News

Mental Health Matters Poster Campaign Inspires National Creativity for World Mental Health Day 2025

Mental Health Matters Poster Campaign

The Mental Health Matters Poster Campaign—a joint initiative led by Mental Health Matters and An Post—is fast becoming Ireland’s most inclusive and creative mental health awareness movement. Building on the success of its 2024 launch, the 2025 campaign has expanded its reach, uniting communities, artists, and mental health advocates under one inspiring message: Mental Health Matters—Every Voice Counts.

This year’s campaign highlights the strength of partnership. National collaborators include An Post, Nua Healthcare Services, HSE Office for Human Rights and Equality Policy, Samaritans, Mental Health Reform, and Suicide or Survive. Together, they have created a platform that bridges creativity and conversation—encouraging individuals of all ages and backgrounds to explore what mental health means to them through visual art.

Founder Barbara Brennan describes the campaign as “a chance to connect, to be part of something meaningful, and to spark change—in our workplaces, in our communities, in our country.” Her vision is rooted in openness and empathy: a belief that by normalising honest dialogue about mental health, we can help people feel less alone and more supported.

The 2025 competition placed inclusion at its core, with categories celebrating creativity across Schools, Universities, Disability, Workplaces, and Communities. Each winning artwork tells a deeply personal story—of resilience, hope, and the healing power of expression.

National World Mental Health Day Poster Campaign

Among the standout artists recognised this year were:

  • Faye O’Sullivan (Schools) – for her poignant reminder that “words can be powerful” and the importance of kindness.

  • Yevis Gallagher (Universities) – whose piece symbolises renewal, hope, and the strength of community.

  • Samantha Mulligan (Disability) – whose artwork embodies resilience and hope for those living with disability and mental health challenges.

  • Eimear McDonagh (Workplace) – whose design celebrates nature and the nurturing environments that support wellbeing.

  • Lorna Quinn (Community) – for her vivid portrayal of inner struggle and the longing for connection.

  • Mary Orlva (Highly Commended) – aged just 9, whose joyful “hamster yoga” artwork reminds everyone that calm can be found in small, mindful moments.

The campaign launch took place at Dublin City Council’s Wood Quay Venue on Thursday, 25 September 2025, featuring keynote speakers, live music, spoken word, and the unveiling of the five winning posters. Guests received free poster and postcard prints to continue spreading the message of awareness and compassion in their local areas.

What began as a creative campaign is now a national movement—uniting organisations, communities, and individuals in a shared mission to ensure that mental health is recognised as an essential part of everyday life.

Campaign by Mental Health Matters in collaboration with An Post, supported by Nua Healthcare Services, HSE Office for Human Rights and Equality Policy, Samaritans, Mental Health Reform, and Suicide or Survive.

Artist contributions from Faye O’Sullivan, Yevis Gallagher, Samantha Mulligan, Eimear McDonagh, Lorna Quinn, and Mary Orlva.

Learn more and view the 2025 winning designs: www.mentalhealthmatters.ie/postercampaign