Psychiatric Bulletin (2001) 25: 79. doi: 10.1192/pb.25.2.79-b
© 2001 The Royal College of Psychiatrists
Psychiatric Bulletin (2001) 25: 79
© 2001 The Royal College of Psychiatrists
Depression Alliance
Depression Alliance is the leading UK charity for people with depression.
It works to relieve and to prevent this treatable condition by providing
information, support and understanding to those who are affected by it.
In 1979 it was registered as a charity and by the mid 1980s a free
newsletter was being distributed to the organisation's 600 members. Self-help
groups were established and the organisation also began to produce its own
information sheets. Since this time Depression Alliance has undergone a period
of tremendous expansion and development. Informed by the experiences of people
who have experienced depression and by extensive research, it also campaigns
to raise greater awareness of depression among the general public. Depression
Alliance has made real progress in supporting those affected by depression,
and in changing the way in which the public looks at the condition. It is now
recognised by the media, health care practitioners, psychiatrists and
Government agencies, as well as those affected by depression, as the UK's
leading charity in this field. It is partly funded by Government and corporate
grants, but is increasingly reliant on the generosity of the public to
continue and develop services.
By highlighting examples of good practice, Depression Alliance and sponsors
Lundbeck Limited present awards with the aim of improving the recognition of
the signs and symptoms of depression and enabling more effective treatment. Dr
William McCallion, a general practitioner who helped his patient overcome
depression after her experience in the Omagh bombing, was announced as the
overall winner for the UK of the Lundbeck Award for Good Practice in
Depression 2000.
