A community group from Omagh has “saved lives” for hundreds of women, its members have said. Support 2gether offers support and education to mothers who are living with antenatal and postnatal depression and anxiety. A finalist in the BBC’s Make a Difference Awards 2025, the group was co-founded by Una Leonard along with her sister in response to experiencing postnatal depression 17 years ago. Run by four women, the organisation provides counselling, peer support and one-to-one services.
Make a Difference is a BBC initiative seeking to recognise and celebrate members of the public who make life better for others where they live. This year is the first time the awards have been held across the UK.
Ciara O’Goan turned to the charity for help before giving birth to her second child. “They were there through very dark times, they are the reason I’m still here,” she said. She is now part of the team and uses her insight to help families in similar circumstances. “I’ve done the full 360 from being totally ashamed and having a stigma and suffering in silence to now shouting it from the roof tops,” she said. “I know the difference Support 2gether can make. It’s a pinhole of hope. We have mummys that have told us we’ve saved their lives.”
The charity was selected by judges as one of four finalists in the Community Group Award, along with Killeeshil and Galbally Community First Responders, Hope House Ireland, and Sound Friends Deaf Children’s Society.
Co-founder Una Leonard said the Support2gether’s leadership team was a “beacon of hope” for the community. “I have lived with postnatal depression and it has not defined me,” she said. “When a mummy comes to us she is often surviving for the sake of her baby and at the end when she is surviving for herself, that is mighty.”
The charity supports women through a combination of support and education. It provides one-to-one support by a perinatal support worker, counselling, talking therapy and peer-to-peer support through workshops and get-togethers. “There’s no judgement, everybody is suffering something similar and everyone’s journey’s different,” Ciara said.
She said the members of the group were “buzzing” to be nominated. Una said: “It gives that recognition, that ripple effect through our community and beyond, and gets people to talk more about the illness.”
This year’s categories include Volunteer Award, Young Hero Award, Great Neighbour Award, Active Award, Animal Award, Green Award, and Fundraiser Award. Four finalists have been selected by a panel of judges in each category. Overall winners from each category will be announced live on BBC Radio Ulster’s Vinny and Cate show on Friday 26 September.
If you have been affected by any of the issues in this story you can find information and support on the BBC Action Line website.
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