The LINC Programme and MIC Support Shine’s 2025 Green Ribbon Campaign: Step Up to Stamp Out Stigma

Pictured (L–R): Professor Dermot Nestor, President of Mary Immaculate College; Claire Butterly, LINC National Coordinator; Jayde Ryan, MISU President; Professor Emer Ring, Dean of the Faculty of Education; Dr. Lisha O’Sullivan, Head of Department of Reflective Pedagogy & Early Childhood Studies.

Now in its 16th year, the Green Ribbon Campaign encourages open conversations about mental health, challenges the stigma that still surrounds it, and promotes inclusive communities where everyone feels supported. Throughout September, the LINC Programme & MIC will join organisations and communities across Ireland in wearing the green ribbon as a symbol of solidarity and hope.

As part of the campaign, MIC’s Limerick and Thurles campuses will be illuminated in green, symbolising the College’s commitment to shining a light on mental health. In addition to this, the LINC Programme and Mary Immaculate College are also proud to host a free online webinar on Tuesday, 30 September 2025, at 7.00pm. On the night, a Shine Green Ribbon Ambassador will share personal experiences of mental health and the importance of open conversations. The webinar will also explore how we can raise awareness, reduce stigma and support inclusion across communities. Registration is open now via Eventbrite

Professor Emer Ring, Dean of Education, Early Childhood, and Teacher Education at MIC, highlighted the importance of the initiative:

“We are delighted to be in our third year of the Shine Green Ribbon Campaign here at Mary Immaculate College and to be part of a movement focused on reducing mental health stigma and creating supportive, inclusive environments where everyone can thrive. Shine’s Green Ribbon campaign in the month of September reminds us of the crucial importance of positive mental health and wellbeing for all of us and our responsibility to be aware of, support, and listen to each other. The message of the Shine Green Ribbon Campaign is not just a message for September but for each month of each year.”

Claire Butterly, National Coordinator of the LINC Programme, added:

“As National Coordinator for the LINC Programme, I am delighted to host the Shine Green Ribbon Campaign for 2025 and bring together a community committed to mental health awareness. This campaign is a powerful reminder that no one should ever feel alone. By wearing the green ribbon, we stand together with those experiencing mental health challenges and to take a stand against the stigma and silence. The webinar and campaign are an important opportunity to share real stories, engage in conversation and shine a light to remind everyone that support, understanding and hope are always within reach. We thank everyone for joining us during this campaign and want to remind you that your presence matters.”

Jayde Ryan, President of Mary Immaculate College Students’ Union (MISU), encouraged students and staff to take part:

“We are really excited to welcome the Shine Green Ribbon Campaign back to our Limerick and Thurles campuses. At MISU, supporting positive mental health is a huge priority for us, and this campaign is all about starting real conversations and breaking down the stigma around it. Wearing a Green Ribbon is a way of showing your support and shows that nobody has to go through tough times alone. I’d love to see as many staff and students as possible getting involved this year and helping us build a campus where talking about mental health feels normal and supported.”

As part of the webinar, Shine Green Ribbon Ambassadors Rebecca Gilmartin and Helena Slevin will join the LINC team to share their personal experiences and insights.

Rebecca Gilmartin spoke about the importance of breaking the silence around mental health:

“While mental health is spoken about more publicly these days, there’s still a long way to go. In my own journey, I often felt completely alone, like no one else in the world could possibly feel the way I did. But the more I spoke up about what I was going through, the more I realized I wasn’t the only one, and that I really wasn’t alone. For a long time, the stigma, shame, and fear around mental illness held me back from reaching out for help. The Green Ribbon is such an important symbol because it encourages more people to open up, speak out about how they’re feeling, and know they will not be judged.”

Helena Slevin highlighted her aim in sharing her story and what she hopes participants will take away from the event:

“My aim is by sharing my own story I can provide a sense of hope and practical advice on how to navigate moments of difficulty, and also how to support others who are facing stress, illness and adversity.”

The Green Ribbon is a symbol of solidarity that encourages people across Ireland to join conversations about mental health and to challenge the stigma that too often surrounds it.

Everyone is invited to take part by wearing a green ribbon during September, attending the webinar, and joining the national conversation online. Ribbons are available free of charge through outlets such as An Post, Eir, Boots, Irish Rail and Dunnes Stores, or by ordering directly from Shine. 

For further information on Shine’s Green Ribbon Campaign and how to get involved, visit https://www.shine.ie/advocacy/green-ribbon-campaign

You may also like: