GBS Roofing Fundraising To Support AWARE NI & Young People

— 03 June 2021

Antrim-based specialist flat roofing firm, GBS Roofing, has adopted AWARE NI as its charity for 2021, with the specific aim of funding support services for 14-18 year olds.

AWARE has been working since 1996 to support all those in Northern Ireland affected by depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder.

The charity works to remove the stigma associated with depression and improve public understanding so people can talk about their mental health more openly, access services appropriate to their needs and have the skills and knowledge to maintain positive mental health. AWARE has an established network of support groups across Northern Ireland and delivers wellbeing programmes to all generations within community, school, university and workplace settings.

All fundraising activities undertaken by GBS Roofing throughout 2021 will directly support services for 14-18 year olds who need easy access to advice and guidance that will help them maintain good mental health and build resilience in order to better deal with problems and challenges.

Barry Mairs, Managing Director, GBS Roofing, said: "The past 12 months have been challenging for everyone with lockdown reducing social interaction that can support mental wellbeing. This has been particularly difficult for teenagers who found themselves cut off from friends as schools and colleges closed.

“In deciding on a cause to support, we felt our efforts could make a real difference to those young people aged 14-18 who may be struggling with their mental wellbeing. AWARE NI offers guidance and workshops tailored for young people and GBS Roofing is delighted to be fundraising for this great cause.”

Lisa Abell-Farrelly, Corporate Relationship Officer at AWARE said: “We are absolutely delighted GBS Roofing has chosen AWARE as their charity partner. With a recent study of children and young people in Northern Ireland indicating rates of anxiety and depression are around 25% higher than in other parts of the UK, GBS Roofing’s support will make an important contribution in helping children and young people look after their mental health by expanding the reach of our Mood Matters Young People programme. We look forward to the year ahead!”