Strengthening People, Communities & Voices

Shine, Ireland’s national mental health charity specialising in support, advocacy and education for people living with mental illness, is proud to launch our Strategic Plan 2026–2028: Strengthening People, Communities & Voices. This new strategy sets out how Shine will continue to deliver high-quality mental illness support across Ireland, strengthen national stigma reduction efforts, and influence policy to improve mental health services nationwide. For almost 50 years, Shine has supported individuals experiencing mental illness and the families who stand beside them. Our new three-year strategic plan builds on that legacy while setting a clear and disciplined direction for the future.

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A Clear Vision for Mental Illness Support in Ireland.

Our vision remains unchanged.

A more compassionate Ireland where those affected by mental illness and stigma are supported and included in all aspects of society.

Our mission continues to guide us.

We specialise in supporting and educating individuals, family members and communities impacted by mental illness and stigma.

As a leading mental health charity in Ireland, Shine works across three interconnected areas: support, advocacy and education.

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Why This Strategic Plan Matters

Demand for mental health services in Ireland continues to grow. While awareness of mental health has increased, stigma around mental illness remains a significant barrier to recovery, inclusion and access to services.

At the same time:

• Families need clearer information and practical supports
• Communities need evidence-based education
• Policymakers need informed advocacy grounded in lived experience

This strategic plan ensures Shine remains a trusted national organisation delivering measurable impact where it is needed most.

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Our Three Strategic Pillars

1. Excellent People-Centred Mental Illness Support Services

Shine will continue to provide free, specialist mental illness support for individuals and families across Ireland.

This includes:

• One-to-one recovery support
• Peer support groups
• Information and education for families
• Self-referral services for severe and complex mental illness
• Equity-driven expansion into underserved communities

Our focus is on accessible, evidence-based and compassionate services that place lived experience at the centre of recovery.

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2. National Leadership in Mental Illness Advocacy and Stigma Reduction

Shine is recognised nationally for its leadership in stigma reduction and mental illness advocacy in Ireland.

Over the next three years, we will:

• Deliver high-quality education programmes to reduce stigma
• Strengthen workplace and community engagement
• Expand our national campaigns
• Amplify lived-experience voices in media and public discourse
• Influence mental health policy and resourcing decisions

Reducing stigma around mental illness is essential to improving access to care and ensuring inclusion across Irish society.

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3. A Trusted and Sustainable Mental Health Charity in Ireland

To deliver lasting impact, Shine must remain financially resilient, transparent and accountable.

We will:

• Strengthen governance and accountability frameworks
• Diversify funding sources
• Expand corporate partnerships
• Enhance digital capability
• Strengthen national brand recognition

Sustainability ensures we can continue providing free mental illness support services for individuals and families who need them most.

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What We Will Start, Stop and Continue

This strategy is also clear about focus.

We will:

• Expand services in areas of unmet need
• Invest in research-led advocacy
• Strengthen digital tools to track impact
• Increase national visibility of Shine’s supports

We will not pursue unfunded or low-impact initiatives that dilute our core purpose.

This disciplined approach ensures long-term impact for mental illness support in Ireland.

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Measuring Our Impact

Shine is committed to measurable outcomes.

Through clear Objectives and Key Results (OKRs), regular performance review, and Board oversight, we ensure that our mental health services, advocacy work and stigma reduction initiatives deliver real and lasting change.

By measuring what matters, we ensure that Shine remains a leading mental health charity in Ireland.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What services does Shine provide?

Shine provides free support services for people living with mental illness and their families across Ireland, including one-to-one recovery support, peer groups, information and education.

How does Shine reduce stigma around mental illness?

Through national campaigns, education programmes, media engagement and workplace initiatives, Shine works to reduce stigma and promote understanding of mental illness in Ireland.

How is Shine funded?

Shine is funded through a combination of statutory funding, corporate partnerships, grants and public support, ensuring sustainable delivery of free services nationwide.

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Join Us

As we enter this next chapter, we remain committed to strengthening people, communities and voices across Ireland.

If you or someone you know needs mental illness support, or if you would like to partner with us in reducing stigma and improving mental health services in Ireland, we encourage you to connect with Shine.

Together, we can build a more compassionate Ireland.