IFA Let’s Talk and Walk Events Announced as Part of Green Ribbon Campaign on Mental Health
Let’s start a conversation on mental health, that’s the idea behind the Green Ribbon campaign, a month long campaign in May to create a recognisable symbol, which is hoped will kick start a national conversation about mental health. See Change, a national programme to reduce stigma and challenge discrimination associated with mental health and its 70 plus partners are organising a series of national events as part of the Green Ribbon campaign.
IFA a founding partner of See Change campaign is organising a series of national walks to promote the Green Ribbon campaign in May. It is hoped that the Let’s Talk and Walk will encourage people to get out and start a conversation to change minds about mental health, one conversation at a time. IFA have joined forces with Coillte to provide family friendly venues for the walks in their forest parks in Wicklow, Galway, Limerick and Cavan. The Let’s Talk and Walks will take place every Sunday in the different counties for the month of May, starting with Avondale House & Forest Park at 3pm on Sunday, 5th May 2013.
“Wearing the green ribbon during the month of May is a simple way of showing your support for the campaign and leaving the door open for a conversation about mental health”, said Kahlil Thompson-Coyle, Campaign Manager, See Change. 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 let someone know you are there for them and simply listen. The Green Ribbon campaign is not a fundraiser; the ribbons will be free to the public”.
“IFA have been working with See Change for the last few years to encourage farmers to look after their mental health. These are very worrying times for many farmers with uncertainty in relation to Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) payments, poor weather, high inputs costs and increasing regulations, it is easy to let it get to you”, said Mrs. Margaret Healy, IFA Farm Family & Social Affairs Chairwoman.
“I am delighted that Coillte had come on board and provided the forest parks as a safe, family friendly venue for the walks. We hope that people come out and participate in the walks to support this very important campaign”, said Mrs. Healy.
“Coillte is very pleased to be involved in this innovative campaign, in partnership with the IFA. We are delighted to host a series of walks in May in four of our Forest Parks. We believe that this campaign has great potential to encourage the public to get out and enjoy nature, not just at the organised events, but in all our forests across the country. Coillte Outdoors is Ireland’s leading provider of outdoor recreation and we are committed to encouraging people to enjoy this great natural resource which can deliver a range of physical and mental health benefits to the people who use it,” said Gerry Egan, Group Director, Corporate Affairs at Coillte.
“Mental Health Ireland (MHI) is delighted to be associated with the upcoming Let’s Talk and Walk events. This innovative event allows members of the public to avail of the opportunity to enjoy two things inherent to us in Ireland….Nature and Talking!” said Ted Tierney, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, MHI. “Research tells us that at times of difficulty and turmoil in our lives, talking our issues through with a valued friend is one of the simplest but most effective interventions we can take on to lessen our stress. I would like to compliment the IFA and Coillte for their commitment to the campaign and organising the walks on Sunday’s throughout May.”
1. The Let’s Talk and Walk will take place as follows:
- Avondale House & Forest Park, Co. Wicklow (Sunday, 5th May @ 3pm)
- Portumna Forest Park, Co. Galway (Sunday, 12th May @ 3pm)
- Curraghchase Forest Park, Co. Limerick (Sunday, 19th May @3pm)
- Killykeen Forest Park, Co. Cavan (Sunday, 26th May @ 3pm)
2. For more information on the IFA Lets Talk: Dealing with Stress campaign
(http://www.ifa.ie/
3. For more information on See Change is available on www.seechange.ie
4. For more information on Coillte Outdoors is available on www.coillteoutdoors.ie
