Hollister gives support to Mayo Mental Health
Pictured at the cheque presentation to Mayo Mental Health Association on behalf of Hollister were, from left: Cole Langdon, Niall Dunne, Grace Mangan, Patrick Carr and Jenna Walsh.
Ballina-based industry Hollister has lent its support to Mayo Mental Health by recently presenting the charity with a cheque for €5,000.
The presentation comes just weeks after Mayo Mental Health hosted the 'Hello, How Are You' mental health campaign on Pearse Street in Ballina.
The event was held on Friday, May 16th, as part of a nationwide initiative, and included a live broadcast on Midwest Radio's Tommy Marren Show.
Notable guests included Dr Pat Bracken, who discussed the importance of recognising recovery as a social and community-based journey, and Professor Brendan Kelly, who explored how wellbeing is rooted in relationships, purpose and belonging.
Live interviews included Lianne McManamon and Jenna Walsh on the role Mayo Mental Health Association play within the post-primary schools and wider communities of Mayo. Another interviewee was Maureen Nalubego, former IPA representative with the Refugee Council in Uganda, who shared reflections on resilience, displacement, and connection, while Jacqui Lodge, Hello, How Are You? Café volunteer in Ballina, spoke about setting up a one-hour weekly Hello Cafe in coffee shops across Ballina, starting with Costa.
Young volunteers including Anna Cunningham, Sienna Keane and Leah Gallagher were also part of the conversation, highlighting how mental health messaging resonates with younger generations across Mayo.
More than 20 volunteers supported the Ballina effort, engaging the public on Pearse Street and distributing over 400 conversation cards. The team facilitated countless meaningful conversations, transforming the simple act of saying “Hello” into opportunities for connection, empathy, and support.
“This campaign continues to prove that connection matters,” said Teresa Keane from Mental Health Ireland. “We saw conversations happening between strangers, colleagues, students and neighbours — and it reminded us that checking in, asking that one question, can truly change someone’s day — or life.”
Lianne McManamon from Mayo Mental Health Association echoed this sentiment: “Hello How Are You is a phrase that rolls off the tongue on the daily for the majority of us and we never truly wait for the answer or acknowledge the weight that such a simple phrase can have. This campaign reminds us all, that small conversations when you take the time to truly listen, can often make the biggest difference."
The campaign is backed by compelling data: 29% of participants last year said they would seek further support after engaging in Hello events — up from 6% in 2022 — showing the real-world impact of these grassroots conversations.
