Mental Health Ireland invites Mayo to ask 'Hello, How Are You?'

'Hello, How Are You?' is a national campaign about connection and engaging in open conversations about mental health.

On May 15, the campaign will invite communities in Co. Mayo to say 'Hello' and ask the question ‘How are you?’ in a meaningful way.

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. Those steps are: 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.

Jo Donohoe, national campaign lead and the charity’s mental health promotion manager, commented: “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, the HSE, libraries, parkruns and family resource centres has given power, reach and visibility to the campaign, as well as the many community, voluntary and education organisations that have run events on the day and supported the co-production of the campaign.

“On May 15, 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 pickin up the phone to a family member.”

Sharon Daly of Iarnród Éireann said: “In 2023, many kettles were boiled and conversations held 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.”