Westmeath and Longford go green to end mental health stigma

The HSE ‘Westmeath and Longford Goes Green’ campaign to mark World Suicide Prevention Day and to raise awareness of Shine’s See Change Green Ribbon Campaign has been launched.

The initiative is a collaboration between the HSE, the National Office for Suicide Prevention and a large number of organisations working in the mental health area in support of the organisation Shine’s Green Ribbon Campaign, which aims to spread awareness of mental health difficulties and to help end mental health stigma and discrimination.

The campaign is also being done to mark World Suicide Prevention Day on Tuesday, September 10, the theme of which for this year is 'changing the narrative'.

The Westmeath and Longford Goes Green’ launch took place on Monday, September 9, at the Raddison Blue hotel in Athlone.

As part of the campaign, several buildings and infrastructure in Westmeath will be lighting up green for the week, including Athlone’s iconic railway bridge, the White bridge, the Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands, and Westmeath County Council.

In addition, the lights on Athlone Cycle Bridge will change to green, and Belvedere House and Gardens in Mullingar will illuminate the carriage at the entrance and turn the tourist centre green.

Stigma leads to discrimination, social exclusion, and a lack of support, exacerbating mental health problems. We are aware that it can even result in tragic outcomes, such as suicide.

The Green Ribbon Campaign runs every September to provide a pivotal opportunity to lead the way on stigma reduction around mental illness in Ireland.

Shine CEO Nicola Byrna, said: “We want to elevate the voices of those with lived experience, those whose stories too often go unheard, and make a tangible difference in the lives of people experiencing mental illness.

“Awareness alone is not enough. We need action. We need to turn this campaign into a social movement. A powerful movement that mobilises communities, influences policies, and brings about systemic change.

“This means engaging with everyone—individuals, businesses, schools, and governments. It means building partnerships, fostering collaboration, and encouraging participation. Together, we can create a wave of change that will transform how mental health is perceived and treated.

“Westmeath and Longford Goes Green is a terrific initiative in support of the Green Ribbon Campaign.”

Mental Health Services, HSE Midlands General Manager Claire Donnelly, said a shift is needed away from a culture of silence and lack of understanding to one of openness, empathy and support by engaging in open and honest discussions about suicide and suicidal behaviour.

“We can also encourage understanding by acknowledging that suicidal thoughts and feelings are a sign of immense pain and distress but talking about them does not increase their presence or occurrence.

“It is also important to listen without judgment, offer support, and guide individuals towards help by familiarising ourselves with the services that are there to provide support to whomever may need it.”

HSE Longford and Westmeath Resource Officer for Suicide Prevention Patrick Jones said, “The theme of ‘changing the narrative’ encourages us all to be more proactive in being there for those whom we may be concerned about; to be the one who will encourage them to reach out for appropriate and life sustaining support.”

The National Office for Suicide Prevention has developed a new suicide prevention programme, which is available free online and takes around 60 minutes to complete, It is available at www.traininghub.nosp.ie and uses a mix of guided online content, video and interactive questions.

At this time, it is also important to acknowledge those who have been bereaved through suicide and be sensitive and compassionate to their feelings.

World Suicide Prevention Day also aims to remind of the importance of minding their own mental health and wellbeing and of the availability of local and national services if people need to reach out for support.

Further Green Ribbon and World Suicide Prevention Awareness events will be held events in the Regional Hospital, Mullingar on September 11, while Longford County Council are hosting an event on September 17.

Information on support services are available at www.connectingforlifemidlands.ie.