HU SUPPORTS LIFELINE TALKING REALLY HELPS CAMPAIGN

20 March 2026

Hospitality Ulster is proud to announce its support for the Public Health Agency’s (PHA) ‘Talking Really Helps’ campaign, an initiative designed to encourage open conversations about mental health and promote Lifeline – Northern Ireland’s 24/7 crisis response helpline.

As part of the partnership, Hospitality Ulster is distributing packs to hospitality[LJ1.1] businesses in Northern Ireland containing posters, tent cards for tables and vinyl window and mirror stickers signposting staff and customers to Lifeline.

The ‘Talking Really Helps’ campaign encourages anyone experiencing anxiety, distress, or mental health crisis to talk openly about how they are feeling and to seek help. It also promotes the Lifeline service to those struggling to cope and as a means of support for families and friends who may recognise when someone they care about is struggling.

Lifeline is Northern Ireland’s free and confidential crisis response helpline, which can be contacted for immediate advice and support. Lifeline’s professionally trained counsellors are available any time, day or night, offering support to anyone who needs it.

Joel Neill, Operations Director at Hospitality Ulster, said: “We are proud to support an important campaign by distributing printed materials to businesses in our industry. Mental health difficulties do not discriminate. Anyone can face challenges with their mental wellbeing, and we want those in our industry to know that help is always available.

“As a front-facing service to the public, with a duty of care to those who cross our doors, it is important to ensure we are all doing our part to let those struggling know they are not alone.”

Suicide and mental health difficulties affect people of all ages and backgrounds and often result from a combination of social, emotional and personal factors. However, suicide is not inevitable. With the right help and support, recovery is possible.

Sarah Reid, Senior Health and Wellbeing Improvement Officer at the PHA, said:

“Everyone experiences low mood from time to time, and one -in five people will struggle with mental ill -health at any given time, – which is why it is so important that people know help is available.

“We welcome the support of Hospitality Ulster in promoting the ‘Talking Really Helps’ campaign. The hospitality sector plays a vital role in communities across Northern Ireland, and its staff are often in a unique position to notice when someone may be struggling. And in their workplaces staff can also notice when their colleagues might need that extra bit of mental health support.

“Encouraging open conversations at home, in workplaces, and even in public settings such as bars, restaurants, and hotels is a key step in helping those who may otherwise stay silent. By signposting people to Lifeline, we can ensure that anyone experiencing distress or despair knows that help is available 24/7 and that with the right support, recovery is absolutely possible.”

Lifeline can be contacted on 0808 808 8000 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

For more information, visit www.lifelinehelpline.info