Aware support groups are a useful resource for individuals who are impacted by depression or bipolar disorder, and across the country Aware support groups receive over 12,000 visits each year. The meetings are free to attend and no referral is needed.
The Athlone Aware support group meets in St Kieran’s Community Centre, Tormey Villas (close to Dunnes Stores ), Athlone every Thursday at 8pm.
The Mullingar Aware Support Group has moved to a new venue, with meetings taking place every Thursday at 7.30pm at the 1428 Club, 2 Harbour Street, Mullingar (near Dunnes Stores ).
Rosemary Carvill, Aware’s local support group co-ordinator, noted that people are often surprised at how helpful they find the meetings: “Sometimes people are reluctant to try the support groups – I think there is a fear that it will be all ‘doom and gloom’ or that it will make you feel worse than you already do. But it can be really helpful to learn from others who have walked a similar path with depression and to look at helpful actions you can take that can make a difference. There’s lots to be learned at the Aware support groups and it can be very life-affirming.”
Aware support groups offer people a safe space where they can talk through particular concerns around depression and learn skills for minimising its impact on their life and relationships. More information on all of Aware’s services is available on www.aware.ie
