“Step Up to Stamp Out Stigma” at launch in Longford's St Joseph's Health Centre

Green Ribbon 2025 is running for the month of September and this year’s theme is “Step Up to Stamp Out Stigma” - a call to action for everyone across Ireland to speak up, show support and take meaningful steps toward a more open and understanding society.

The Green Ribbon Campaign, launched by the HSE in partnership with Shine, aims to raise awareness about mental health difficulties and encourages HSE staff and members of the public to wear a free Green Ribbon to show you are open to having meaningful conversations about mental health.

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A Longford launch event took place in St Joseph’s Health Centre on Tuesday, September 9.

Alison Keogh, who is part of the community mental health team, explained about the campaign.

“We launched it this year at Electric Picnic. It’s a symbol of September. It’s to remind ourselves of solidarity and how mental health has an impact on us all and how to handle that.”

She continued by saying that September is a time to open up space to talk and listen, as there is still a stigma around mental health.

“We also know that mental health is non-discriminatory,” she said.

The idea of the event was to encourage the wearing of the iconic ribbons and wristbands, the latter said to be very popular with younger people, as it creates discussion.

Veronica Brennan described the campaign as 'an important one' and she encouraged attendees at the Longford launch to take the free green ribbons, leaflets and wristbands.

Rachael Hughes, who works with Shine, gave an outline of their work.

“Shine has been around for fifty years. 15 years ago, we changed the name. Shine is what came from the people who work with us.

“Shine supports people country-wide. Anyone can call. We have peer support groups, recovery education, and it’s so important. Recent research is showing that stigma is stopping people from seeking treatment. Just a simple campaign to get people talking, raising awareness, chats, families; that’s how things spread.”

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An example was given of a type of stigma, that being societal. Comments like “that’s crazy” or “psycho” that, despite being terms of phrase or slang, could cause a self-stigmatising response for someone with mental health issues.

The idea was called “really simple” to spread the word and wear a ribbon.

Next, Shine will be at the 2025 National Ploughing event, where they want people to get engaged to help make a difference.
Ribbons can be ordered for free on: https://www.shine.ie/advocacy/ green-ribbon-campaign