Henkel addreses the Elephant in the Room Mental Health stigma
HENKEL has engaged with the Elephant in the Room campaign at its largest Irish site in Tallaght.
Elephant in the Room is a mental health movement founded in Ireland with a global presence, which aims to remove the stigma around talking about our mental health.
The founder of the movement is former professional rugby player, Brent Pope, who is asking every organisation, business and individual in Ireland to improve mental health awareness and address the elephant in the room.
The initiative, with its elephant sculptures and displays, has garnered international acclaim since its launch, with famous names such as Wim Hof (The Iceman), Adam Clayton, the late Charlie Bird and several members of the Irish rugby team getting behind the cause.
Henkel the global leader for adhesives, sealants and functional coatings, which is based in Whitestown, decided to answer Brent’s call and got involved in the campaign by adopting the elephant earlier this year.
Brent and co-founder Dave Southern were invited by the Henkel team to share their story and to introduce the team to their new colleague, Pepsi the Elephant. Pepsi, Henkel Ireland’s adopted elephant, was painted by Eoghan O’Driscoll who is one of several Irish artists working with the movement.
Research from HR advisory firm Peninsula Ireland found that, in 2023, 32% of Irish employers were either not confident or were unsure that their employees would disclose a mental health issue.
The aim of the elephant figures is to act as a reminder to people of the importance of conversations around mental health, particularly in a professional setting. Pepsi acts as a physical metaphor for the topic of mental health, making it easier to start a dialogue about the topic and inspire colleagues to reach out to each other and check in.
Henkel Ireland’s Head of Product Development Packaging and Special Projects, Ruth Kelly spoke about the initiative: “This is a fantastic opportunity for everyone at Henkel Ireland to not only support a mental health movement, but to encourage everyone around them that it is beneficial to discuss our mental health in an open manner.
“When we first heard about Brent’s campaign, we immediately felt it was something we should get involved in. Our people and colleagues are at the heart of everything we do, and it is vitally important to us that they feel supported not only in their working lives, but also beyond that.”
Speaking about the movement and his gratitude to Henkel Ireland for their support, Brent Pope, founder of Elephant in the Room said,
“We are really proud of the journey we have come on as a movement.
“Mental health is one of the most high-profile topics in Ireland at the moment and is an aspect of Irish life that needs constant support.
“The aim of the Elephant in the Room is to spark a conversation because, as is often the case with mental health, the toughest thing to do is talk.
“We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Henkel Ireland for their support of this campaign and hope that it serves as a catalyst for many positive mental health conversations at their site in Tallaght.”
