
Promoting Mental Health, Wellbeing & Recovery
About World Mental Health Month
The World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) started this mental health awareness campaign in 1992 and it is being celebrated yearly since. World Mental Health Day provides the opportunity to raise awareness about global mental health issues and creates the opportunity for people to call for action and advocate for change in mental health.
Every year the World Federation for Mental Health sets a theme for World Mental Health Day, this year’s theme is ‘Mental Health is a Universal Human Right’.
This year’s World Mental Health Day celebration coincides with the 75th Anniversary of the foundation of the the WFMH in 1948.
1948 was an important year for human rights because the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted on 10 December 1948 by the United Nations Assembly.
However, despite all efforts by international organisations, governments, institutions and other agencies, mental health discrimination, harmful stereotypes and stigma in the community, family, schools and the workplace still persist. The same prevents healthy relationships, social interactions and inclusive environments needed for the wellbeing of all members of society and presents barriers to the enjoyment of full wellbeing for all, especially those with mental health challenges.
The 2023 World Mental Health Day theme “Mental Health is a Universal Human Right” provides us with the opportunity for us to have courageous conversations and connect with others and to promote and improve mental health. This year’s theme highlights that all the individuals have the right to enjoy the highest attainable standards of mental health.
Mental Health Ireland have chosen to extend the campaign and theme to the whole of October. We are working in co-production to launch a World Mental Health Month programme that ensures mental health and wellbeing become a priority for us across the country.
We can all play a role in increasing our awareness of mental health, to have open conversations about mental health and in reducing the stigma attached. This campaign provides the ultimate opportunity for us all to build mental health awareness, united as one.

Our Offerings
- Get involved in our 5 Ways to Fundraise.
- Tell us what event you are running for World Mental Health Month or find out what events you can go to in your area here.
- On October 24th we are launching a self-directed e-learning module to support workplace leaders and managers to progress wellbeing. Register for the launch webinar now to get early access to the module and a free copy of Wellness Works.
- We have co-developed a toolkit for people to host a Connect Café.
- Support and promote the campaign by purchasing our World Mental Health Month merchandise.
- We have co-designed a range of free downloadable resources that you can use throughout the month to show your support for the campaign.
- On October 18th we will celebrate mental health associations and volunteers in Galway.
- On October 13th we will launch a booklet about mental health and menopause in Limerick.
To find out more about our offerings and how you can get involved in the campaign, check out the tabs above.

Who we are
We are governed by a Board of Directors, who come from a range of different backgrounds, specialisms and experiences. The Board are supported and informed by Governance and Finance Committees. Our Head Office team are based in Dún Laoghaire in Co. Dublin. This is where our CEO, Deputy CEO, Chief Operations Officer, Finance, Communications, Fundraising, Mental Health Promotion, Education, Training, & e-Mental Health, Human Resources, and Administration team members are based.
We have 10 Development Officers across the country who link with our network of Mental Health Associations, volunteers and community groups, promoting mental health and supporting recovery in their communities. Mental Health Ireland are now also the employer of people working in recovery education and peer led community services across the country. The team members work in a variety of different settings including Recovery Education Services, Mental Health Services, Involvement Centres and Peer Led community services.

What we do
- We build mental health awareness and understanding through campaigns, training programmes, events, conferences, resources and information.
- We provide opportunities for capacity building in mental health promotion and recovery through our Tony Leahy Third Level Scholarship Programme.
- We are the leading employer of Recovery Education staff in Ireland through our partnership with the HSE.
- We contribute to the evidence base on recovery and mental health promotion by leading on and commissioning research.
- We partner with Mental Health Associations, fellow NGOs, Community Organisations, Workplaces, National and International Mental Health Organisations, and experts by experience and profession to share ideas and coproduce change making initiatives.
World Mental Health Month Survey
The survey showed that two thirds of people (67%) believe that Ireland is making positive steps towards having a more diverse and representative society. More than 80% of survey respondents believe diversity and representation can increase creativity and opportunities for development in our society.
However, according to the survey, 1 in 8 people (13%) experience discrimination and 1 in 6 people (16%) feel they are limited in being able to get a job or keep one because of discrimination due to having mental or physical ill health.
The survey showed that 3 in 5 people have personal lived experience of mental health challenges. While a quarter of people have experience of mental health challenges and in also supporting family members or friends.
The findings also indicate that people with personal lived experience, and those with both personal and family or friend experience of mental health challenges are more affected than people who have no experience when it comes to their social inclusion.
News & Events
Celebrating 40 Years of Galway Mental Health Association: Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things
On October 18th, 2023, Galway Mental Health Association, with support from Mental Health Ireland, marked a significant milestone in its journey as it celebrated its 40th birthday.
Over 80 Per Cent of People Living in Ireland Believe That Mental Health is a Universal Human Right
A national survey of 1,002 adults living in Ireland conducted on behalf of Mental Health Ireland by B&A for World Mental Health Day showed that 88 per cent of people agreed or strongly agreed that mental health is a universal human right.
How Irish communities have the power to make change this World Mental Health Month
There are loads of ways to celebrate World Mental Health Month this October