For a nation of great talkers, how do we really ask — and really listen?

Mental Health Ireland today announces the return of Hello, How Are You? Day on May 15th 2026, a national campaign encouraging people across Ireland to start meaningful conversations about mental health.

We’re inviting everyone across Ireland – and beyond – to take a moment to say hello and really check in with the people around them.

This campaign is built on a simple but powerful idea: that a genuine “Hello, how are you?” can be the start of meaningful connection, understanding, and support. Whether you're chatting with a friend, a colleague, a neighbour, or even a stranger, asking "how are you?" — and truly listening to the answer — can help reduce stigma around mental health and remind us all that we're not alone.

At the heart of this year’s campaign is ambassador and social media star Eric Roberts, who is using his platform to highlight the importance of genuine connection and simply asking — and really listening to the question, “Hello, How are you?”

Speaking about the campaign, Eric said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be an ambassador for Mental Health Ireland and to support the Hello, How Are You? Campaign this May 15th. It’s such a simple question—‘hello, how are you?’—but it carries incredible power. Taking a moment to check in with someone can make a real difference, letting them know they’re seen, heard, and not alone. I’m proud to be part of a campaign that encourages all of us to connect, to listen, and to look out for one another.”

To mark the campaign, Mental Health Ireland has also partnered with Hairy Baby to launch a limited-edition Hello, How Are You? T-shirt as Gaeilge, with all profits supporting Mental Health Ireland’s work. Designed to spark conversations, the T-shirt offers a simple, visible way for people to show their support and get involved.

Now in its fifth year, Hello, How Are You? continues to grow nationwide.

In 2025, the campaign saw:

• 291 events across 26 counties
• 193 people trained in mental health conversation skills.
• Over 80,000 campaign resources distributed
• Public engagement at train stations supported by volunteers in Dublin, Cork and Limerick.

The campaign invites individuals, workplaces, schools and communities to take a moment on May 15th to check in with one another — because a small question can make a big difference.

Commenting on the campaign, Carol Jordan Membership and Partnerships Lead at Cii said: "Sometimes the simplest question can make the biggest difference. ‘Hello, how are you?’ encourages all of us to take a moment to genuinely connect and support one another.”

For more information check out the Hello webpage on www.bit.ly/mhihello