Suicide survivor launches poster competition

Mental health poster competition is in its second year

Barbara Brennan describes herself as a suicide survivor and “accidental activist” who wants to “lift the lid” on metal health conversations in the workplace, our communities and our country.

Barbara, who is originally from Wicklow, just moved to County Cavan during the recent spell of good weather “for the view” and unsurprisingly, has found that she “loves it so far”.

After Barbara survived a suicide attempt that left her on life support, she has spent the last 15 years working in mental health.

In 2023, she gave up her other career to start her own business Mental Health Matters, which, specialises in providing support and guidance on workplace mental health.

She has been the keynote speaker at events for Boots UK, The NHS and Price Waterhouse Coopers among others, and has helped write and shape employment law and procedural policies.

In 2024, Barbara was awarded the Honorary ‘Outstanding Contribution to Wellbeing' award by Ibec.

Also, last year, she and her company launched the National Mental Health Poster Campaign which invites people from every walk of life to design a compelling poster that champions mental health awareness for World Mental Health Day in October.

And the poster competition is back for its second run.

“Mental health touches every aspect of our lives, yet conversations around it can still feel daunting,” Barbara told the Celt from her home near Mountnugent, “This campaign aims to normalise these discussions by integrating mental health into our daily narratives."

This year, entrants can submit their artwork in five different categories including school-going age, university age, workplace, people with disabilities and the community category.

An Post, HSE, and the Samaritans are continuing their collaboration with Barbara after the success of last year’s competition and this year, the highlight sponsor is Nua Halthcare Services.

“Your creative contribution can spark conversations, encourage open dialogue about mental well-being in communities, schools, workplaces, and beyond,” Barbara explains, “A poster has the power to break stigmas, challenge misconceptions and promote understanding through powerful visual messages. And the best part is the winning posters will have nationwide reach.”

There are only three guidelines that anyone considering making a submission should bear in mind, Barbara explains: “We would like entries to have a clear message; we want people to know it is for mental health.

“We know that everyone has been on their own journey, but we would ask that posters are not overly dark. The dark side of mental health can be incorporated in your design but with a positive message and you can have as many entries as you like.

“So, what I would say is, if you’re considering entering do it now and if you want to make a new entry later on, you can.”

The closing date for entries in June 27, with winning posters being unveiled at a national launch event in September.

An Post will develop postcards of each poster design that will be available nationally for free and the posters will be featured as free resources across Ireland for World Mental Health Day 2025.

Winners will receive national recognition and have their work showcased by leading mental health organisations and prizes for each winner will be announced at the national launch.

For further information on Barbara’s work and the poster campaign visit www.mentalhealthmatters.ie