Foyle Search and Rescue join forces with Aware NI for Men’s Mental Health

This week is Men's Health Week, a national campaign to raise awareness about mental and physical health issues that disproportionately affect men. This year’s theme, “Shoulder to Shoulder: Connecting for Health” underscores the importance of community support, connection and solidarity.

In Derry, local charities Foyle Search and Rescue and AWARE NI are embracing this message by joining forces to remind men that help is out there for those facing mental health challenges.

Northern Ireland continues to experience disproportionately high levels of mental ill-health, self-harm, and suicide compared to other UK regions. The statistics are stark — men in Northern Ireland are self-harming at nearly double the rate of men in the Republic, and three out of four suicide deaths are male.

Jonathan, a shore volunteer with Foyle Search and Rescue, sees the reality of those numbers first-hand. “Many of the people we support are men,” he shares. “There’s this pressure to be strong, macho, to push things down and keep going — but men need to talk. Whether it’s with a loved one or a professional, talking can have a huge impact.”

Foyle Search and Rescue plays a vital role in suicide prevention and crisis response across the city. Their dedicated team patrols the river every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 9.00pm to 3.00am, engaging with those in distress and saving lives.

Meanwhile, AWARE NI offers 24 peer-led mental health support groups across Northern Ireland for people living with depression, anxiety, bipolar, or low mood. Caroline McLoughlin, Support Services Manager at AWARE NI, explains “One in five adults in Northern Ireland experience mental ill-health. Our mental health support groups, like the two here in Derry, provide a welcoming, judgment-free environment where people can open up and learn healthy coping strategies.”

The Derry Support Groups meets weekly on Tuesday at 7.00pm or Thursday at 11.00am at the AWARE NI Derry Office, providing vital support for individuals living with mental ill-health.

AWARE NI Support Group Facilitator and former service user Steve shared that “There is an awful lot of pressure on men by society, we’re told ‘boys don’t cry’ or to ‘man up’. There is no shame in asking for help. Sometimes, it’s the strongest thing you can do.”

READ NEXT: 'River Rush Raft Race' to make waves on the River Foyle

Together, these two charities play a crucial role in early intervention, crisis prevention, and supporting individuals on the road to recovery.

In the spirit of community and connection, they’re gearing up to make a splash with their River Rush Raft Race to mark World Suicide Prevention Day Saturday, September 13 - and they’re calling on the public to get involved. Whether you're building a raft with your team, cheering from the sidelines, or donating in support, your involvement will help both charities continue their life-saving work in mental health support and suicide prevention.

To get involved make sure to visit: aware-ni.org/river-rush.