Kerry bus passengers are being reminded to mind their mental health through a new photo exhibition which will feature stories of hope and recovery.

Grow Mental Health will feature the stories at Tralee Bus Station for two weeks starting from today (Monday). The display started in October last year in Busáras, Dublin and moved to Waterford, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Letterkenny, Sligo, Drogheda and Dundalk Bus Station.

This partnership initiative is to promote positive mental health and raise vital funds for Grow Mental Health, the non-profit group. Expressway is also supporting the Yellow Walk on Sunday April 17 by asking the public to wear yellow and get out walking for just 30 minutes, to raise vital funds for mental health supports. You can walk wherever it is you wish and if you are not available on Easter Sunday, you can walk on any day that is suitable for you.

As one of Ireland’s longest standing mental health charities, empowering and supporting over 1,000 people weekly, Grow Mental Health, which was set up in 1969, has recorded a 400% year on year increase in demand for services since the pandemic began. Delivering a national network of peer support groups to local communities through a tailored 12-step programme of recovery and growth, the group is delighted with the launch of this exhibition, documenting its members’ stories.

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 of recovery and hope and to donate to Grow Mental Health – these donations will help people who are struggling with their mental health.

“This campaign highlights the real stories of our Grow members who have struggled and overcome mental health challenges," Michele Kerrigan, Chief Executive, Grow Mental Health, said.

"Our aim is to inspire others who are struggling to reach out and access our free, non-judgemental peer-support groups either in their local community or online. Now, more than ever, we need to finally do away with the stigma around talking about and getting support for our own mental health challenges. The support of Expressway is invaluable in amplifying our message of hope and recovery."

Aled Williams, Bus Éireann, Senior Regional Operations Manager, South, they "are extremely proud" to partner up with Grow Mental Health.

"We would encourage all of our customers in Kerry to take a minute and read these stories of recovery and hope in our bus station over the coming weeks. We hope this partnership initiative promotes positive mental health and raises vital funds for Grow Mental Health."

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

The Grow Mental Health Infoline is 0818 474 474.