At their match at home against Shamrock Rovers last Friday (26th), Cork City FC highlighted the YourMentalHealth.ie #LittleThings campaign.
Part of their involvement included distributing as many Green Ribbons amongst supporters as possible. Wearing the Green Ribbon is meant to help spark a conversation about mental health, and it could encourage others to reach out, feel less alone, and to seek support.
The month-long national campaign includes among other things the distribution of more than 500,000 green ribbons free of charge. At Turner’s Cross, over 4,000 green ribbons and wrist bands were handed out to Cork supporters. It got fans talking and the feedback to date has all been quite positive.
The National Stigma Reduction Partnership stresses the fact that 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 to let someone know that you are there for them and simply listen.
Mike Derham (far right), Vice-chairperson FORAS, Board representative at Irish Supporters Network and Board member SD Europe, together with Aileen Spitere (holding the cup), the branch director of Samaritans, Cork among others.
Mike Derham: “FORAS and Cork City FC were delighted to play a small part in helping promote mental health awareness last Friday at Turner’s Cross. Mental health is as important as physical health, and we must be more aware that our friends, our neighbours, and the strangers we pass on the street, may be struggling with their mental health despite having a smile on their face and saying that they are fine. There are little things that we can do to help, like starting a conversation to help encourage others to reach out, feel less alone, and to seek support. If you are feeling depressed, talk to someone.”
Read more about the campaign here.
Comments