Green Ribbon Campaign
The Green Ribbon Campaign is Shine’s largest and most high-profile annual campaign. It is a key opportunity for us to lead the way on stigma reduction around mental illness in Ireland. More than a campaign, we are working to develop it as a social movement that highlights our shared responsibility to destigmatise mental health and foster a more compassionate and supportive society.
While the campaign runs throughout the year, we have designated September as the focus month for campaign awareness-raising events and activities. We promote the wearing of the green ribbon, a symbol of solidarity, encouraging us all to engage in open conversations and break down the barriers surrounding mental illness.
The Green Ribbon Campaign is Shine’s largest and most high-profile annual campaign. It is a key opportunity for us to lead the way on stigma reduction around mental illness in Ireland. More than a campaign, we are working to develop it as a social movement that highlights our shared responsibility to destigmatise mental health and foster a more compassionate and supportive society.
While the campaign runs throughout the year, we have designated September as the focus month for campaign awareness-raising events and activities. We promote the wearing of the green ribbon, a symbol of solidarity, encouraging us all to engage in open conversations and break down the barriers surrounding mental illness.
How our Green Ribbon Campaign is funded
The lead funder for the Green Ribbon Campaign is the National Office for Suicide Prevention. We also are supported by donations from the St John of God University Hospital and the public.
How the campaign aligns to Connecting for Life strategy
Connecting for Life is Ireland's national strategy to prevent suicide. It is a cross sectoral strategy with 69 actions under seven strategic goals. The Green Ribbon Campaign strongly aligns to Connecting for Life Goal’s 1 and 3.
Connecting for Life Goal 1:
To improve the nation’s understanding of and attitudes to suicidal behaviour, mental health and wellbeing.
Connecting for Life Goal 2:
To improve the implementation of effective approaches to reducing suicidal behaviour among priority groups.
Pictures from the 2025 Green Ribbon Campaign
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Green Ribbon Campaign 2026
The Green Ribbon Campaign 2026 officially launches online on Tuesday, 25 August from 12.30pm–1.30pm, marking the beginning of this year's national campaign to challenge mental health stigma.
The launch will introduce our 2026 theme, Ireland in Conversation, with contributions from the Minister for Mental Health, the CEO of the HSE and people with lived experience. We'll also share what's planned for September and how individuals, workplaces, communities and organisations across Ireland can get involved.
Register for the Green Ribbon Campaign Launch here
Ireland in Conversation
This year's theme, Ireland in Conversation, puts conversation, connection and lived experience at the heart of Green Ribbon.
Research shows that social contact - hearing from and engaging with people with lived experience of mental health difficulties – is one of the most effective ways to challenge stigma and change attitudes.
Throughout September, we'll be creating opportunities for these conversations to happen across Ireland through Ambassador Talks, events, community activities, our webinar series and our new Green Ribbon Conversation Pack.
NEW: Green Ribbon Conversation Pack
Our new Green Ribbon Conversation Pack is now available to download.
Designed for workplaces, colleges, community groups, organisations, friends and families, it provides practical resources to help people start meaningful conversations about mental health.
It includes Shine Ambassador stories and videos, conversation starters, guidance on supportive language and listening, and ideas for creating safe and meaningful conversations.
Download the Conversation Pack here
Five Conversations. Five Perspectives.
Throughout September, we'll host five free online webinars, bringing together expert speakers and lived experience voices to explore mental health, stigma and recovery across different areas of Irish life.
The series will explore mental health in rural Ireland, workplace mental health, psychosis and recovery, mental health within the LGBTQIA+ community, and the commissioning of mental health stories in Irish media.
View the webinar series and register here
Get Involved This September
There are lots of ways to support Green Ribbon 2026:
- Order and wear your free Green Ribbons and wristbands
- Book a free Shine Ambassador Talk
- Host a Green Ribbon event or activity
- Take part in Light Up Green
- Attend one of our September webinars
- Download and use the Conversation Pack
- Share the campaign in your workplace, college or community
Our 2026 Supporters Pack includes everything you need to take part, from posters and social media graphics to our Supporters Guide, email signatures and other downloadable campaign resources.
Explore the Supporters Pack here
This September, help us challenge mental health stigma, create greater understanding and get Ireland in Conversation.
Shine’s Policy Submissions
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
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
Green Ribbon Order Form
To order your FREE Green Ribbons, please fill out this form with your order details:
