The Voice Platform
Why did Shine set up the Voice Platform?
In Nov 2022, Shine won the bid to host the National Reference Group of people with lived experience in charge of monitoring the Irish Mental Health Policy (Sharing the Vision). This resulted in an increase in demands and requests for Shine to provide the voice of lived experience to participate in research, media, advocacy and policy initiatives.
To coordinate the response, we created The Voice Platform, as a space to engage with all requests and make sure that people with lived experience were using their voice in influential spaces.
"I am passionate about sharing awareness about mental health, about starting a conversation and making others feel less alone in their struggles. I wish to take part in any academic research related to mental health and also speak about my story on a public platform, a safe space and hope that it might inspire others also. I am determined to come out of hiding and find myself and my voice!" (Voice Platform Member)
Why did Shine set up the Voice Platform?
In Nov 2022, Shine won the bid to host the National Reference Group of people with lived experience in charge of monitoring the Irish Mental Health Policy (Sharing the Vision). This resulted in an increase in demands and requests for Shine to provide the voice of lived experience to participate in research, media, advocacy and policy initiatives.
To coordinate the response, we created The Voice Platform, as a space to engage with all requests and make sure that people with lived experience were using their voice in influential spaces.
"I am passionate about sharing awareness about mental health, about starting a conversation and making others feel less alone in their struggles. I wish to take part in any academic research related to mental health and also speak about my story on a public platform, a safe space and hope that it might inspire others also. I am determined to come out of hiding and find myself and my voice!" (Voice Platform Member)
A Flavour of what the The Voice Platform does
Below there are some initiatives carried out by Platform members:
- National Consultation Surveys: Disability Payment, EIP National Survey, National Disability Strategy, Coimisiún na Meán Online video safety survey, National consultation on the Mental Health Act 01
- Pre-Budget campaign submissions 2024 and 2025
- Collaboration in Research initiatives: EUFAMI – Oxford University research on psychosis, UCD Bipolar disorder and the use of money, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy with Limerick University, Gamian – EU research on speech based AI monitoring system for the prediction of relapse in individuals with schizophrenia
- Other Collaborations: Green Ribbon, NOSP materials on suicide prevention, Panellists in Mental Health Media Awards, Mental Health Reform up-lift Campaign
- Engagement with the media: The Examiner, The Journal, The Irish Times
Support provided to Voice Platform members
- Training on Media Skills to platform members including
- Media relations
- Key messages and talking points
- Maintaining confidentiality
- Social Media etiquette
- Engaging with journalists
- Mock interviews
- IT support Support
- Reimbursement of expenses to attend key events
How to join the Voice Platform
Please email Estela Vidal in Shine on evidal@shine.ie to show your interest. A survey link will be sent to you. Your answers will be considered by an internal evaluation team and if selected, you will receive an invitation to join the platform.
For more information, please have a look at The Voice Platform Leaflet
Shine’s Policy Submissions
The Voice Platform leaflet 2025
The Rosalynn Carter Fellowship for Mental Health Journalism in Ireland
Founded in 1996, the highly competitive Rosalynn Carter Fellowship for Mental Health Journalism awards year long, non-residential fellowships to journalists from the United States, Colombia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates to report on a mental health topic of their choice. In 2023, Shine’s Headline programme, in partnership with the Carter Center, proudly announced the rollout of this prestigious fellowship in Ireland through the Rosalynn Carter Fellowship for Mental Health Journalism in the Republic of Ireland.
Find out more
Mental Health Media Awards
Shine works closely with the media to promote responsible and accurate reporting on mental health. Through guidance, training, and collaboration, Shine helps journalists and media professionals understand the impact of stigma and misinformation while encouraging coverage that is respectful and informed.
Find out more
Green Ribbon Order Form
To order your FREE Green Ribbons, please fill out this form with your order details:
