July 2024 – AWARE NI, the depression charity for Northern Ireland, recently received a significant boost with a generous donation from FinTrU. The £30,571 cheque was presented by FinTrU following their enthusiastic participation in AWARE NI’s ‘Giant Steps’ and ‘Wee Steps’ Causeway Coastal Walk in May which saw 200 of their Belfast and Derry/Londonderry employees in attendance.

Leigh Osborne, Head of Fundraising at AWARE NI, expressed gratitude, stating, “We are incredibly thankful to FinTrU for their ongoing support and participation in our events. Their commitment to mental health awareness and fundraising is invaluable to us. The funds raised will make a significant difference in supporting our vital services, helping individuals across Northern Ireland affected by depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.”

Katrien Roppe, FinTrU Chief of Staff, shared her thoughts on the collaboration, saying, “At FinTrU, we are passionate about giving back to the community and supporting important causes like AWARE NI. Participating in the ‘Giant Steps’ walk was a rewarding experience for our team, and we are proud to contribute to such a worthy cause. Mental health is a crucial issue, and we are committed to supporting AWARE NI’s efforts to provide essential services.”

Founded in Derry/Londonderry in 1996, AWARE NI continues to strengthen its presence in the local community through various fundraising and awareness raising events. Recently, the charity organised an  City Hotel Abseil on 9 June, where nearly eighty individuals descended the hotel walls, raising over £20,000. These funds will further support local mental health services, including AWARE NI’s network of free-to-attend support groups, as well as education and training programmes. FinTrU also demonstrated their dedication to the cause by participating in this exhilarating event.

AWARE NI provides ongoing community support through its Derry/Londonderry Support Group, offering a safe environment for individuals dealing with mental health challenges. The group meets every Tuesday at 7:00 PM and Thursday at 11:00 AM at AWARE NI’s office, located at 2 Crawford Square. This initiative underscores AWARE NI’s commitment to ensuring that no one in Northern Ireland faces mental health issues alone.

For more information, visit www.aware-ni.org.