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.
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.
There will be Hello, How Are You? events and volunteers all over the country on the day, with coffee mornings, fundraising challenges, and 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 Galway (Ceannt ), Heuston (Dublin ), Cork (Kent ), Limerick, and Waterford stations on May 15. There will also be Iarnród Éireann wellbeing champions leading Hello events running across the country.
“Since the first national campaign in 2022, Mental Health Ireland has brought Hello, How Are You? to organisations, communities and households across each county," said Jo Donohoe, national campaign lead and the charity’s mental health promotion manager. "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, Park Runs have 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 coproduction 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 picked up the phone to a family member.”
For free Hello resources, toolkits and all the information you need in different languages, head to www.hellohowareyou.info/resources
