New campaign aims to connect Corkonians

By Marguerite Kiely

In Cork, we love to talk, and chatting with friends and family is part of our daily lives.

However, having a meaningful conversation with a loved one can sometimes be more challenging.

Findings from a recent survey conducted by Behaviour and Attitudes showed that while 92% of people are comfortable having conversations with friends about worries, 21% of people are not confident in knowing how to support friends with worries.

A national campaign Hello, How Are You? has been launched by Mental Health Ireland with the aim of encouraging connection, tackling loneliness and having open conversations about mental health.The campaign, now in its second year, asks individuals and communities to pose the question ‘how are you?’ in a meaningful way. Asking this small question, they suggest, can make a real difference in someone’s life.

HELLO steps are part of the campaign and are designed to help individuals feel supported in asking the question. They include saying ‘Hello’, Engaging with the person, Listening to them, Learning about them and what they might be saying, and giving them time to talk and giving them time to talk and to explore Options

Jo Donohoe, Mental Health Promotion Manager of Mental Health Ireland said: “On 30 March, we are inviting organisations, schools, workplaces and individuals to say Hello and ask How Are You? From coffee mornings to sharing information, getting out for a walk and chat, or even simply picking up the phone, there are so many ways to connect and celebrate this campaign.

“We are a nation of great talkers and this campaign offers the tools to ask the question ‘How Are You?’ with confidence and meaning and really listen to the answer.”

This year, Iarnród Éireann is supporting the mental health campaign and there will be Hello champions and volunteers at Kent station on 30 March.

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.

“Finding the right words to support a friend, loved one or colleague going through a tough time can also be difficult. The Hello, How Are You? campaign gives us the tools to do so. It’s about mending the social connections lost in recent years and learning how to support each other. If we really ask and we really listen, this could have a massive impact on someone.”