Dunbrody to go green for mental health

THE Dunbrody Famine Ship in New Ross is being lit up green for the month of May as part of See Change’s 6th National Green Ribbon campaign to end the stigma surrounding mental health problems.

Research released by See Change ahead of the campaign shows that one in five people still associate derogatory language with mental health difficulties.

See Change Director John Saunders said: ‘Although some derogatory words may seem trivial and innocent, they are the building blocks of stigma that may lead someone to conceal a mental health difficulty. One of the most important ways in which we can reduce stigma is to change how we talk about mental health. We’re encouraging people to really think about the language they are using and the effects it may have on someone experiencing a mental health difficulty. Stigma often prevents people seeking help and speaking out. After last year’s campaign, 3 in 4 people said they were open to discussing mental health. We hope to improve upon this.’

Mr Saunders said it is wonderful to see local initiatives such as Dunbrody Famine Ship up green to encourage positive conversations about mental health in Wexford.

The Green Ribbon campaign will launch on Thursday in the Mansion House, Dublin. Between now and the end of May 500,000 ribbons will be distributed to homes, workplaces, schools, colleges and communities all over Ireland to encourage people to talk about mental health.

Green Ribbons will be available for free in New Ross Library on Barrack Lane and Boots Pharmacies on North Main Street, Wexford and on Main Street, Gorey. You can visit www.greenribbon.ie to order green ribbons for your community group.