Green Ribbons for Mental Health

Limerick Youth Service will go green this September as it participates in the nationwide Green Ribbon Mental Health Campaign.

Organised by Shine, the Green Ribbon Campaign encourages people to talk about their mental health & wellbeing and challenge the stigma sometimes associated with mental health.

Throughout the month young people, staff and volunteers will be wearing their green ribbons, participating in several activities and ‘starting a conversation’ about mental health and wellbeing.

What is the Green Ribbon

The Green Ribbon is the international symbol of Mental Health with Shine aiming to promote an open conversation around mental health and challenge the stigma sometimes associated with it.

The Green Ribbon campaign states that ‘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.  Here are a few helpful tips

• Talk, but listen too: Simply being there will mean a lot.
• Take your lead from the person: As a first step, ask them how best you can help.
• Avoid the clichés: Phrases like ‘Cheer up’, ‘I’m sure it’ll pass’ and ‘Pull yourself together’ definitely won’t help – keep an open mind and listen.
• Keep in touch: There are lots of small ways of showing support – Send a text or just ask someone how they are doing.
• Don’t just talk about mental health: Be yourself, chat about everyday things as well.

For more information on the Green Ribbon campaign visit www.shine.ie or speak with a Youth Information Officer via limerickyouthservice.com/chat.

If you need more information on mental health and wellbeing services, visit limerickyouthservice.com/supports.

A member of Youth Work Ireland and the Irish Association of Community Training Centres, LYS remains committed to connecting with young people and supporting them to reach their full potential.

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