IFA Announces Series of Walks for Green Ribbon Campaign This May to Get People Talking About Mental Health

Maura Canning, IFA Farm Family and Social Affairs Chairwoman is asking people to support the Green Ribbon campaign this May, by attending a number of regional walks organised by IFA in association with Coillte and Mental Health Ireland.

The Let’s Talk and Walk events will take place during May to encourage people to take time out of their busy lives, go for a walk and support the campaign, which aims to change minds about mental health – one conversation at a time.

See Change, the National Stigma Reduction Partnership and its ninety partner organisations are rolling out a month-long national Green Ribbon Campaign to get people talking openly about mental health problems in May 2015. The Green Ribbon campaign aims to break the stigma of silence associated with mental health.

“This is the third year that IFA has organised the walks and they have proved to be very popular with local communities”, said Mrs. Canning. “There is not a person who does not know someone who has been affected by mental health problems. People want to support the Green Ribbon campaign, and the walks, particularly the cup of tea and chat afterwards, are a very enjoyable way to do so. It is a lovely family day out with walks to suit all ages in the Coillte Forest Parks”.

“The Let’s Talk and Walk series of walks is a wonderful opportunity for friends, families and communities to connect with one another whilst being mindful of our own and others’ mental health and wellbeing. We are delighted to once again partner with the IFA, Green Ribbon and Coillte on these unique community walks and look forward to seeing everyone at the four locations.” said Orla Barry, CEO Mental Health Ireland.

Bill Murphy, Head of Public Goods at Coillte said that we know that outdoor activities are good for us, but what is more surprising is that research has shown that specifically being in forests is good for our mental health. Coillte is Ireland’s largest provider of outdoor recreation and we are delighted to support this initiative by hosting a series of Let’s Talk and Walk in four of our forest parks in May to promote the Green Ribbon. Get out and get involved in one of the events near you.

“Joining in with these walks and wearing the green ribbon during the month of May is a simple way of showing your support for anyone experiencing mental health problems and of starting a conversation”, said John Saunders, Director of 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 Let’s Talk and Walk will take place in the following locations during May:

• Portumna Forest Park, Co. Galway – Sunday, 3rd May 2015 at 3pm
• Killaclohane Recreation Park, Castlemaine, Co. Kerry – Monday, 4th May 2015 at 3pm
• Avondale Forest Park, Co. Wicklow – Sunday, 17th May at 3pm
• Ards Forest Park, Co. Donegal – Sunday, 24th May at 3pm