Belfast boxer and ambassador of AWARE, Michael Conlan, is encouraging people to get active this Mental Health Awareness Week by taking part in tomorrow’s (Thursday) sunset climb of Cavehill.

There is still time to sign up to the event which is organised by depression charity AWARE and will bring people together at the iconic Belfast landmark to connect with other people and get some exercise outdoors.

In his role as an AWARE ambassador, the Belfast boxer is supporting the charity’s events and campaigns to promote positive mental health in Northern Ireland. “I'm proud to be involved in an initiative that combines healthy outdoor exercise with raising awareness for such a good cause. Northern Ireland is facing a mental health crisis, and people need immediate support to deal with their depression. AWARE’s support groups make sure no one has to go through it alone,” he said.

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 depression.

AWARE’s Chief Executive, Karen Collins, urged the public to come along and join the event to mark Mental Health Awareness Week, saying that “by getting involved, you will not only be doing something positive for your own mental health, but helping us support others with theirs too. The theme for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is loneliness so we think this event is a great way to combat that and bring people together.”

The charity is also asking for donations to help them to support people living with depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder.

“Mental ill-health is prevalent in Northern Ireland, affecting 1 in 5 of us,” Karen said, “AWARE’s support services can help people to manage their depression or anxiety and start their journey towards better mental health.”

Beginning at Belfast Castle, the Sunset Climb trail journeys through the woodland of the Castle estate, offering glimpses of the city skyline before finishing with a view of the sunset atop iconic Cave Hill.

To register or to find out more visit www.aware-ni.org/climb or email Lesley@aware-ni.org