Get '˜In the Mood' and help mental health

TV Presenter and Portstewart native Sarah Travers joins Kieran Hughes from mental health charity AWARE as they prepare for AWAREs Mood Walk Portstewart on Friday, September 9. Register now at: www.aware-ni.org/moodwalk

You can choose from walking either 5k or 10k, and it is guaranteed to be the perfect way to end the summer. The walk will begin with registration at the Town Hall following on with a walk along the Promenade taking in the beautiful sights along the coastal path.

Supporting the AWARE Mood Walk is Portstewart’s very own Sarah Travers. Sarah said: “Depression is an illness that doesn’t discriminate and can affect anyone at any stage in their life. By participating in the Portstewart Mood Walk, you will be helping to not only break down the stigma associated with mental health, but you will also be helping to raise money for a fantastic charity that helps people right across Northern Ireland with depression and bipolar disorder.”

Kieran Hughes, Fundraising Officer at AWARE said: “I would encourage walkers or runners of all ages and capabilities to sign up and participate in the AWARE Mood Walk. It is a family friendly, fun-filled event with entertainment and is open to everyone to attend. We will have face painters, balloon modellers and a special guest appearance from a favourite cartoon character to help keep the children entertained. Kids under 16 can participate in the walk and activities for free with at least one paying adult.

“As a mental health charity, we emphasise the importance of exercise in lifting your mood. At the beginning of the walk we ask people to rate how they are feeling on the AWARE Mood Board and to rate it again at the end of the walk. There is a massive difference in people’s mood before and after the walk. Events like the Portstewart Mood Walk help fund AWARE support groups such as the one we have in Coleraine which runs fortnightly and brings together local people affected by depression to help and support them during their recovery.

“Registration for the Portstewart Mood Walk is £10. You can register on the AWARE website at www.aware-ni.org but registration will also be open on the night from 5pm. Participants will receive a Mood Walk pack – including an AWARE Mood Walk t-shirt and sponsorship forms and we would encourage everyone to get as many sponsorships as possible from family and friends.”