Conducting and Participating in Research
Shine collaborates with academic institutions, healthcare providers, and research organisations to contribute to high-quality studies on mental health. We participate in projects that:
- Explore the lived experiences of individuals with mental health conditions.
- Examine barriers to accessing care and propose solutions.
- Identify effective strategies for stigma reduction and recovery support.
Conducting and Participating in Research
Shine collaborates with academic institutions, healthcare providers, and research organisations to contribute to high-quality studies on mental health. We participate in projects that:
- Explore the lived experiences of individuals with mental health conditions.
- Examine barriers to accessing care and propose solutions.
- Identify effective strategies for stigma reduction and recovery support.
- Talk openly about mental illness
- Challenge myths and misinformation
- Create supportive environments
- Promote help-seeking
- Strengthen community connection
When thousands of people wear green ribbons across Ireland, it shifts culture. It makes conversations possible.
Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) Partnerships
We are proud to be a leader in Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) in mental health research. By partnering with individuals with lived experience and their families, we ensure that research projects are relevant, impactful, and grounded in real-world needs. Our PPI partnerships include:
- Co-designing research studies with individuals and families.
- Acting as a key PPI partner in national and international mental health research initiatives.
- Facilitating focus groups and consultations to gather insights from diverse communities.
Some of the project Shine supports include:
- The PSI-STAR Programme
PSI-STAR is supporting five PhD studentships as part of a Health Research Board Collaborative Doctoral Award scheme. Each PhD project is focused on an issue or experience related to psychosis. Projects will be conducted over four years, starting in October 2022. Home - PSI-STAR
- PSYcHE
PSYcHE is a 5year programme funded by the Health Research Board (HRB), building on YOULEAD, knowledge, and partnerships which focuses on psychological interventions in youth mental health, with a particular emphasis on early psychosis. Supporters and collaborators include Chris Bowie and Martin Page, Molly Byrne (HRB clinical trials) Brendan Kenelley (Health economics) Ian Power (Spunout youth mental health) Edel Murphy (Public and Patient Involvement Galway) and the National Early Intervention in Psychosis programme (Health Service Executive). PSycHE - University of Galway.
- Schizophrenia in Irish Print media: An evaluation of journalistic reporting on schizophrenia in the Irish news media
- Probiotics & Psychosis: A probiotic strategy for antipsychotic-induced metabolic dysfunction.
- VISTA: Vision To Action for promoting mental health and recovery. An Implementation Science approach to “Sharing the Vision” –Ireland’s national mental health policy
- Adult outcomes of young people who attended child and adolescent mental health services: A look at developmental pathways to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder -including how looking within specialist child psychiatry services (or Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) can help to identify those at high risk led by Professor Ian Kelleher.
Shine’s work to support early intervention in psychosis and our Annual Survey on Psychosis
Shine is the partner NGO on the national clinical programme for Early Intervention in Psychosis (Early Intervention in Psychosis - HSE.ie). We are members of the National Implementation Advisory Group (Model of Care - HSE.ie).
As part of this work, Shine conducts an annual survey to gather insights into the experiences of individuals living with psychosis. We do this in partnership with the HSE and Mental Health Reform. This survey provides valuable data to:
- Highlight the challenges faced by those affected by psychosis.
- Inform policy recommendations and service improvements.
- Raise awareness of the needs and experiences of this community.
Here is a link to a recent radio interview on RTE’s Drive Time on the research findings:
Promoting Research Findings
We are dedicated to sharing research findings with the public, policymakers, and mental health professionals. By promoting evidence-based insights, we aim to:
- Inform better mental health policies and practices.
- Educate communities and reduce stigma.
- Empower individuals and families with knowledge to support recovery.
Join Us in Advocating for Change
Advocacy is at the heart of Shine’s mission to create a society where everyone has access to the support they need to achieve mental well-being. Together, we can break down barriers, challenge misconceptions, and build a more inclusive future for all. To learn more about our advocacy and research efforts or get involved, contact us at info@shine.ie or explore our resources below:
Shine’s Policy Submissions
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:
A Shared Responsibility
Reducing stigma is not the responsibility of oneorganisation alone. It is a shared national task.Green Ribbon Ireland exists to make that responsibilityvisible. Each ribbon worn, each conversation started and each event hostedcontributes to a more compassionate and informed Ireland.To order ribbons, host an event or learn more, visit:
www.shine.ie/advocacy/green-ribbon-campaign