Discussing mental health cannot be overestimated, Clare’s first citizen has stated.

Clare’s support for the Green Ribbon campaign was illustrated earlier this month when Áras Contae an Chláir was illuminated green on the first weekend of September to show Clare County Council’s countywide support.

See Change’s Green Ribbon campaign runs throughout the month of September and aims to get as many people as possible talking about mental health to help end stigma and discrimination. According to the organisation, the wearing of the Green Ribbon shows a commitment to influencing positive change.

Green ribbons are available across the county including all Clare libraries. “We have a large selection of mental health and wellbeing books available to our members both in branch and online through BorrowBox. Please do pop into your local Clare library branch and pick up a Green Ribbon and a book or ask for them to be added to your next book delivery service,” Clare County Librarian, Helen Walsh stated.

Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr PJ Ryan (IND) said the campaign reiterates the importance of discussing mental health. “Wearing our Green Ribbons this month provides an opportunity to talk more openly in society about mental health. This helps our communities around Ireland combat stigma and discrimination”.

Healthy Clare coordinator, Karen Fennessy detailed that mental health formed a key priority in the Healthy Clare 2019-2021 strategic plan. “Under the Government’s Healthy Ireland programme, communities across County Clare have been able to access funding specific to promoting mental health and wellbeing in Clare. “Mental health is a crucial part of our overall health, and it is important that we talk more openly about it,” she explained.