Green Ribbon Impact Report 2017 - HSE.ie...mental health conditions. Our objective is to challenge understanding and perceptions about mental health stigma and end discrimination

1 Green Ribbon Impact Report 2017

Green Ribbon Impact Report 2017

www.greenribbon.ie


Contents

1 See Change celebrates the 5th Green Ribbon campaign

2 Why we need mental health stigma reduction campaigns in Ireland

4 Green Ribbon 2017 campaign launch

6 Awareness of the Green Ribbon campaign

7 Green Ribbon 2017 social media campaign

9 Light up green for mental health

10 Distribution partners nationwide

11 Green Ribbon 2017 events

24 A word from our See Change Ambassadors

28 See Change Investors

28 See Change Partners

www.greenribbon.ie 1

See Change celebratesthe 5th Green Ribbon campaign

See Change, the National Mental Health Stigma Reduction Partnership, works to change minds about mental health problems and to end the stigma associated with mental health conditions. Our objective is to challenge understanding and perceptions about mental health stigma and end discrimination.

We work in partnership with over 100 organisations and 60 ambassadors to create a community driven social movement to reduce stigma, prejudice and discrimination.

The Green Ribbon is the national public awareness campaign designed to end mental health stigma by encouraging people to talk about mental health throughout the country. The aim of the Green Ribbon Campaign is to change minds about mental health by prompting hundreds of events and thousands of conversations all over Ireland during the month of May.

The demand for Green Ribbons in 2017 was unprecedented with over 500,000 ribbons distributed by the 8th day of the campaign.

5number of years

Green Ribbon Campaignis celebrating

100+number of partner

organisations

500,000+number of ribbons

distributed by 8th campaign day


Why we need mental health stigma reduction campaigns in IrelandRecent research indicates that mental health stigma remains a significant issue in Ireland.

almost

4 in 10would conceal a mental health difficulty from family, friends or

colleaguesStigma is one of the main reasons people experiencing

mental health difficulties do not seek help.

Research conducted by Kantar Millward Brown and funded by the National Office of Suicide Prevention.

This is 12% higher than the average for those aged over

35 years.

46%of under 35 year olds would

conceal a mental health difficulty from family, friends

or colleagues

People living in rural communities are more likely to conceal a mental health

difficulty than those living in urban areas.

42%living in rural communities

would conceal a mental health difficulty from family,

friends or colleagues


Research conducted by Kantar Millward Brown and funded by the National Office of Suicide Prevention.

Stigma in the workplace See Change has identified the workplace as a key setting for social change around attitudes to mental health problems to take place. Our goal is to help facilitate a cultural shift in workplaces so that employers and employees feel supported and secure in starting a discussion about how mental health can affect each one of us.

See Change has developed a six step pledge programme to help Irish workplaces create an open culture around mental health and play a role in challenging mental health stigma. By signing up to the See Change workplace pledge, organisations are showing that they are committed to creating an open culture around mental health for managers and employees.

66%are willing to work with

someone who has a mental health difficulty


Green Ribbon 2017 campaign launch

John Saunders, See Change, CEO spoke of our objective to reduce the stigma associated with mental health and introduced the other speakers. IBEC Senior Labour Market Policy Executive, Kara McGann, spoke on the effects of mental health stigma in the workplace and how See Change projects have helped to break down the barriers about discussing mental health issues in the workplace. IFA Family and Social Affairs spokesperson, Maura Canning, spoke about the difficulties experienced in rural Ireland and the stigma which still prevails among farmers and their families.

See Change Ambassador, Barbara Brennan gave a moving and thought provoking insight into her experience of mental health difficulties and the need to talk and reach out for help.

1 See Change Ambassadors: Niamh Murphy, Derek Devoy,

Nicola Hampson, Minister Helen McEntee, Rick Rossiter, Abigail McDonnell, Zoe Forde.

2 See Change Partners: Martin Rogan (Mental Health Ireland)

Maura Canning (Irish Farmers’ Association), John Saunders

Director of See Change, Minister Helen McEntee, Treasa Hannify

(Please Talk), Charlie Burke (Coillte), Shari McDaid (Mental

Health Reform).

The 2017 Green Ribbon campaign was launched on the 27th April in the Mansion House by Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People, Helen McEntee and Lord Mayor of Dublin, Brendan Carr.

1

2


4 Director of See Change John Saunders and Minister Helen McEntee.

5 Lord Mayor of Dublin, Brendan Carr, Director of See Change, John Saunders, Minister Helen McEntee, See Change Ambassador Barbara

Brennan, IBEC Senior Labour Market Policy Executive, Kara McGann,

IFA Farm Family and Social Affairs Chairperson Maura Canning.

6 Mansion House, Dublin.

7 Minister Helen McEntee and See Change Director John Saunders.

3 (Back L-R) Director of See Change John Saunders, Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin T.D, Gillian Cashel (Green Ribbon Supporter), Deborah Kearns (Boots),

Pat Buckley T.D, James Browne T.D, Martin Rogan (Mental Health Ireland), Charlie Burke (Coillte), See Change Ambassador Barbara Brennan,

Treasa Hannify (PleaseTalk), Claire Sheeran (See Change). (Front L-R) Mary Lou McDonald T.D, See Change Ambassadors: Sandra

Dillon, Zoe Forde, Abigail McDonnell, Rick Rossiter, Minister Helen McEntee, Nicola Hampson, Niamh Murphy, Derek Devoy.

3

4

5

6 7


Awareness of the Green Ribbon campaign

over

2 in 5were aware of the

Green Ribboncampaign in 2017

3 in 4are talking aboutmental health –

the main objectiveof the Green Ribbon

campaign4% more than in 2016

In 2017, people feel more comfortable having conversations about mental health with someone they

know, because of the Green Ribbon campaign

Post campaign research conducted by Kantar Millward Brown.

Spontaneous awareness

20162015

201735%21%

37%

Overall awareness

20162015

201746%30%

45%


Newstalk

Green Ribbon 2017social media campaign

194articles

645.9Kimpressions

(number of times tweets were seen)

7110engagements

(shared, replied to)

932link clicks

1.5Kretweets

2.1Klikes

41%more than in 2016

Online and print

Twitter

Radio and TV coverage






TV3The Elaine

Show

RTE Radio 1

Today FM

Regional & local radio

stations

19 radio interviews


774,564number of people page posts served

564,698viewed page in news feed

1,185,826impressions of page post




13,761sessions

11,349users

25,680page views




Website

Facebook

Green Ribbon 2017social media campaign


The Mansion House, DublinThe Convention Centre, DublinHeuston Station, DublinConnolly Station, DublinKilkenny CastleBunratty Castle, ClareDunbrody Famine Ship, WexfordThe Visual Arts Theatre, CarlowCarlow County LibraryCarlow County BuildingsKing John's Castle, LimerickUL Bridge, LimerickThe Oak Tree, Aras Cill Dara, KildareGalway County Library University College Cork Institute of Technology, Sligo Institute of Technology, Galway

17number of buildings that lit up green

Light up green formental health


Iarnrod EireannIrish Rail Stations

BootsPharmacies

Libraries

Distribution Partners nationwide

1528617


The Green Ribbon campaign is essentially a social movement led by over 100 partner organisations and 60 Ambassadors.

Hundreds of events took place in schools, workplaces, community centres and other venues throughout the month of May. The following is a selection of Green Ribbon events which took place around the country...

Supporting Green Ribbon is a great way to promote conversations about mental

health amongst both our staff and

our customers.Jane Creegan, Irish Rail

2017 was Iarnród Éireann’s 4th year as official distribution partner for the Green Ribbon Campaign. Throughout the month of May, Iarnród Éireann distributed over 50,000 ribbons at Stations right around the country. Mental Health and well-being awareness days took place at Connolly & Heuston Station. A number of stakeholders were at the Stations on both days to speak to our customers about mental health awareness. Both stations also had conversation trees on those days where customers could express what they would like to hear or tell someone who is experiencing mental health difficulties.

Giant Green Ribbons were visible at Heuston Station for the duration of the month. The building was lit up green throughout the month of May and Iarnród Éireann supported the campaign across our social media and digital channels. As a company, mental health is something that is very close to our hearts as sadly many people take their lives on the railway every year.

Iarnród Éireann


The entire community at Tallaght Hospital played their part

during Green Ribbon Month. Staff, patients and family members all came together to help combat

mental health stigma. Joanne Coffey, Tallaght Hospital

Tallaght Hospital

Internal Green Ribbon Events

•Informationstandsmannedin the Hospital Atrium over two days May 9th and 11th. The stands were manned by staff from our Psychiatric Services and members of community organisations where staff and members of the public could ask questions and get further information on specific aspects of mental health. The information stands were promoted heavily within the hospital and also using our social media. They were extremely busy on both days with equal numbers of staff and members of the general public engaging on the topic of mental health.

* One hour long session which all members of staff are invited to attend and learn. CPD points are available for those that register

at the event. As a teaching hospital Grand Rounds is very well attended each week.

•TosupporttheGreenRibbon initiative for staff our Grand Rounds* on May 12th had a Green Ribbon theme with two talks from Psychiatry. The first talk was from Prof. Brendan Kelly on the topic of “Mental Capacity in Medical and Surgical Inpatients in Tallaght Hospital: Preliminary Study Results” the second talk was from Professor Greg Swanwick entitled “I want to go home!”

•Inadditiontotheactivityabove Green Ribbons were presented to each member of the Executive Management Team and they wore them throughout the month. To encourage conversation between staff / patients on the topic of mental health staff that are particularly mobile around the Hospital i.e. porters, phlebotomists, technical services were all provided with Green Ribbons to wear during the month. Indeed some of them have continued to wear them beyond the month of May.

•MaterialsfromtheHSEwere also distributed in the Hospital, in particular the ‘Little Things’ postcards and large boards. These were used in our staff canteen, volunteer coffee shop with the large boards placed in our Adult Emergency Department and Pastoral Care Corridor.

Community Green Ribbon Event hosted by Tallaght Hospital

•Acommunitytalkwashosted in the Killinarden Community Centre. This event was hosted in conjunction with our Patient Community Advisory Council in the Hospital and over 20 community groups involved in Mental Health. The event was very well attended with over 70 arriving on the morning to hear Professor Greg Swanwick talk on the topic of ‘Minding your mind through the ages’. There was


a length Q&A session and general discussion after his talk which is indicative of the level of interest / engagement there was from the audience. In post event surveys with those that attended feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Of those that filled in a survey 100% found the information useful. Comments were also made on the information being presented in ‘lay-mans terms’ and how those attending would like to see ‘this being done for parents in schools’.

20+community

groups involved

100%positive

feedback

In excess of 900 people attended the Green Ribbon – Let’s Talk & Walk events nationwide hosted by Coillte in partnership with See Change, the IFA, and Mental Health Ireland making the month of May, synonymous with promoting open conversation about mental health and challenging the stigma of mental health issues.

The walks were a real social

success, providing an opportunity for

friends, families and communities to connect with

one another enjoying two

things inherent to us here in

Ireland...Nature and Talking!Charlie Flanagan, Coillte

Walkers commented that supporting the ‘Green Ribbon’ campaign and opening up the conversation about mental health was better for the body and mind, that at times of difficulty, talking our issues through with a valued friend is one of the simplest, and yet, one of the most effective interventions we can take to lessen stress.

Over 900 people attended Coillte Green Ribbon walks nationwide

Dr Siobhan Ni Bhriain,

Clinical Director, Celine Moran, See Change,

ProfessorGreg Swanwick,

Psychiatry of Later Life.

Maura Canning, IFA; Joe Healy,

IFA; Gerard Murphy, Coillte;

Minister Helen McEntee; John Saunders,

See Change; Jill O’Herlihy, Mental Health

Ireland.


IFA play big part in Green Ribbon month 2017

As one of the founding partners of See Change it is great to see the Green Ribbon campaign growing from strength to strength each year. The Green Ribbon campaign provides an opportunity to start a conversation – to elevate that conversation to a national level and bring mental illness out of the shadows.

Too many people in rural Ireland who struggle with mental health difficulties are suffering in silence rather than seeking help, and we need to continue to work together to make sure that men and women who would not hesitate to go see a doctor if they had a broken arm or came down with the flu, that they have that same attitude when it comes to their mental health.

Over the past five years IFA and See Change have worked to better support farm families and increase awareness of mental health issues. To let farm families living with mental health challenges know that they are not alone. To support farmers struggling with a mental health illness or those caring for someone with a mental health illness that there are supports and services available to help them.

This years’ series of Let’s Talk and Walk have been the most successful with close to a 1,000 people attending the walks

nationally. The success of the walks is thanks in no small part to our energetic and supportive partners Coillte and

Mental Health Ireland. In 2017 six walks were organised in the following locations:

Coillte Portumna Forest Park, Portumna, Co. Galway (Sunday, May 7th 2017)

OPW Doneraile Park & Gardens, Doneraile, Co. Cork(Sunday, May 7th 2017)

Coillte Ards Forest Park, Ards, Co. Donegal (Sunday, May 14th 2017)

Lough Muckno Forest Park, Co. Monaghan (Friday, 19th May 2017)

Coillte Avondale Forest Park, Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow(Sunday, May 21st 2017)

Coillte & OPW Emo Park & Gardens, Co. Laois (Sunday, May 28th 2017)

Our work with See Change and the Green Ribbon campaign has been so important to increase awareness

of the mental health services and supports that are available.

To get people to understand that a person’s recovery from mental illness varies hugely from person to person.

To provide an environment where farmers are more comfortable talking

about mental health issues that are affecting them, a family

member or a friend.Maura Canning, IFA


Irish Men’s ShedsAssociation

Enthusiasm for the Green Ribbon campaign amongst men’s shed members was widespread. In some ways, this was to be expected; men’s sheds thrive on an atmosphere of openness and solidarity, and are naturally receptive to the campaign’s message of stigma reduction.

The run-up to the campaign coincided with the Irish Men’s Sheds Association (IMSA) Spring cluster meeting tour, which saw IMSA staff visit seventeen counties to liaise with sheds and their members. Boxes of Green Ribbons accompanied the IMSA staff on these visits, and were snapped up enthusiastically and delivered to sheds throughout the country. As part of the IMSA’s Sheds for Life health and wellbeing initiative, talks on mental health were delivered throughout the tour.

John Saunders of See Change addressed the cluster meetings in Dublin and Portlaoise, explaining the importance of the campaign to a total audience of around 100 shedders – each of whom returned to sheds throughout their region to spread the word, and the ribbons.

The Green Ribbon was worn extensively and with pride by shedders throughout Ireland, at community events and within the confines of the shed. Men’s sheds are extremely active on social media, and the ribbon was ubiquitous in the pictures shared out well into the summer.

Ultimately, over 150 boxes of Green Ribbons were disseminated to sheds throughout the Republic, with demand outstripping supply. The ribbons were an outwardly visible sign of men’s sheds commitment to reducing stigma around mental health issues, for which See Change is the ideal partner.

Turlough Kelly, Irish Men’s Sheds Association

100+shedders

spreading the word

15,000Green Ribbons

distributed


College of Psychiatry of Ireland

Walk & Talk with Psychiatrists

On Sunday, 21st of May, over 40 people including psychiatrists, individuals who use the mental health services and members of the public took part in the 3rd annual College of Psychiatrists of Ireland Walk & Talk with Psychiatrists as part of See Change Green Ribbon month. The aim of the event was to promote wellness and activity in an outdoor setting. It was also a chance for those who use the services, their carers and family members, and mental health professionals to mix in an informal, welcoming, supportive and social atmosphere to talk about psychiatry and challenge mental health stigma through informal discussion. Speakers from the Walk & Talk Dr Rosie Plunkett and Mr Rick Rossiter spoke to Mary Wilson on RTE Radio 1 Drivetime about the Walk And Talk with psychiatrists 2017.

Twitter Q&A Session

Members of the public were invited to engage informally with psychiatrists as part of Green Ribbon month through the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland’s 3rd annual Twitter Q&A session which took place on 31st May at 7pm.

For two hours Consultant Psychiatrists Dr. Miriam Kennedy and Dr. Jennifer Hoblyn took charge of the @GreenRibbonIRL Twitter account to engage with people about mental health recovery and answer their questions about psychiatry.

Both doctors are Consultant Psychiatrists (General Adult and Later Life) so the main conversations concentrated on questions on mental health in later life / old age mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and dementia. To get involved, people simply tweeted their questions including the hashtag #AskPsych.

The event received lots of coverage in the lead up to the event. Dr Miriam Kennedy spoke to George Mulcahy on NearFM’s Lifeline show on Monday 29th May about the event.

Attendees enjoyed a walk around St Stephen’s Green, with intermittent stops in the park for points of information and discussion from various speakers including College President Dr John Hillery, Dr Rosie Plunkett (trainee psychiatrist), and Rick Rossiter (REFOCUS Committee member and See Change ambassador). Rick shared an honest account of his experience of living with bipolar disorder and the stigma he has experienced as a result. Rick encouraged attendees to support those who ask for help and urged everyone to continue open discussions on mental health to challenge the stigma that still exists and prevents people from reaching out.

Mary Hayes, College of Psychiatrists of Ireland


Collegeof Psychiatry

of Ireland

on the night the hashtag

#AskPsych got

25,181estimated social

media reach

40mentions

113likes

37shares


Saol Clubhouse celebrate Green Ribbon

EVE is a programme within the HSE, whose primary ethos is to provide community-based recovery-orientated programmes for adults who experience mental health difficulties. This is achieved through our network of Vocational, Rehabilitative and Clubhouse services in 21 locations. The clubhouse model is an innovative, member led community based model. The service offers life-long support to empower members to lead a socially and economically productive life in the community.

To celebrate the Green Ribbon Campaign and ‘The National Time to Talk day’ Saol Clubhouse and a number of EVE centres organised a Flash Freeze Mob to raise awareness for mental health.

The event took place on North Earl Street on Friday the 19th of May.

The idea of the freeze mob comprised of an organised meeting of people who freeze like statues amidst a busy city centre environment. The demonstration draws the attention of passers-by who are left wondering what’s happening. The freeze aims to symbolise the importance of taking time out to reflect on and be mindful of our mental health. At the end of the freeze we released fifty green balloons into the air, this

aimed to both increase our audience as well as to signify the importance of letting go. There was a huge turnout with over 150 people taking part on the day. The Freeze was accompanied by the Dublin based choir, ‘Singing for the health of it’. The choir were energetic and lively and helped draw the attention of onlookers.

At the end of the freeze we handed out green ribbons to passers-by. This

was a great opportunity to spread the word about mental health. It gave us the chance to discuss with people the importance of raising awareness,

as well to inform people of the community services that offer support

to people in their recovery. Edel Hurley, Saol Clubhouse

After the event we took photos by The Spire with a giant green ribbon. It was a bright and sunny day and the atmosphere was electric.

The event overall was a huge success. As a centre it gave us the opportunity to practice what we preach, in that we took time away from our everyday routine in order to prioritise having fun.


Cairdeas Clubhouse host Green Ribbon event

Friday May 26th saw an abundance of energy at Cairdeas Clubhouse ‘Green Ribbon Coffee Morning’ inviting Service Users, Family, Friends and Supporters during this special May ‘Green Ribbon Season’! Cairdeas was full of entertainment, festivities and a special banquet with a ‘green’ touch.

Visitors began to arrive from 11.30am and were greeted by members and staff, gathering in the snack bar where Cyrille had prepared a bucket of treats including sandwiches, chicken wings and mini quiches. Dessert included a Carrot Cake and Green Zebra Cake each made uniquely. The tables were decorated with beautiful floral arrangements created by the gifted Tony and the Clubhouse was carefully decorated by our ‘Art Group’.

Excitement hit as Declan opened the event followed by a few words from Ronan,

It was an imaginative and fanciful day at Cairdeas with happy faces

and smiles from everyone involved. There were a lot of laughs at

this carefully planned day which was in full ‘Green’ steam!

Heidi, Cairdeas Clubhouse

Cairdeas Manager, to highlight the importance of ‘Green Ribbon’ and welcoming all guests. ‘The Creative Writing Group’ including, Garrett, Tony, Eoin, Marion and Heidi shared their personal stories and poetry throughout the day which all ended in applause from the visitors. Some words on ‘Recovery’ included a poem from Tony who heartily recited: The scent of a Rose, From Darkness into Light, From dawn till dusk, People walking into light, Brightness lifts the spirit, Walking by the sea shore...

After lunch each guest was invited to write words of encouragement as ‘personal positive empowerment messages’ on coloured cards. Every message was then uniquely tied to the Cairdeas ‘Affirmation Tree’ and another on each ‘Green Recovery Balloon’.

The day ended with members releasing Green Recovery Balloons.


Boots

Boots have partnered with See Change since February 2017, and over the course of the past several months have carried out a range of activities. We have encouraged conversations about mental health as well as highlighting the importance of looking after your mental health. We distributed See Change sunflower seeds to all Boots staff to encourage them to spend more time outdoors and avail of the benefits to mental health.

86Boots stores

20,000+green ribbons

distributed

Across our stores we have held Healthy Lunch events & wellness activities in celebration of National Time to Talk day along with not so healthy lunches -‘DoNuts’ be afraid to talk, activities where colleagues have taken the opportunity to write a positive comment about another colleague overall helping to promote a real feel good factor.

External activities have also included a mental health event in our Blanchardstown store, supported by Anna Geary – All Ireland camogie player, distributing ribbons in the lead up to the Junior and Leaving cert exams where increased pressure can significantly impact on individuals mental health. Across our 86 stores we have distributed in excess of 20,000 green ribbons as part of this year’s campaign and have received extremely positive feedback from both customers and colleagues alike in helping to open up conversations around the area of mental health.

Louise O’Brien, Boots


St. Patrick's Mental Health services hosted ‘An Evening of Storytelling, Tea and Chatter’.

The evening began with a performance from the Full Circle Playback Theatre. The Playback Theatre is an improvisational theatrical method created through a unique collaboration between performers and audience in which an audience member tells a story and the actors re-enact the story though various Playback ‘Forms’. The actors' responses are creative, spontaneous, physical improvisation within a framework of structured ritual.

The audience had the opportunity to engage with the process and it provoked a wide ranging conversation about mental health experiences on the night.

The evening concluded with some Tea and Chatter.

Claire Sheeran, See Change

A special screening of ‘Meetings with Ivor’ was held on the 24th May, 2017 in the Town Hall Theatre, Galway. Over 200 people attended this benefit screening. Green Ribbons were also distributed on the night to the audience.

All profits of the special screening were donated to Please Talk services. Through this event just under €1000 was raised on the night. The proceeds will be utilised to raise mental health awareness and the importance of talking for Third level students on NUIG and GMIT Campuses in Galway.

Please Talk Host Green Ribbon Benefit Screening

‘Meetings with Ivor’ is an 81-minute documentary on the life and work of ground-breaking psychiatrist Ivor Browne. The film contains contributions from a host of familiar Galway faces including Tommy Tiernan, Tom Murphy, Mary Coughlan and Professor Brendan Kelly. Sebastian Barry and Nell McCafferty also feature among contributors. The Spiddal-based piper, Ronan Browne, son of Ivor, composed the haunting musical score.

The special screening was followed by a Q&A with the director Alan Gilsenan and was chaired by Galway-based journalist Lorna Siggins to open the conversation about mental health with the audience. Over 100 people stayed on an extra 30 minutes for this Q&A.

Treasa Hannify, Please Talk


Green Ribbonworkplace event

To mark Green Ribbon month, See Change held an event for workplaces on Monday 15th May in the Morgan Hotel. This included organisations across all type of industries attended the event. These includes organisations that have already signed up to or completed the See Change pledge and organisations that are just starting their journey and looking for ways to encourage open conversation around mental health in their workplaces.Gerry Hussey, Performance Psychologist spoke on the day and was truly inspirational focusing on the importance of recovery and happiness.

Later in the morning, Louise O’Brien from Boots and Grainne Quinn from Exterion Media shared how their organisations have completed the steps of the See Change programme and in breakout sessions the rest of the group shared experiences and made suggestions of what they can all do in their organisations to encourage open and honest conversations around mental health in their workplaces. It was a great morning and thanks to all who attended.

Dolores Kavanagh, See Change

Barbara Brennan, See Change and Gerry Hussey, Performance

Psychologist

Dolores Kavanagh, See Change and Gerry Hussey Performance

Psychologist


6See Change

Investors

101See Change

Partners

60See Change

Ambassadors


A word from our See Change AmbassadorsSiobhán was very involved with activities throughout Green Ribbon month, from TV interviews to various community events throughout Leinster.

Ray has been a See Change Ambassador for three years and has a particular interest in reducing the stigma associated with mental health in the workplace.

Siobhán Brady in conversation with See Change Communications Officer Kate MorganI really like the Green Ribbon Campaign because it makes things feel more open. When I see people with the Green Ribbon it means I can be myself, it’s almost like I can breathe because they are open and they understand and it just gives me a sense of relief that people aren’t going to judge me if they see my scars. I don’t have to hide anymore. I can remove the mask I have to put on daily, you do have to hide it to a certain extent. When you see people wearing the ribbon it’s like they ‘get it’ and that’s important.

When I first started experiencing difficulties it did prevent me from seeking help, but it also prevented me from accepting that there was a problem. I felt that I didn’t need to get help. It wasn’t so much the stigma that stopped me getting help; it was more that I couldn’t accept that there was a problem in the first place because of the stigma.

I didn’t feel people would understand. I was unsure how people would view me and I was already going through a difficult change with changing schools and I just wasn’t prepared to let the people who were going to be my classmates see me as some kind of “crazy person” or a “weirdo” as I knew that I’d be labelled then. I wasn’t even sure at that time what going on with me. It was very much a case of first impressions, so there was definitely a weight I felt on me especially at home trying to keep it a secret because even then I wasn’t sure how people at home would respond to it.

5 years of Green Ribbon

openess and

acceptance

people wearing

green ribbon 'get it'


When I returned to school after being in hospital, I was picked out by a few of my classmates and questioned. Obviously there were rumours going around, so they had an idea, but some people were saying that I went to a ‘madhouse’. So to me, I just think of stigma as being a label – a negative label that then turned into this identity that I myself got hung up on and I felt that’s ‘me’.

The highlight of Green Ribbon 2017 for me was appearing on TV3’s The Elaine Show. I was absolutely terrified, but it feels like such a huge achievement. It was a great experience and it was great to be able to put myself out there. It was a huge achievement for me to be able to say ‘I’m strong enough to do it’. Even being asked and knowing that people want to listen was an achievement. It was very important.

Elaine finished the interview by asking me to give my advice for others at home who are experiencing things similar to me:

“For the person who wants to start a conversation about their mental health, you don’t need to think about it too much, just do it. I know it’s easier said than done but the relief that you feel definitely overpowers everything else. Take it at your own pace, don’t think about it too much and find that person who you know you can trust and just tell them you’re going through a tough time.”My answer that day remains the same and knowing that I could have helped at least one person that might never have been able to start a conversation about their mental health before makes it all worthwhile.

Ray in conversation with See Change Communications Officer Kate MorganI’ve been a See Change ambassador for three years now. It’s something that I really enjoy. I’m married with two kids and I’ve been working since I came to Dublin when I was 18 years of age. I’ve had some mental health challenges over the years and I’m in a good place at the moment. Working with See Change to fight stigma and raise awareness in any way is something I’m very happy to do.

I started experiencing mental health difficulties in my late teens when I came to Dublin first to work. I was renting in flats at the time. From the age of 18 to about 20 I would have been aware that some of my thought patterns were challenging and I eventually got diagnosed with OCD in my early twenties. It can take a number of years to get the right diagnosis and treatment. I was later diagnosed with depression, and then in my early 40s, with bipolar disorder.

I didn’t experience stigma openly around my family or close friends when I first got diagnosed, but I wouldn’t have dreamed of being open about my mental health difficulty at work. People are particularly sensitive about work and what they are prepared to share at work. It would have been a key area where I would have been private about my mental health. I certainly wouldn’t have been able to share in any way like I am now with people generally. We spend half our time at work so it’s a large part of your life. It’s a hard decision to make whether to be open about going through a tough period or not.

In my recent blog on the See Change website, I talked about personal experience in my family of mental health difficulties. My own God Mother died by suicide the year I was born and it was hushed up and kept secret in my family. Nobody was really sure what had happened. Even before I had any awareness myself, there was guardedness in my own wider family about mental health and suicide. It was kept quiet for years.


My friend’s wife took her own life a number of years ago too. Most of us around her could see that her mental health wasn’t the best, but she never sought help and wasn’t properly diagnosed. I have first-hand experience of the devastation that suicide can cause. With my own experience of mental health issues and from various self-help groups I’ve been in as part of my journey, it’s just so obvious that the longer people wait to seek help for mental health problems the greater they are at risk of suicide. People are very ill because of their reluctance to open up and discuss mental health issues. So at worst, it’s a killer illness and at best it causes a lot of devastation for people and their families.

Stigma to me is people being a bit of afraid of you – or nervous of you – because of their impression of what mental ill health is. In my personal experience, stigma is noticeable in what people assume about people with mental health problems. It’s around terms that they might use, the way they might speak about mental illness and how they perceive what someone with mental health problems is like. From my work with See Change I know that less than half of people would share if they had a problem with their mental health at work. People are still very sensitive about it. There’s a reason for that. People are aware that it can cause fear, hostility or uneasiness among the people around them.

I’ve noticed an improvement in openness around mental health since I was first diagnosed. While I don’t want to give too much credit to celebrities in this regard, the bravery of some people who have used their celebrity status to be honest about their own difficulties is very encouraging. 10 years ago I wouldn’t have known any celebrities that were sharing their mental health difficulties. Now it seems they are a lot more willing to open up about it, for example, if we look at the Royal Family recently. It emphasises that mental health affects everyone.

Green Ribbon is encouraging people to talk, to share, to open up and signposting to where they can go next to help themselves – I just worry sometimes because I haven’t seen an improvement in mental health services to accompany that and certainly mental health funding is a huge problem still. The next ‘See Change’ needed is to see real resources going into meeting the demand for supports.

less than

50%would share a mental

health difficulty with work colleagues

informsSee Change campaigns

60Ambassadors

lived experience


Green Ribbon has gained invaluable traction in the small number of years that it’s going. It is incredible to see the Taoiseach and the party leaders and TDs around the time of Green Ribbon all wearing the ribbon in photographs. I think the brand awareness and the idea behind it are excellent and there’s been huge progress made. I went into talk in two workplaces, KBC and Core Media, and that was very new for me. It was enjoyable to come across two workplaces where you could see that they were genuinely interested in opening up that conversation for their staff and the awareness is there of Green Ribbon and the principles behind what we’re trying to do.

The workplace is one of the most important frontiers for mental health improvement. I think the Talking Card that goes with the Green Ribbon with the main points of starting a conversation around mental health really hits the nail on the head. It’s so important that the listener is there to act and really listen and show support and interest in what the person has to say about what they’re feeling. It’s so important for someone who’s going through a mental health difficulty to have the opportunity to talk. I was surprised at one of the talks I did in the workplace that one or two people came up to me afterwards. I think there’s a lot more people than we know of with mental health difficulties who are ready to talk but they just need encouragement. It’s all about trying to create those conversations like Green Ribbon is trying to do.


Ahead

AMEN Support Services

Anamcara

Aware

Ballymun Regional Youth Resource

Bloomfield Health Service

Bodywhys

Boots Ireland

Business in the Community

Citizens Information Board

Cork Counselling Centre

College of Psychiatrists of Ireland

Coillte

Catholic Guides of Ireland

Connolly Day Hospital, Blanchardstown

Cycle against Suicide

Department of Health

Dublin Simon Community

DCU School of Nursing

DCU Students Union

Employability Dublin North

EPIC (Empowering People in Care)

Eve Clubhouse

Equality Authority

Football Association of Ireland

First Fortnight

Gateway Mental Health Association

Gay Switchboard

Girl Guides Ireland

GROW Ireland

HAIL

Headline

Investors Partners

Headsup.ie

Health Service Executive

Irish Business and Economic Confederation

Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association Ireland

Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association

Irish Association of Suicidology

Irish Advocacy Network

Irish College of General Practitioners

Irish College of Psychiatry

Irish Congress of Trade Unions

Irish Countrywomen’s Association

Irish Girl Guides

Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission

Irish Sports Council

Irish Farmers Association

Irish Men’s Shed

Irish Rail

It’s good 2 talk Counselling Service

Jigsaw

Limerick Mental Health Association

Macra na Feirme

Maynooth Students Union

Mental Health Ireland

Mental Health Commission

Men’s Health Forum

Mental Health Reform

MY Mind

National Disability Authority

National Service Users Executive

National Youth Council Ireland

National Office of Suicide Prevention

Near Media/FM

North Dublin Befriending Service

Maynooth University Students Union

One in Four

PCI College

Public Service Executive Union

Pavee Point

Please Talk

Reach Out

Saint John of Gods

Samaritans Ireland

Smashing Times Theatre Company

Shine

Sigmar Recruitment

Sport Ireland

Spun Out

St Patrick’s Mental Health Services

St. John Of God Hospital

Stop Suicide

Suicide or Survive

Taxi Watch

TASK

Trinity College Dublin School of Nursing and Midwifery

Teagasc

The Community Foundation Of Ireland

The Library’s Association of Ireland

The Rise Foundation

Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI)

Travellers Mental Health

Turn2me

Trinity College Dublin

UCD Students Union

UCC Student’s Union

University Student’s Ireland

Unite the Union

University College Dublin Student’s Union

University Limerick Student’s Union

3T’s– Turn the Tide against suicide

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Documents

Green Ribbon Impact Report 2017 - HSE.ie...mental health conditions. Our objective is to challenge understanding and perceptions about mental health stigma and end discrimination