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Mental Health Ireland and Iarnród Éireann invite nation to ask How Are You?

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 30th.

Findings from a recent survey (December 2022) conducted by Behaviour and Attitudes on behalf of Mental Health Ireland showed that 92% of people are comfortable having conversation with friends about worries. However, 21% 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 that help with starting and having these more difficult conversations. See full survey here: https://hellohowareyou.info/about/#impact-and-benefits

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. 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, head to www.hellohowareyou.info/resources

On Thursday, March 30th, 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.

This year, Iarnród Éireann is supporting the campaign with Hello champions and volunteers at Heuston (Dublin), Cork (Kent) and Galway (Ceannt) stations on March 30th and Iarnród Éireann Wellbeing Champions leading Hello events running across the country.

Jo Donohoe, Mental Health Promotion Manager, Mental Health Ireland: “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.

Sharon Daly, Progamme Manager, Health and Wellbeing with Iarnród Éireann: “We, at Iarnród Éireann are delighted to be involved with Mental Health Ireland on this great campaign. 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. Myself and the company’s Wellbeing Champions and the organisation as a whole wants to promote positive conversations on mental health.”

Minister for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler TD: “We know there are many mental health benefits to 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.”

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