September 2024

As we step into September 2024, we are excited to share the progress made in our embedded mental health first aid programme. This month has seen a robust return to the programme, with 10 courses conducted and 174 additional participants completing the course. With this achievement, our total has now reached an impressive 1,235 certified mental health first aiders within the Garda community.

In addition to the successful courses, we are thrilled to welcome 16 new facilitators to our programme. These individuals have begun their extensive training and are set to deliver their first courses in October. This expansion of our facilitator team is a significant step in enhancing our programme’s capacity to reach even more personnel, furthering our mission of mental health awareness and support.

The energy and enthusiasm demonstrated by both our facilitators and participants this month have been inspiring. Each course contributes to breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health and promotes open conversations about wellbeing in the workplace.

At the Garda National Wellbeing Office, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the participants and facilitators for their hard work and dedication. Your efforts are essential in creating a mentally healthy workplace, and we are proud to see our community growing stronger.

As we look forward to the months ahead, we are excited about the continued expansion of our mental health first aid programme and the positive impact it will have on our personnel and the wider community.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to promoting mental health awareness and support.