Mental Health Ireland has teamed up with Iarnród Éireann to invite the nation to say ‘Hello’, and ask ‘How Are You?’ with meaning this March 30.
Hello, How Are You? is a national campaign about connection and engaging in open conversations about mental health.
Now in its second year, the national 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.
Findings from a recent survey (December 2022 ) conducted by Behaviour and Attitudes on behalf of Mental Health Ireland showed that 92 per cent of people are comfortable having a conversation with friends about worries. However, 21 per cent of people are not confident in knowing how to support friends with worries. The Hello, How Are You? campaign speaks to this by offering support, steps, and resources to help with starting and having these more difficult conversations. The full survey can be viewed at hellohowareyou.info/about/#impact-and-benefits
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.
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, see www.hellohowareyou.info/resources
On Thursday, March 30, there will be Hello, How Are You? events and volunteers all over the country. From coffee mornings to fundraising challenges, there are lots of ways for communities, schools, and workplaces to get involved with the campaign.
This year, Iarnród Éireann is supporting the mental health campaign with Hello champions and volunteers at Heuston (Dublin ), Cork (Kent ), and Galway (Ceannt ) stations on March 30, and Iarnród Éireann wellbeing champions leading Hello events across the country.
“Last year, the first year of Hello campaign, we were blown away by the level of engagement across the country. This year, partnering with Iarnród Éireann will help us elevate the campaign to bring it to every community in Ireland. Hello, How Are You? is all about connecting, as is Iarnród Éireann, which is why this partnership is a great fit.
“From coffee mornings to sharing information, getting out for a walk and chat, or even simply picking up the phone, there are so many ways to connect and celebrate this campaign. We are a nation of great talkers and this campaign offers the tools to ask the question ‘How Are You?’ with confidence and meaning and really listen to the answer,” Jo Donohoe, mental health promotion manager with Mental Health Ireland, said.
“Sometimes the smallest gestures can have the biggest results, so by simply asking someone how they are, you may start a conversation that will lead to positive outcomes for those that may be struggling,” Sharon Daly, progamme manager, health and wellbeing, with Iarnród Éireann, added.
Minister for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler, stressed the mental health benefits of making social connections and having a good support system around us.
“However taking that first step in starting a simple conversation can be daunting at times. It can also be difficult to find the right words to support a friend, loved one, or colleague going through a tough time. The Hello, How Are You? campaign encourages open conversations about our mental health, and gives the tool we need to do so. It’s about taking the time to mend the social connections lost in recent years and to learn how to support each other. If we really ask and we really listen, this could have a massive impact on someone,” Minister Butler concluded.
