At the launch of the Shine.ie Green Ribbon on the Wexford Quayfront on Monday were Patrick Hipwell (Green Ribbon Campaign), Cllr Pat Kehoe and Imelda Dempsey (Wexford Mental Health Association). Pic: Jim Campbell
Pictured at the launch of the Shine.ie Green Ribbon at the Fleadh Cheoil Harp on the Wexford Quayfront on Monday were Shaun McGuinness (Shine), Cllr Pip Breen, Cllr Brídin Murphy, Patrick Hipwell (Green Ribbon Campaign), Cllr Leonard Kelly, Cllr Barbara Ann Murphy, Mayor Cllr Garry Laffan, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council Cllr Joe Sullivan, Aileen Quigley (South East Radio), Imelda Dempsey (Wexford Mental Health Association), Cllr John Fleming, Cllr Jim Codd, Siobhan Cooper (Pieta), Cllr Donal Kenny. Pic: Jim Campbell
Wexford farmer and dedicated mental health advocator, Patrick Hipwell organised the official launch of the Shine.ie Green Ribbon campaign in Wexford with the help of some local representatives.
Patrick Hipwell is an ambassador with Shine, an organisation that aims to reduce stigma associated with mental health problems and to challenge discrimination, which is now in its 16th year. Every April he wraps his hay bales in coloured tarp in a unique and visual method of raising awareness about such an important cause, and especially amongst the farming and rural community.
“We know that mental health stigma remains a significant barrier to treatment and recovery for individuals and their families with mental illness. Stigma leads to discrimination, social exclusion, and a lack of support, exacerbating mental health problems and increasing the risk of loss to suicide,” said a representative from the organisation.
It is very important for Patrick that there are annual events that serve as a reminder to both men and the wider community that it is always okay to talk about their feelings.
“I just want to raise awareness and to remind people to watch out for each other,” he said.
He is currently organising a community mass that will take place on Saturday, October 4 where people can gather and share stories over a cup of tea.
In attendance at the launch at the iconic harp on Wexford Quay was also; Shaun McGuinness (Shine), Cllr Pip Breen, Cllr Brídin Murphy, Patrick Hipwell, Cllr Leonard Kelly, Cllr Barbara Ann Murphy, Mayor Cllr Garry Laffan, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council Cllr Joe Sullivan, Aileen Quigley (South East Radio), Imelda Dempsey (Wexford Mental Health Association), Cllr John Fleming, Cllr Jim Codd, Siobhan Cooper (Pieta), and Cllr Donal Kenny.
Cllr Kelly, who is also a Grow Mental Health instructor, stressed the importance of the annual campaign.
“The Green Ribbon Campaign is Shine’s largest and most high-profile annual campaign and an opportunity to lead the way on stigma reduction around mental illness in Ireland,” he said.