Hospitality Ulster has announced its backing for the Public Health Agency's (PHA) 'Talking Really Helps' campaign, which seeks to normalise conversations about mental health and promote Lifeline, Northern Ireland's free, confidential, round-the-clock crisis response service.

Through the partnership, the trade body is providing resource packs to hospitality businesses across Northern Ireland. The materials include posters, table tent cards, and vinyl stickers for windows and mirrors to guide both staff and customers towards Lifeline's support.

The initiative encourages anyone experiencing anxiety, distress or a mental health crisis to open up about how they are feeling and to access help. It also highlights the role of families and friends in recognising when someone may be struggling and using Lifeline as a route to support.

Lifeline offers immediate advice and assistance, with professionally trained counsellors available any time, day or night, for anyone who needs to talk.

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 can 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. Further information is available at www.lifelinehelpline.info.