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.