Green Ribbon Campaign
The Green Ribbon Campaign is Shine’s largest and most high-profile annual campaign. It is a key opportunity for us to lead the way on stigma reduction around mental illness in Ireland. More than a campaign, we are working to develop it as a social movement that highlights our shared responsibility to destigmatise mental health and foster a more compassionate and supportive society.
While the campaign runs throughout the year, we have designated September as the focus month for campaign awareness-raising events and activities. We promote the wearing of the green ribbon, a symbol of solidarity, encouraging us all to engage in open conversations and break down the barriers surrounding mental illness.
The Green Ribbon Campaign is Shine’s largest and most high-profile annual campaign. It is a key opportunity for us to lead the way on stigma reduction around mental illness in Ireland. More than a campaign, we are working to develop it as a social movement that highlights our shared responsibility to destigmatise mental health and foster a more compassionate and supportive society.
While the campaign runs throughout the year, we have designated September as the focus month for campaign awareness-raising events and activities. We promote the wearing of the green ribbon, a symbol of solidarity, encouraging us all to engage in open conversations and break down the barriers surrounding mental illness.
How our Green Ribbon Campaign is funded
The lead funder for the Green Ribbon Campaign is the National Office for Suicide Prevention. We also are supported by donations from the St. John of Gods and the public.
How the campaign aligns to Connecting for Life strategy
Connecting for Life is Ireland's national strategy to prevent suicide. It is a cross sectoral strategy with 69 actions under seven strategic goals. The Green Ribbon Campaign strongly aligns to Connecting for Life Goal’s 1 and 3.
Connecting for Life Goal 1:
To improve the nation’s understanding of and attitudes to suicidal behaviour, mental health and wellbeing.
Connecting for Life Goal 2:
To improve the implementation of effective approaches to reducing suicidal behaviour among priority groups.
2024 Green Ribbon Campaign Launch
Green Ribbon Campaign 2024
Every year we aim to grow the Green Ribbon Campaign, expanding reach through increased messaging, events and activities to destigmatise mental illness by increasing awareness, and education.
2024 was our biggest and highest profile campaign to date, thanks to the involvement of over 100 corporate Green Ribbon partners, 83 Government, semi-state and local government partners and 165 charity partners. Key partner supporters included Irish Rail, Boots, Barrys Tea, Certa, AIB, Aldi, the Union of Students of Ireland (USI) and the Revenue Commissioners.
High profile events that allowed us to achieve a substantial uplift in publicity and campaign awareness included our biggest launch ever, on September 4th 2024, attendance at popular large-capacity events such as Electric Picnic, the National Ploughing Championships and at 3rd level Freshers Weeks on college campuses across Ireland. Participation grew in our Light Up Green campaign awareness raising initiative with landmark buildings such as Heuston Station, Athlone railway bridge, Dublin Airport and over 25 OPW sites and many businesses and local government building across Ireland going green during September.
The campaign was endorsed by all political parties and the then Taoiseach, Simon Harris, sent a video message of support for our official launch.
View our Green Ribbon Campaign 2024 video here:
Shine’s Policy Submissions
Green Ribbon supporters pack
The Rosalynn Carter Fellowship for Mental Health Journalism in Ireland
Founded in 1996, the highly competitive Rosalynn Carter Fellowship for Mental Health Journalism awards year long, non-residential fellowships to journalists from the United States, Colombia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates to report on a mental health topic of their choice. In 2023, Shine’s Headline programme, in partnership with the Carter Center, proudly announced the rollout of this prestigious fellowship in Ireland through the Rosalynn Carter Fellowship for Mental Health Journalism in the Republic of Ireland.
Find out more
Mental Health Media Awards
Shine works closely with the media to promote responsible and accurate reporting on mental health. Through guidance, training, and collaboration, Shine helps journalists and media professionals understand the impact of stigma and misinformation while encouraging coverage that is respectful and informed.
Find out more
Green Ribbon Order Form
To order your FREE Green Ribbons, please fill out this form with your order details:
