Veteran broadcaster Charlie Bird has been leading a procession of baby elephant sculptures through Dublin, one of which is dedicated to him.

The sculptures has been brought to the Mansion House as part of The Samaritans' 'Elephant In The Room' campaign.

The movement was created by Brent Pope to raise awareness of mental health issues, especially in the workplace.

Charlie Bird gives a thumbs up next to his Samaritans elephant in Dublin city on 4-11-23. Image: Matthew Joyce/Newstalk

Charlie, who is battling Motor Neurone Disease, has said he is committed to helping others.

"In this life none of us knows what might be around the corner," he said.

"In the past few weeks my life has changed dramatically, my mobility is almost gone, I now need a wheelchair to get out and about.

"Even more dramatically I am now dependent on a tube into my stomach for food purposes.

"These changes still allow me the freedom to continue helping groups [and] organisations who help people in dark places," he added.

Charlie Bird and Dublin's Lord Mayor Daithí de Róiste at the launch of the Elephant In The Room' campaign at the Mansion House in Dublin city on 4-11-23. Image: Matthew Joyce/Newstalk

Dublin Lord Mayor Daithí de Róiste said he was delighted to display the elephant at the Mansion House.

"It is an honour to work with Charlie, Brent, and Samaritans on this wonderful project," he said.

"Healthy Dublin City aligns to Healthy Ireland, the national framework for improved health and wellbeing of our citizens, which was developed with a long-term vision of improving the health and wellbeing of the Irish population at all stages of life.

"This has been an amazing project to work on and seeing the elephant take centre stage shows that our mental health and wellbeing should also take centre stage.

"Charlie's strength and resilience is a lesson for us all," he added.

It will remain on display at the Mansion House for the rest of the week.

The Charlie Bird/Samaritans is among a series of four-foot elephant sculptures painted by leading artists and are on sale here.

Organisations can also order their own bespoke elephant to have in their workplace.

Anyone affected by issues raised in this article can contact The Samaritans on freephone 116-123 or email jo@samaritans.ie

Additional reporting: Matthew Joyce

Main image: Charlie Bird next to his Samaritans elephant in Dublin city on 4-11-23. Image: Matthew Joyce/Newstalk