Friday is Green Ribbon’s National Time to Talk day.
The mental health awareness initiative is urging people to use #TimeToTalk on social media and to wear a green ribbon for the day.
So far, the campaign has distributed a phenomenal 425,000 ribbons to homes, workplaces, schools, colleges and communities all over Ireland to encourage people to talk about mental health.
The Catholic Girl Guides of Ireland will distribute the Green Ribbon at major railway stations across the country, while Shine, an organisation dedicated to campaigning for the rights and empowerment of all people affected by mental ill health, will be holding events and distributing ribbons to mark the day.
See Change representatives and ambassadors, a group of 60 individuals with their own experiences of mental health difficulties, will be speaking at a range of events to encourage an open conversation about mental health.
Dublin’s Simon Community will hold a “3 Legged Race to Stomp out Stigma” in support of Time to Talk Day at Usher’s Island, Dublin. Saol Clubhouse will hold an exciting Flash Mob for Time to Talk day on Henry Street.
See Change will launch their new partnership with TaxiWatch.ie to help bring mental health awareness to Kilkenny.
Finally, the Laundry Basket in Tubercurry, Co. Sligo are having a ‘Hug a Customer Day’ to show their support for ending the silence on mental health.
Speaking about #TimetoTalk day, Director of See Change John Saunders said mental health awareness is a key part to encouraging people to seek the help they need.
“We need to make mental health part of ordinary conversation,” he said. “Stigma is often the number one reason why people affected by mental health problems don’t seek help. Time to Talk day is all about opening the door to conversations in an effort to end the silence on mental health.
“We all have our part to play. Wearing the Green Ribbon or using #TimetoTalk is a way you can show your support to those affected by mental health difficulties.”
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
