware Mental Health Week exploring the evolving meaning of recovery in mental health in Ireland.
Over four decades, our understanding of what recovery actually means has grown and expanded in mental health, incorporating ideas such as hope, meaning and empowerment. This conversation will bring together voices from a clinical background and the world of peer support to reflect on what recovery looks like today, how it has changed, and what it can mean for the future.
Whether you are personally affected, supporting a loved one, or working in the mental health field, this webinar will offer insight, inspiration, and a chance to be part of the ongoing dialogue about hope and healing.
The discussion will be moderated by Aware’s Clinical Director, Dr Susan Brannick, and will feature expert panellists, Dr Pat Bracken, Consultant Psychiatrist, and Ciara Glynn, Educator & Lived Experience Expert.
Can’t make it live? Sign up anyway and we’ll send you the recording.
Want to invest in your mental health?
Whether you are living with depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder, supporting a loved one, or you are simply looking to learn more about your mental health and how to protect it – we have the programme for you. Our Resilience Programme, Living Well With Bipolar Disorder Programme, and Family Support Programme are open for registration.
Do you need support?
Don’t forget that we’re here for you.
If you’re experiencing depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety or other mood related conditions, or are concerned about a loved one, we can offer you a safe and accepting space to receive support, compassion and guidance.
All three of our support services are offered free of charge.
Supporting someone?
If you are looking for information and resources to help you as you support a loved one who experiences depression or bipolar disorder, we have some helpful actions and options below.
It costs Aware circa €2.5m to deliver our range of services each year. We receive limited funding from the State, so rely heavily on the support of the public and our corporate partners in order to raise these funds.
Your donation will help us to improve the lives of individuals, families and communities affected by depression and bipolar disorder. Your generosity means that more free-of-charge support, education and information services can be provided for those who need it most.