Stories of Hope and Recovery go on tour at Bus Éireann Stations Nationwide

Marking World Mental Health Day on 10 October

Expressway, Ireland’s premium inter-regional coach service, has partnered again with Grow Mental Health to celebrate World Mental Health Month and raise awareness of mental health issues. From today, customers will see a photo exhibition with stories of recovery and hope in Bus Éireann bus stations nationwide. The exhibition will start in Busáras and move to other regional locations over the coming weeks. This partnership initiative is to promote positive mental health and raise vital funds for Grow Mental Health, the non-profit group.

As one of Ireland’s longest standing mental health charities, empowering and supporting more than 1,000 people weekly, Grow Mental Health has recorded a 400% year on year increase in demand for services since the pandemic began. Established in 1969, Grow delivers unique peer-to-peer support to local communities through a tailored 12-Step Recovery and Growth program. Grow is delighted to be celebrating World Mental Health Day with the launch of this exhibition, documenting members’ stories, of hope and recovery.

Proudly supported by Expressway, the initiative will be promoted right across the bus stations and through Expressway social media channels over the coming weeks, with the public asked to read the stories over recovery and hope around mental health and to donate to Grow Mental Health – these donations will help people who are struggling at this difficult time.

Michele Kerrigan, CEO of Grow Mental Health said “During the pandemic Grow ‘s nationwide network of weekly peer support meetings had to move to online but now with the easing of restrictions we are getting to reconnect both in person and online. We see in our support groups every day how the sharing of a story of recovery can inspire hope and have a transformative effect on someone struggling with mental health challenges.  What we hear over and over again is that people wish they had sought support earlier and we hope this exhibition may inspire some people who are struggling to think, if it can work for them, maybe it can also work for me too.”  Ms Kerrigan went on to say “No one should feel alone in their struggle as mental health difficulties unfortunately are a part of life for so many of us. Our brave members hope that by sharing their stories, others will be reminded that they are not alone. That reaching a place of positive mental health is possible for everyone. Sometimes talking to someone who understands can be the first step to feeling better.”

Eleanor Farrell, Chief Commercial Officer, Bus Éireann Expressway said “We are extremely proud to partner up with Grow Mental Health and display their members stories of recovery and hope in our bus stations nationwide. The last 18 months have been particularly difficult for many of us, and it’s never been more important to check in on ourselves and with others. Initiatives that actively promote positive mental health and wellbeing support systems are more important than ever. We would encourage our customers to take a minute and read these stories of recovery and hope in our bus stations over the coming weeks. The photo exhibition will be on display in Busáras from today for two weeks and then it will move to Cork and other bus stations over the coming weeks. We are hoping to create wide-spread awareness of the campaign messaging across our bus stations and social media channels and raise much needed funds for our partners in Grow Mental Health.”

Expressway supported Grow’s 12 Calls of Christmas Challenge last year, and Grow has run mental health awareness training sessions for Bus Éireann managers nationwide.

Expressway is Ireland’s premium intercity service, operating 14 routes nationwide.  Expressway continued to operate connecting services in-line with government guidelines during the pandemic, servicing the essential travel needs of local communities right across Ireland.

For further information about the partnership or the services provided by Grow Mental Health visit grow.ie.

Grow Mental Health Infoline is 1890 474 474

Friday, 8th October, 2021