H.E.L.L.O.

Local Campaigns

Videos

Signposting

Gallery

Where it all began

The Mental Health Ireland HELLO, How Are You? campaign aims to tackle the lack of connection or belonging that people experience by inspiring individuals to ask how others are feeling. This opens up a conversation to allow people to listen and encourage action by signposting to local supports and services. 
Carlow Mental Health Association started the Hello Carlow How Are You? mental health and wellbeing campaign in May 2015, inspired by Australia’s R U OK? Day. The campaign has been run in Carlow each May since 2015, to coincide with the Green Ribbon Campaign. In 2019, Mayo Mental Health Fair brought the campaign to Mayo and has run it each year since.
This year Meath and Westmeath are taking up the banner. Mental Health Ireland with Mullingar Mental Health Association and Meath Partnership are kicking off  the campaigns on June 21st.
In 2022, Mental Health Ireland went national with their campaign, and Hello, How Are You? continues to grow each year in every county in Ireland.
Go to the Hello, How Are You? website

H.E.L.L.O.

The unique premise of this campaign is to encourage people to not just ask the question but to support people in knowing what to do next. There are five steps to saying H.E.L.L.O. and asking the question. 
  • H – Say Hello. This encourages starting the conversation, asking the question, using open ended questions and choosing the right place to talk.
  • E – Engage with the person. This is about being friendly and engaging and using inviting body language
  • L – Listen to the person. Be relaxed and show that you are listening by nodding appropriately, and asking open ended questions that will give you more of the story.
  • L – Learn about the person. Let the person know you have listened by repeating back what you have heard them say. Ask if they are aware of supports available and have that information to hand. Example of supports include Self Help Groups like AWARE, GROW, SHINE, their Family Resource Centres, GP etc. Find details on local supports by going to www.yourmentalhealth.ie.
  • O – Ongoing support. Check back in with the person and see how they are getting on.

Local Campaigns

Click on each county logo to find out more. 

Videos from Local Campaigns

Carlow

Mayo

Westmeath & Meath

Westmeath HELLO How R Moo?

Welcome to HELLO Meath & Westmeath

What to do after asking HELLO How R U?

HELLO Hor R U Westmeath 2021 Summary

Signposting & Resources

Knowing how to access the right supports and services can help us and our loved ones. 

There are supports and services available through your statutory HSE Mental Health Services and also the many and varied community and NGO organisations across the country.

You can find more information on all these through Mental health – HSE.iewww.yourmentalhealth.ie. You can also call the number below.

Have a watch of our Navigating the Mental Health Services video below.

Statutory Services

The HSE Mental Health, Addiction, Disability and Older People Services are all statutory services run by the state. The Mental Health services are delivered according to age and include General Adult, Child and Adolescent, Later Life, and Rehab and Recovery services.

Within these services are various disciplines, or roles, delivering more specialist services and supports. There are also intervention services, such as Talking Therapies, CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), Family Therapy, DBT (Didactic Behavioural Therapy), Art Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Social Work, Nursing, Peer Support, Psychiatry, Psychology, etc.

Other services connected with our mental health services are Recovery Colleges, Involvement Centres, employment support and housing support.

Community/NGO (Non-Governmental Organisation)

Community and NGO services provide many services that do not require a referral from a GP or to the Mental Health Services. Most are free also as they are funded to provide the service through local or national HSE services. Examples range between practical and emotional and include counselling, information, advocacy, training, education, support groups, peer support and events that promote learning and development.

Please visit Your Mental Health on www.yourmentalhealth.ie and Information and advice for families and friends – HSE.ie to find the details for all the various organisations supporting mental health. 

For information on mental health, wellbeing, and recovery, check out our Resources page and our Minding Our Mental Health during COVID page. You will find a range of free downloadable booklets, publications, and resources. 

For Further Support Contact The Samaritans

Samaritans is a unique charity dedicated to reducing feelings of isolation and disconnection that can lead to suicide. Every six seconds they respond to a call for help. They’re there 24/7, before, during and after a crisis and they make sure there’s always someone there, for anyone who needs someone.

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