An Garda Síochána announced an initial 2-year partnership with Mental Health First Aid Ireland. The project will see Garda personnel throughout the country completing Mental Health First Aid Ireland certified training courses over the next 2 years.
The aim is to provide Gardaí with a better understanding of mental health, to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, and to help participants to recognise when someone may be in difficulty or in crisis with their mental health. This will have applications and benefits in supporting their own wellbeing, their peers and also when dealing with members of the public.
Speaking about the initiative, Commissioner Harris said; “Every day, Gardaí are responding to complex and often difficult incidents that can present unique challenges to their mental health and wellbeing. I recognise this and want to do all we can to help Garda personnel feel supported to share their feelings or stress in the workplace. The MHFA partnership will help us further achieve this and help show more and more Gardaí that it is a sign of strength to be able to open up.’’
In 2022, the Garda National Wellbeing Office (GNWO) delivered five pilot MHFA training course involving staff across sections and ranks/grades in the organisation. Following a very positive review of the pilot programme, a decision was made to roll out this programme to the whole organisation.
Funding has now been approved to deliver the programme for An Garda Síochána and this will enable MHFA Ireland Instructors to deliver a facilitated train-the-trainer programme to provide accredited MHFA Instructors for An Garda Síochána and fund the rollout of training to all Garda personnel.
