September marks the return of Shine’s annual ‘Green Ribbon’ Campaign, a nationwide initiative encouraging people to talk openly about mental health and challenge the stigma that still prevents many from seeking support.

Led by Shine, the national organisation dedicated to mental health support, advocacy and education, the campaign has become one of Ireland’s most recognised public awareness initiatives.

The campaign encourages people across communities, workplaces, schools and organisations to wear a Green Ribbon throughout September as a visible symbol of support, understanding and solidarity.

Over the years the campaign has grown into a powerful movement for change. Last year alone more than 600,000 Green Ribbons were distributed across Ireland.

Each ribbon serves as a visible symbol of support, helping to spark conversations that can make a real difference in people’s lives and reminding people that it’s OK to talk about mental health and it’s OK to ask for help.

The campaign has received strong support in Waterford, with Minister for Mental Health and Waterford TD Mary Butler recently joining An Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Shine representatives at Government Buildings to officially mark the start of this year’s awareness campaign.

Minister Butler is encouraging people across Waterford to get involved and wear a Green Ribbon throughout September.

“Stigma can prevent people from reaching out for help when they need it most,” Minister Butler said. “By wearing a Green Ribbon, we send a simple but powerful message that it’s OK to talk about mental health and it’s OK to ask for help.”

She also highlighted the Government-funded free counselling programme for men, launched in September 2025 following €2 million in recurring ringfenced funding.

The programme provides counselling and psychotherapy for men, particularly those aged 30 to 50, experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties. More than 5,200 men have accessed the service since its launch.

“We know that men are often less likely to seek help,” Minister Butler said. “This programme is helping to break down those barriers and ensure that support is available when it is needed.”

People across Waterford are being encouraged to wear a Green Ribbon, start a conversation and remind others that nobody has to face mental health challenges alone.