Pro boxer and two-time Olympian Michael Conlan has been named as a new ambassador for AWARE, the depression charity for Northern Ireland.
Conlan - who will challenge for a world title next month - joins AWARE just ahead of the UK's Time to Talk Day (February 3) which encourages opening up conversations about mental health.
In his role as an AWARE ambassador, the West Belfast boxer will support the charity’s campaigns and help to raise significant awareness of AWARE which recently celebrated 25 years of changing lives.
The role will enable Conlan to become involved in a cause that he is passionate about having seen first-hand the impact of poor mental health in men particularly in the areas of North and West Belfast.
A recent study found 78 per cent of men in Northern Ireland have struggled with their mental health in the last two years. The rates of anxiety and depression in men and women aged 20-39 were shown to be the highest.
Conlan said: “I am proud to be an ambassador of AWARE and I will use my voice and platform to support the charity and help raise awareness of the life-saving services it provides.
"Growing up in West Belfast, I have seen the impact poor mental health and depression can have and sadly I have lost friends and neighbours to suicide.
"I want people living with depression to know that they are not alone and that there are people who want to help and support. Your life matters.”
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.
Tom McEnaney, head of business development and support services at AWARE, added: “AWARE is delighted to welcome Michael on board as an ambassador. Depression does not discriminate and at a time when anxiety and depression is 25% higher in children and young people in Northern Ireland compared to the rest of the UK, we’re happy Michael is joining us so that together we can support and create change across Northern Ireland.”
Further information about AWARE or to access support or useful resources go to www.aware-ni.org
