Council backing See Change ‘Green Ribbon’ campaign

CLARE County Council are encouraging people to show their support for the See Change ‘Green Ribbon’ campaign to end mental health stigma and discrimination.

See Change is an organisation dedicated to ending mental health stigma. Its national Green Ribbon campaign runs throughout the month of September and aims to get as many people as possible talking about mental health to help end stigma and discrimination.

According to See Change: “By wearing the Green Ribbon – an international symbol for mental health awareness – you show you are committed to influencing positive change. You don’t need to be an expert to start talking about mental health or have all the answers. Sometimes the most helpful thing you can do is to let someone know you are there for them and simply listen. Let people know you are open to having a conversation by wearing the Green Ribbon.”
Stigma is a significant problem for people who experience mental health conditions and has been identified as one of the most difficult aspects of living with a mental health condition for both the person and their families, according to See Change. The organisation points out that stigma is recognised as a barrier to the recovery process as people fear being labelled as mentally ill, which can lead to delay or avoidance in seeking help.

Áras Contae an Chláir was illuminated green on the first weekend of this month (3rd-5th September, 2021) to highlight Clare County Council’s countywide support for the Green Ribbon campaign.

Green Ribbons are available at many locations around the county, including all Clare Libraries.

Cllr PJ Ryan, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, said: “See Change’s annual Green Ribbon campaign reminds us of the importance of talking about mental health all year round. Wearing our Green Ribbons this month provides an opportunity to talk more openly in society about mental health. This helps our communities around Ireland combat stigma and discrimination.”