RTÉ star Joe Duffy has today launched Housing for Association for Integrated Living (HAIL)’s Neighbour’s Day Festival for 2024, encouraging people to talk about their mental health.

HAIL provides social housing and supports services primarily for people living with significant and enduring mental health difficulties, who would often be at risk of homelessness or hospitalisation without support.

Every year, the housing association organises a series of social events for its tenants on European Neighbour’s Day, which takes place tomorrow Friday, 24^th May. This year, HAIL is calling on people to use Neighbour’s Day as an opportunity to promote the importance of mental health in their community.

Speaking at this morning’s launch event, Joe Duffy, said: “I am delighted to launch HAIL’s Neighbour’s Day Festival for 2024. HAIL does fantastic work supporting people living with mental health difficulties, to live independently in their homes and community.

“On Neighbour’s Day this year, HAIL is encouraging people to have a cup of tea with their neighbours, to reconnect and talk about the importance of looking after your mental health and getting help when needed. This is an excellent initiative which will help raise awareness about mental health and the supports that are available to help people.”

Also commenting, HAIL CEO Martina Smith, said: “Neighbour’s Day is a great day every year, as it promotes a strong sense of community and belonging. We hope Neighbour’s Day this year generates conversations in communities across Ireland about mental health and why people should not hesitate when it comes to getting support.”

HAIL provides mental health tenancy sustainment support services for it owns tenants and to people living in private rented accommodation, local authority housing and social housing who have been referred to them for support. These services help people maintain their tenancies and promote independent living skills.

For more information about HAIL visit: www.hail.ie