Now in its fourth 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.
Mental Health Ireland is inviting the nation to say Hello and ask How Are You? with meaning on Thursday, May 15th.
Now in its fourth 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. 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. Let’s make saying Hello and asking How Are You? an everyday question that keeps us connected.
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, visit www.hellohowareyou.info/resources
On Thursday, May 15th 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. It all starts with a simple question, ‘How Are You?’
Find out what’s happening in your Area here https://hellohowareyou.info/get-involved/events-in-my-area/
Mental Health Ireland is teaming up with companies, organisations and groups to ensure that the message of Hello, How Are You? reaches every community and household in Ireland.
Iarnród Éireann is supporting the mental health campaign again with Hello champions and volunteers at Dublin Heuston, Dublin Connolly, Limerick, Waterford, Cork (Ceannt) and Athlone stations on May 15th and Iarnród Éireann Wellbeing Champions leading Hello events running across the country.
parkrun, the free, weekly, community event where people of all ages and abilities are welcome to walk, jog, run, or volunteer, is inviting participants across Ireland to learn about the campaign and the benefits of community connections and conversation at parkrun events on Saturday 17 May.
Claire Flynn, national campaign lead said: “Since the first national campaign in 2022, the impact of Hello, How Are You? continues to grow and every year we’re seeing more meaningful conversations and social connections being made across Ireland. We continue to develop free literature, resources and training to grow the reach of the campaign and support events, and to work collaboratively with other organisations who are connecting communities in creative and impactful ways.
“On May 15th, we’re looking forward to seeing all the different ways the nation says Hello, How Are You? whether it is holding an event, joining a parkrun, or simply boiling the kettle and sitting down with a friend. It all starts with a simple question ‘How Are You?’