Mental Health Ireland is inviting people 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:
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
GET INVOLVED
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?’
Mental Health Ireland is teaming up with companies, organisations and groups to ensure that the message reaches every community and household in Ireland.
“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 (events on Saturday, 17th May), or simply boiling the kettle and sitting down with a friend. It all starts with a simple question ‘How are you?’”, Claire Flynn, national campaign lead said.
So let’s make saying ‘Hello’ and asking ‘How are you?’ an everyday question that keeps us connected, visit www.hellohowareyou.info/resources for free resources, toolkits and all the information you need in different languages.
