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From Stories to Action: AWARE NI Marks a Month of Hope in Derry
This autumn, AWARE NI is bringing together storytelling, community, and fundraising in Derry/Londonderry with a month of events to mark World Suicide Prevention Day and World Mental Health Day.
From the powerful lived experiences shared through our LOOK AT ME NOW exhibition to the courage of those taking on the Sea Splash and Derry City Hotel Abseil Challenge, every event has one shared purpose: to raise awareness of mental health, inspire hope, and ensure more people across Northern Ireland can access life-changing support.
Whether you're visiting the exhibition, taking on a fundraising challenge or choosing to volunteer with us to deliver free local peer support groups, there are plenty of ways to get involved and help make a difference. Here's what's happening throughout the month.
Visit the Exhibition - Look At Me Now
Our 30th anniversary will bring together 30 human-led stories - one for each year of AWARE NI. These are honest, first-hand reflections from people who have experienced mental health challenges, sharing what has helped them find calm, resilience and hope along the way.
Together, these stories form Look at Me Now - a powerful exhibition celebrating the strength of lived experience and reminding us that recovery is possible.
đź“ŤMillenium Forum, Derry/Londonderry
đź“… Thursday 10 September - Saturday 10 October 2026
🆓 Free entry - no booking required
Make a Splash – Sunday 13th September
Join AWARE NI on Sunday 13 September 2026 at Benone Strand and take part in our annual Sea Splash, marking World Suicide Prevention Day.
This isn’t just a dip - it’s a chance to take action for mental health at a time when support has never been more needed. By signing up and stepping into the sea, you’re helping ensure that no one has to face their darkest moments alone.
đź“Ť Benone Strand
đź“… Sunday 13 September
Registration fee is ÂŁ12.50 and includes an AWARE t-shirt and refreshments on the day.
We’re asking that all participants raise £75 to help ensure we can continue providing free, immediate mental health support to those who can’t afford to wait.
Find out more and sign up today!
Take on the Challenge – Derry City Hotel Abseil
Step outside your comfort zone and descend the iconic Derry City Hotel in support of AWARE NI to mark World Mental Health Day.
Whether you're conquering a fear, honouring someone special or simply raising funds for mental health, every abseil helps us continue delivering life-changing support across Northern Ireland.
đź“Ť City Hotel Derry
đź“… Sunday 11 October
Registration fee is ÂŁ40.
We’re asking that all participants raise £100 to help ensure we can continue providing free, immediate mental health support to those who can’t afford to wait.
Find out more and sign up today!
AWARE NI is here to help
AWARE NI’s mental health support groups provide a safe, welcoming space for anyone struggling with their mental health. Our peer support groups are:
- Free to attend
- Available across Northern Ireland with online options available
- Open to people living with low mood, anxiety, depression, or bipolar
- Designed to help people feel understood and supported
We have two support groups that meet in our Derry/Londonderry office and 3 other groups across the county which you can learn more about.
To learn more about AWARE NI’s support services, or to find other mental health support available across Northern Ireland, visit:
www.aware-ni.org/lets-talk
