People of Westmeath invited to ask ‘Hello, How Are You?’ on May 15

Mental Health Ireland (MHI) is asking everyone to say ‘Hello, how are you?’, with meaning, and to really listen to the response, on Wednesday, May 15. Development officer with MHI, Finola Colgan, explained the national initiative to members of Westmeath County Council at their April meeting, and asked them to encourage and promote it.

Ms Colgan remarked that the councillors will be visiting a lot of homes in the coming weeks, canvassing for the local elections, and asked them to use the initiative during their campaigns.

Hello, How Are You? is about connecting with people and engaging in open conversations about mental health.

Ms Colgan explained the five steps: H for say hello, E for engage, L for listen, L for learn, and O for ongoing support, checking back in with a person to see how they are getting on.

The aim is to inspire individuals to ask others how they are feeling, to tackle the lack of connection or belonging that people.

Cllr Mick Dollard, who worked for years as a psychiatric nurse, said Covid had been a difficult time for people and many were left feeling reluctant to open up and talk. He referred to the high level of suicides. Cllr Dollard praised the “great work” done by Finola and her colleagues.

Cllr Liam McDaniel, cathaoirleach, thanked Ms Colgan for her talk and wished her well with the campaign.

Now in its third year, the national 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 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.

For free Hello resources, toolkits and all the information you need in different languages, see hellohowareyou.info/resources.

On Wednesday May 15, there will be Hello, How Are You? events and volunteers across the country, such as coffee mornings and fundraising challenges.