Westmeath and Longford go green to mark World Suicide Prevention Day

Today sees the launch of the HSE ‘Westmeath and Longford Goes Green’ campaign to mark World Suicide Prevention Day and to raise awareness of Shine’s Green Ribbon Campaign.

The Westmeath and Longford Goes Green’ initiative is a collaboration between the HSE, the National Office for Suicide Prevention and a large number of organisations working in the mental health area in support of the mental health organisation Shine’s Green Ribbon Campaign, which aims to spread awareness of mental health difficulties and to help end mental health stigma and discrimination.

Today’s Westmeath launch takes place at the Raddison Blue hotel in Athlone. Launches of other ‘Go Green’ initiatives have already taken place in Laois and Offaly as part of the campaign, while the Longford launch will take place on 11th September at Foroige’s Attic House, Longford 14:30 – 15:30.

Stigma leads to discrimination, social exclusion, and a lack of support, exacerbating mental health problems. We are aware that it can even result in tragic outcomes, such as suicide.

That’s why the Green Ribbon Campaign, which runs every September, is such an important annual campaign. It is a pivotal opportunity for us to lead the way on stigma reduction around mental illness in Ireland. More than a campaign, it is a social movement that highlights our shared responsibility to de-stigmatise mental health and foster a more compassionate and supportive society.

Lighting up our buildings in green draws attention and raises awareness of the campaign. Included again in the initiative this year is the light up of Athlone’s iconic railway bridge, the White bridge. The Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands will be lighting up green on 10th September. Westmeath County Council will also light up in green for the week. Belvedere House and Gardens in Mullingar will illuminate the carriage at the entrance and turn the tourist centre green. Athlone Municipal District are changing the lights to green on the Athlone Cycle Bridge.

During the month of September, we encourage everyone to support the Green Ribbon campaign by wearing a Green Ribbon. The ribbon acts as a symbol of solidarity, encouraging us all to engage in open conversations and break down the barriers surrounding mental illness. They will be available in public areas.

Additional, free supplies can be ordered using this link: https://form.jotform.com/241854063656057

Download the Supporters Pack here to find out more about how to become involved in the Green Ribbon Campaign:

Green Ribbon and World Suicide Prevention Awareness events are being hosted in the Regional Hospital, Mullingar on September 11th, while Longford County Council are hosting an event on September 17th.

Nicola Byrne, CEO of Shine, said: “We want to elevate the voices of those with lived experience, those whose stories too often go unheard, and make a tangible difference in the lives of people experiencing mental illness. Awareness alone is not enough. We need action. We need to turn this campaign into a social movement. A powerful movement that mobilises communities, influences policies, and brings about systemic change. This means engaging with everyone—individuals, businesses, schools, and governments. It means building partnerships, fostering collaboration, and encouraging participation. Together, we can create a wave of change that will transform how mental health is perceived and treated. Westmeath and Longford Goes Green is a terrific initiative in support of the Green Ribbon Campaign.”

10th September every year is World Suicide Prevention Day and this year the theme is ‘Change the Narrative’ which aligns with the aims of the Green Ribbon Campaign. By raising awareness, reducing the stigma around suicide and encouraging well informed action, we can all play our part in reducing suicide deaths around the world.

We can all do this by starting conversations and checking in on those we may be concerned about.

Claire Donnelly, General Manager, Mental Health Services, HSE Midlands, said a shift is needed away from a culture of silence and lack of understanding to one of openness, empathy and support by engaging in open and honest discussions about suicide and suicidal behaviour. “We can also encourage understanding by acknowledging that suicidal thoughts and feelings are a sign of immense pain and distress but talking about them does not increase their presence or occurrence. It is also important to listen without judgment, offer support, and guide individuals towards help by familiarising ourselves with the services that are there to provide support to whomever may need it.”

Patrick Jones, Resource Officer for Suicide Prevention HSE Longford and Westmeath, said:

“The theme of ‘changing the narrative’ encourages us all to be more proactive in being there for those whom we may be concerned about; to be the one who will encourage them to reach out for appropriate and life sustaining support. This skill and confidence can be gained by engaging in a newly developed suicide prevention programme. Produced by the National Office for Suicide Prevention, this free online programme, which takes approx. 60 minutes to complete, is available at www.traininghub.nosp.ie and uses a mix of guided online content, video and interactive questions. It can be worked through at one’s own pace and awards a certificate on completion."

At this time, it is also important to acknowledge those who have been bereaved through suicide and be sensitive and compassionate to their feelings.

World Suicide Prevention Day also reminds us of the importance of minding our own mental health and wellbeing and of the availability of local and national services if people need to reach out for support. Information on support services is available HERE.

For more information, or to organise an interview contact:

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Ellen Lynch
Communications & Engagement Manager
Shine

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elynch@shine.ie

086 1370015

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