The ‘Hello, How Are You?’ campaign is a national initiative encouraging people to connect and engage in meaningful conversations about mental health. Its core message, that a simple hello and genuine check-in can make a difference, was brought to life in Monaghan with a lively community fair.
Held on a sunny morning at the PEACE Campus, the event featured 33 local and regional services, from mental health and family support to sports and recovery organisations. Attendees had the chance to meet service providers, learn about available resources, and enjoy informal chats over tea and coffee.
The fair also celebrated recent achievements in the community, including cheque presentations to Samaritans and the Alzheimer’s Society. The informal and welcoming atmosphere was designed to reduce stigma, highlight the importance of staying connected, and encourage early help-seeking.
Among those present were representatives from Mental Health Ireland, Shine, LA519, Extern, Monaghan Sports Partnership, HSE Recovery College, and many more, illustrating the depth of support available across Cavan and Monaghan. The HELLO Steps were promoted as a simple framework for meaningful conversations:
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
This event was one of 289 Hello Campaign events held nationwide, part of a wider movement that reached communities in all 26 counties. With thousands of resources shared, and hundreds attending trainings and volunteering, the campaign made a strong impact again in 2025.
Credits / Contributors:
Organised by Mental Health Ireland and HSE Connecting for Life Cavan Monaghan in collaboration with local agencies.
Photography: Rory Geary
Links / Downloads:
Visit www.hellohowareyou.info/resources for campaign materials, conversation guides, and training resources.
