Mental Health Ireland Leitrim to ask Hello, How Are You?

Mental Health Ireland has teamed up with Iarnród Éireann to invite Leitrim 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 many ways to slow down and genuinely engage with a family member, friend or even a stranger. 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 

On Wednesday, May 15, there will be Hello, How Are You? events and volunteers nationwide. 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 again supporting the mental health campaign with Hello champions and volunteers at Heuston (Dublin), Cork (Kent), Limerick, Waterford and Galway (Ceannt) stations 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, 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 co-production of the campaign,” Jo Donohoe said.