The Voice Platform

This is an organised voluntary group of people with lived experience, family members, and supporters who agree to collaborate on different initiatives to improve mental health support, services, policy and legislation in Ireland. The group's main objective is to provide the voice of lived experience to the key initiatives as outlined below:

  • Participation in academic & non-academic research, projects and surveys
  • Participation in mental health events as a speaker (e.g. conferences, webinars)
  • Engagement with the media
  • Participation in advocacy and policy meetings and events
  • Providing the lived experience voice in policy submissions and discussions
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The Voice Platform

Why did Shine set up the Voice Platform?

In Nov 2022, Shine won the bid to host the National Reference Group of people with lived experience in charge of monitoring the Irish Mental Health Policy (Sharing the Vision). This resulted in an increase in demands and requests for Shine to provide the voice of lived experience to participate in research, media, advocacy and policy initiatives.  

To coordinate the response, we created The Voice Platform, as a space to engage with all requests and make sure that people with lived experience were using their voice in influential spaces.  

"I am passionate about sharing awareness about mental health, about starting a conversation and making others feel less alone in their struggles. I wish to take part in any academic research related to mental health and also speak about my story on a public platform, a safe space and hope that it might inspire others also. I am determined to come out of hiding and find myself and my voice!" (Voice Platform Member)
The Voice Platform leaflet 2025
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The Voice Platform

Why did Shine set up the Voice Platform?

In Nov 2022, Shine won the bid to host the National Reference Group of people with lived experience in charge of monitoring the Irish Mental Health Policy (Sharing the Vision). This resulted in an increase in demands and requests for Shine to provide the voice of lived experience to participate in research, media, advocacy and policy initiatives.  

To coordinate the response, we created The Voice Platform, as a space to engage with all requests and make sure that people with lived experience were using their voice in influential spaces.  

"I am passionate about sharing awareness about mental health, about starting a conversation and making others feel less alone in their struggles. I wish to take part in any academic research related to mental health and also speak about my story on a public platform, a safe space and hope that it might inspire others also. I am determined to come out of hiding and find myself and my voice!" (Voice Platform Member)
  • 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.

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Shine supports Ireland’s media sector in many ways

From our annual Mental Health Media Awards to free on-site workshops to 1-1 online consultations, Shine is here to support you produce impactful, compassionate, and authentic mental health content. We work with journalists, researchers, producers, presenters and editors across print, online television and radio. We also support media workers by raising awareness of mental health issues which may emerge as part of your work.

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A Flavour of what the The Voice Platform does

Below there are some initiatives carried out by Platform members:

  • National Consultation Surveys: Disability Payment, EIP National Survey, National Disability Strategy, Coimisiún na Meán Online video safety survey, National consultation on the Mental Health Act 01  
  • Pre-Budget campaign submissions 2024 and 2025
  • Collaboration in Research initiatives: EUFAMI – Oxford University research on psychosis, UCD Bipolar disorder and the use of money, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy with Limerick University, Gamian – EU research on speech based AI monitoring system for the prediction of relapse in individuals with schizophrenia  
  • Other Collaborations: Green Ribbon, NOSP materials on suicide prevention, Panellists in Mental Health Media Awards, Mental Health Reform up-lift Campaign  
  • Engagement with the media: The Examiner, The Journal, The Irish Times
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The 2025 Pre Budget submission
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The Voice Platform

Support provided to Voice Platform members

  • Training on Media Skills to platform members including
  • Media relations
  • Key messages and talking points
  • Maintaining confidentiality
  • Social Media etiquette
  • Engaging with journalists
  • Mock interviews
  • IT support Support  
  • Reimbursement of expenses to attend key events  

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How to join the Voice Platform

Please email Estela Vidal in Shine on evidal@shine.ie to show your interest. A survey link will be sent to you. Your answers will be considered by an internal evaluation team and if selected, you will receive an invitation to join the platform.  

For more information, please have a look at The Voice Platform Leaflet

The Voice Platform leaflet 2025

Shine’s Policy Submissions

The Voice Platform leaflet 2025

The Voice Platform leaflet

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
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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
Multiple Shine Mental Health Media Awards 2024 trophies with circular wooden plaques and blue curved stands on white bases.

Green Ribbon Order Form

To order your FREE Green Ribbons, please fill out this form with your order details:

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info@shine.ie
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01 860 1610
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086 040 7701

Other Advocacy Pages

Green Ribbon Campaign

Shine manages the national stigma-reduction programme for Ireland. An important part of this work is our annual Green Ribbon Campaign.

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Shine manages the national stigma-reduction programme for Ireland. An important part of this work is our annual Green Ribbon Campaign.

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Advocating for Change

At Shine, we believe that creating meaningful change in mental health services, policies, and public attitudes requires persistent advocacy.

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The Reference Group

The Reference Group is a key element of the National Implementation and Monitoring Committee for Ireland's mental health policies.

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Research

At Shine, research is a cornerstone of our work to improve mental health understanding and care.

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Media Monitoring and Information

Shine works closely with the media to promote responsible and accurate reporting on mental health.

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Media Policy and Research

Shine’s Media Programme uses insights gathered through our media monitoring, research, and lived experience panels to advocate for national & international

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Shine Ambassador Programme

Shine’s Ambassador programme gives people with lived experience of mental health difficulties the opportunity to share their story and help reduce mental h

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Green Ribbon Ireland?

Green Ribbon Ireland is Shine’s national campaign to reduce stigma around mental illness. It encourages open conversations and visible solidarity through the wearing of a green ribbon.

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Who can participate?

Everyone. Individuals, families, workplaces, schools, universities, community organisations and public bodies are encouraged to get involved.

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How does wearing a green ribbon make a difference?

The ribbon is a visible sign of support. It sparks conversation, reduces silence and shows that discussing mental illness is acceptable and supported.

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Can workplaces and schools take part?

Yes. Many organisations host talks, distribute ribbons, organise awareness events and incorporate the campaign into orientation and wellbeing programmes.

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Are there online ways to support the campaign?

Yes. Shine hosts webinars, shares digital resources and encourages social media participation to extend the campaign’s reach.

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Can I volunteer?

Yes. Volunteers support ribbon distribution, public engagement events and community outreach during the campaign period.

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Does the campaign connect internationally?

The Green Ribbon campaign aligns with global efforts to reduce stigma and promote mental health awareness, connecting Ireland to wider international movements for change.

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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