Have that conversation on mental health
Mental Health Ireland has teamed up with Iarnród Éireann to invite the nation to say Hello, and ask How Are You? with meaning this May 15. Now in its third year, the national Hello, How Are You? campaign highlights the importance of staying connected, helps tackle loneliness, creates a sense of belonging and builds relationships. It also encourages early help-seeking through reliable information on mental health support services and signposting.
There are so many ways to slow down and genuinely engage with a family member, friend or even a stranger. You don’t need to be an expert to have a meaningful conversation. By using the HELLO Steps you can feel supported in asking the question. Let’s make saying Hello and asking How Are You? an everyday question that keeps us connected.
H: Say Hello
E: Engage with the person
L: Listen to them
L: Learn about them and what they might be saying
O: Give them time to talk and to explore options
For free Hello resources, toolkits and all the information you need in different languages, head to www.hellohowareyou.info/resources
On Wednesday, May 15, there will be Hello, How Are You? events and volunteers all over the country. From coffee mornings to fundraising challenges, there’s lots of ways for communities, schools and workplaces to get involved with the campaign this year.
Iarnród Éireann is again supporting the mental health campaign with Hello champions and volunteers at Heuston (Dublin), Cork (Kent), Limerick, Waterford and Galway (Ceannt) stations on May 15th and Iarnród Éireann Wellbeing Champions leading Hello events running across the country.
Jo Donohoe, national campaign lead and the charity’s Mental Health Promotion manager, said: “Since the first national campaign in 2022, Mental Health Ireland has brought Hello, How Are You? to organisations, communities and households across each county. We have developed substantial resources to support events, distributed almost half a million conversation cards and have provided training to hundreds of people. Partnerships like Irish Rail, Family Resource Centres, the HSE, libraries, parkruns has given power, reach and visibility to the campaign as well as the many community, voluntary and education organisations that have run event on the day and supported the co-production of the campaign. On May 15th, we’re looking forward to seeing all the unique and inventive ways the nation says Hello, How Are You? and creates opportunities for social connection, from a coffee with a friend to an event in your workplace to simply picked up the phone to a family member.”
Sharon Daly, Programme Manager, Health and Wellbeing with Iarnród Éireann: “In 2023 many kettles were boiled, and conversations took place across the country, led by our passionate and dedicated team of health and wellbeing champions. We are delighted to be part of the 2024 campaign and help to open many more conversations and social connections. This year we are launching Hello with a coffee break and an interactive How Are You? wall at our annual Health and Wellbeing conference in early May. While colleagues are connecting with each other, they will have the opportunity to share who they will take the time to say Hello to or reconnect with during the 2024 campaign.”