The campaign will encompass a number of initiatives and activities, leading up to a major 'Now We’re Talking – Live' event to be held in Smock Alley Theatre, in Dublin, on World Mental Health Day, October 10th. In advance of that date, with the support of Lyons Tea, 30,000 copies of a special Hot Press publication, entitled 'Now We’re Talking' – in which dozens of musicians, artists, writers and celebrities talk about their own experiences of, and approach to, mental health issues – will be distributed to students all over Ireland.

In addition a special limited-edition pack of Lyons Original 80’s tea will be produced with a portion of the proceeds being donated to Pieta House. The distinctive Lyons packs, available in shops all over Ireland, carry the Pieta House logo.

“This is a hugely important issue,” Hot Press editor Niall Stokes said. “While we have made very significant strides here in Ireland in moving away from the dark, secretive approach of the past in relation to mental health, hardly a week goes by without us being made aware again of just how fragile many Irish people – and especially young people here in Ireland – are feeling.

"Knowing this, Hot Press is proud to join forces with Lyons Tea and Pieta House in what is a crucial campaign. The purpose is to create a context in which the old inhibitions that surrounded mental health in Ireland can be cast aside for once and for all; and also to make everyone aware of the services provided by Pieta House, as well as raising money for them."

“This is a campaign that is really close to our hearts,” Lyons Tea brand manager Ann-Marie Finnucane said. "In Ireland there has been a tendency to shy away from discussing mental health for fear of embarrassment or being viewed as weak. However, there is a desire particularly amongst young people, to create a new, inclusive society, where a positive attitude to mental health is the norm.

"The purpose of the Now We’re Talking campaign is to encourage people not to sweep mental health under the carpet,” Ann-Marie added, “but instead to get it out in the open – and to talk about it. It is a natural fit for Lyons Tea, because sharing a cup of facilitates a conversation – even an awkward conversation – between two people.”

For Pieta House, the campaign is a really significant one.
“The Now We’re Talking campaign is so important to Pieta,” CEO of Pieta House Elaine Austin said, "because it really gets behind what we are about, it focuses on one of the key things which can help someone feel better - talking about it. This campaign is also important because the more that people can make it the most natural thing in the world to talk about how you are feeling, to listen, to care, the more likely we can really change how we as a society think about mental wellbeing, and we as a people make it easy for someone to reach out to and get the help they need, to bring a little hope back into their lives.
It goes without saying that the support from Lyons Tea and of the Campaign is also hugely critical. It helps us in very real terms to deliver our free of charge crisis intervention and bereavement services to those experiencing suicidal ideation, engaging in self-harm and for those also who have been bereaved by suicide, right across Ireland. At the moment we have over 220 clinical staff, operating across 15 centres and 3 outreach centres. Last year 8,000 people came through our doors and we answered 15,000 calls on our 24hour helpline 1800247247. We are very thankful to Lyons Tea and Hot Press for their continuous support and unwavering commitment to drive the change we all want to see in our lives.”

• "Now We’re Talking” – Live (A Night of Music and Conversation on the Theme of Mental Health)" will take place at Smock Alley (banqueting hall) on World Mental Health Day, and will include panel discussions, moderated by Hot Press’ deputy editor Stuart Clark, as well as live performances from a number of special guests. Last year’s Now Were Talking event featured Lisa Hannigan, Emmet Kirwan, Wyvern Lingo, Dr. Ciara Kelly, Eoin McDermott of 2fm and many more. Tickets for the free event can be applied for below.

HOW TO CONTACT PIETA HOUSE?
To avail of Pieta House services, which are free of charge, please visit www.pieta.ie for all centre contact details. Pieta House provides 24/7 support – if you are suicidal, self-harming or bereaved you can contact Pieta House 24/7 via the Freephone helpline on 1800 247 247, you can also text HELP to 51444 (standard message rates apply)

For further information on Pieta House and its services, visit www.pieta.ie.

To apply for tickets to "Now We're Talking: Live" simply fill in the form below.