Wexford Farmer Uses Voice and Land to Spark Conversations on Mental Health

A Wexford farmer is using his voice and his land to highlight the importance of mental health.

Patrick Hipwell, who is an ambassador for the organisation Shine, launched the Green Ribbon campaign in Wexford with the support of local councillors and community groups. Each year he wraps his hay bales in brightly coloured covers to spark conversations around mental wellbeing, particularly in farming and rural communities. As part of this year’s effort, he is also planning a community mass on the 4th of October, where people will be invited to share stories and support each other. Patrick says it is vital that men, and the wider public, feel able to talk openly about their struggles and look out for one another: "The aim of the campaign is to take down the stigma around mental health and let people know that it's okay not to be okay and reach out and ask for help. If you have a friend that's out there and you haven't seen them in a while, don't be afraid to pick up the phone and ring them and have a chat with them and make sure they're is okay. It's always better to reach out to someone and be sorry after for not reaching out because people have good times and bad times and it's up to us all to look after each other and take care of each other in our lives."