A DOWNPATRICK woman has spoken about how the support of the charity AWARE NI has changed her life.
Erin Erwin is a burns survivor and a well-known mental health advocate. She explained how she turned to AWARE NI after spotting a billboard advertising support for depression.
Erin discovered an AWARE NI support group just around the corner from her home in Downpatrick, where she found understanding, connection and hope.
Erin, who now regularly shares her lived experience to encourage others to seek help, said: “Finding AWARE NI changed my life.
“I didn’t know where to turn, but one billboard led me to a support group that was right on my doorstep.”
And her solicitor, Andrea Reid, has pledged ongoing support to AWARE NI after seeing first-hand the difference the charity has made to Erin.
Andrea, who has worked as a solicitor in Downpatrick for 14 years and is a long-standing supporter of the local community, has committed to supporting AWARE NI through her business and encouraging others to access the charity’s free mental health support groups.
She added that the positive impact AWARE NI had on Erin left a strong impression on her.
“Watching Erin regain her confidence and strength has been incredible,” Andrea said.
“The positive change in her has been clear to see, and it’s shown me just how important organisations like AWARE NI are.
“By becoming a regular donor, I hope I’m helping to ensure more people have access to the same free support that made such a difference to Erin. I’d encourage anyone who is struggling, or anyone supporting a loved one who is, to reach out to AWARE NI or their local support group.”
