Tackling mental health stigma at Ploughing Championships

See Change, the national programme dedicated to ending stigma and discrimination associated with mental health, has partnered with Certa to bring this year’s Green Ribbon Campaign to this year's National Ploughing Championships in county Laois.

The event, which takes place at Ratheniska over the next three days, will have See Change volunteers on the Certa stand (located at Block 3, Row 17, Stand 290) to speak about the Green Ribbon Campaign, a month-long initiative aimed at creating awareness and challenging the myths and misconceptions around mental health.

The theme of this year's campaign is 'judgement' and Nicola Byrne, CEO, Shine said addressing mental health judgement and stigma in the farming community in Ireland requires "a comprehensive approach, including improved access to mental health services, education, and community-driven initiatives, like the Green Ribbon Campaign, that promote understanding and support for those facing mental health challenges.”

Director of People at Certa, Mairead Golding said the company is "thrilled" to welcome partners See Change to their stand at this year's Ploughing Championships as part of our calendar of Green Ribbon month activities across September.

See Change exemplify Certa’s core values of being inclusive and treating everyone with dignity and respect, so the partnership feels like a very natural fit. Having witnessed first-hand the affects judgement can have on those who are struggling with their mental health, I am personally passionate about taking a role in breaking the stigma and starting open, honest conversations. We are delighted to have See Change support Certa at such an important event.”

By actively participating in the Green Ribbon Campaign as a community, we have the power to challenge stereotypes, dismantle stigma, and foster a compassionate and respectful environment for discussing and positively shaping the conversation around mental health.

To find out more about this year’s Green Ribbon Campaign, visit https://seechange.ie/green-ribbon or follow @SeeChangeIrel on social media.