News and Events
World Suicide Prevention Day, 10 September 2026 Changing the Narrative on Suicide The aim of the theme is to raise awareness about the importance of changing the narrative surrounding suicide. Changing the narrative is about shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding and support. Developed by Mental Health First Aid Ireland, in partnership with St John of God University Hospital and to support the ongoing An Garda Siochana Mental Health First Aid Programme please see below some helpful information on practical ways to start the conversation, listen and help someone connect with the appropriate supports. You do not need to have all the answers to start the conversation.
An Garda Síochána is pleased to announce that the Menopause in the Workplace Awareness Programme officially launched on 1st of September 2026. Developed by the Garda National Health & Wellbeing Office in partnership with Catherine O'Keeffe, The Wellness Warrior, and building on our own Menopause Guidance Document published in February 2023, the programme offers bite-sized online workshops via the AGS Portal, alongside in-person Menopause Cafés taking place in each region. The programme sits within the Your Health in the Workplace pillar of our Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2026-2030, reflecting our continued commitment to supporting personnel through every phase of change. In-person Menopause Cafés A Menopause Café will be held in each region from September 2026, giving personnel the opportunity to connect, share experiences, and hear directly from Catherine O'Keeffe in an informal, supportive setting. The GNHWO is liaising with local groups to align these with events already planned in each area; dates, times and locations will be confirmed in each Region. The first one will take place this Tuesday, 15th September in Dublin Headquarters
September is Irish Heart Month, and in recent years the Irish Heart Foundation, with the support of the Department of Health and the HSE, has used the month to run its Her Heart Matters campaign, highlighting a fact that surprises many people: heart disease and stroke are among the biggest killers of women in Ireland. According to the Irish Heart Foundation, one in four women in Ireland dies from cardiovascular disease, and women are several times more likely to die from heart disease and stroke than from breast cancer. Yet awareness remains low, and research shows that heart disease in women is under-recognised, under-diagnosed and under-treated.
September is Irish Heart Month, the Irish Heart Foundation's national campaign to raise awareness of heart disease and stroke, building up to World Heart Day on 29 September. Cardiovascular disease remains one of Ireland's leading causes of death — but around 80% of premature heart disease and stroke is preventable through the choices we make every day.
August’s FREE Webinar: Moving from ‘Beating yourself up’ to ‘Making up with yourself’ is on Tuesday 25 August 2026 from 2.00pm to 3.00pm and is available to all Garda personnel. To access this free webinar, log into www.lenasupporthub.com, An Garda Siochana, Pin: ANGARDA
There is a free webinar brought to you by Lena by Inspire, your Workplace Wellbeing Hub. The topic for August is: Moving from ‘Beating yourself up’ to ‘Making up with yourself’ is on Tuesday 25 August 2026 from 2.00pm to 3.00pm and is available to all Garda personnel. To access this free webinar, log into www.lenasupporthub.com, An Garda Siochana, Pin: ANGARDA
Financial stress and personal wellbeing are closely linked. Looking after your financial health is part of looking after your overall health, just like sleep, exercise, and mental wellbeing. Financial wellbeing is not about being wealthy. It is about having a sense of security and control over your day-to-day money, being able to absorb a financial shock, and feeling free to make choices that let you enjoy life now while preparing for the future.
ParkHIIT is a free, volunteer-led fitness initiative in Ireland delivering outdoor, bodyweight resistance workouts in local parks. Designed to remove barriers like cost and intimidation, ParkHIIT focuses on building physical strength, supporting mental well-being, and creating a welcoming sense of community. Sessions use short, high-intensity intervals with a warm-up and cool-down and are suitable for all fitness levels — participants work at their own pace. More than just a workout, ParkHIIT brings people together to move, connect, and feel part of something positive.
Self-care is the active practice of prioritising and looking after your health. Your Workplace Wellbeing Hub, www.lenasupporthub.com, is providing a free workshop where they will factor in the 5 Steps to Wellbeing to consider achievable ways to make decisions about improving and maintaining our own health and wellbeing. To access this free webinar, log into www.lenasupporthub.com, An Garda Siochana, Pin: ANGARDA
Every day, Garda members and Garda staff across the country support communities, respond to emergencies and help people through difficult situations. Looking after others starts with looking after ourselves. Self-care isn’t separate from professional effectiveness – it helps us to stay healthy, resilient and ready to support the public and each other.
As we experience heatwave conditions, please mind yourselves when working in hot weather over the coming days. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, adults need about 2 litres of water over 24 hours. Ensure to drink more fluids when you feel any dehydration symptoms. Regularly apply water resistant sunscreen to skin that is not covered, using at least factor 30+. Ensure to take adequate breaks if working in prolonged sun exposure.
International Men’s Health Week takes place from 15th-21st June and this year’s theme is ‘One Step at a Time’ – focusing on making small, realistic changes to improve your physical and mental wellbeing.
One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Save Lives Blood Donation reflects the same values that underpin public service – helping others, protecting life, and supporting communities in time of need. Members of An Garda Síochána regularly witness the importance of emergency medical care following road traffic collisions, serious incidents, and medical emergencies where access to blood can be critical. By donating blood, we can all play a part in strengthening this vital lifeline and supporting the work of healthcare professionals across Ireland.
New Resource: Movements That Matter - quick, evidence-based movements to help reduce MSK injury risk. The Movements That Matter toolkit gives you simple, practical movements to look after yourself — exercises you can do in uniform, in a stationary car, at your desk, or outside.
It is World Digestive Health Day on May 29th. This is an annual global awareness campaign by the World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO). They aim to raise public awareness regarding the prevention, prevalence, and treatment of specific gastrointestinal disorders and diseases, and to encourage good gut health. The theme for World Digestive Health Day 2026 is "Chronic Diarrhea: Don't Flush the Signs Away."
International Men's Health Week (MHW) runs from Monday 15th until Sunday 21st June. During 2026, everyone in Ireland will be asked to try to improve the health of men and boys one step at a time and to make progress rather than seek perfection. What does this mean for you and what small steps can you take? Please read below.
Organ Donation Awareness Week The Irish Kidney Association is launching organ donor awareness week, which runs from 16 to 23 May in conjunction with the HSE's Organ Donation Transplant Ireland (ODTI). Under legislation since June 2025, people are presumed to have consented to organ donation unless they have registered their opt-out decision. The association said that family agreement remains essential and that organ donation will not proceed without it, so sharing wishes is important.
National Volunteering Week is a weeklong celebration of volunteering. Along with the network of Volunteer Centres, Volunteer Ireland uses National Volunteering Week to amplify the incredible stories of volunteering in our communities through social and traditional media. It’s a week full of events, both online and in person, with everything from yoga to coffee mornings to seminars on offer. #NVWIreland National Volunteering Week 2026 centres on the theme “From Every Corner, For Every Cause” which celebrates all the different types of volunteers and volunteering that make up our communities.
Aware Free Upcoming Monthly Webinar Join Aware for their free May webinar (Wed 13th at 12pm) where they will explore how ADHD and depression can often overlap and influence one another. They will look at how symptoms can present, where challenges may arise, and practical ways to support wellbeing.
Mental Health Ireland - eLearning Module: Hello, how are you?
World Ovarian Cancer Day (May 8) in Ireland shines a light on a disease that affects over 400 women annually. Irish campaigners and the INGO (Irish Network for Gynaecological Oncology) promote the BEAT symptoms—Bloating, Eating less/feeling full, Abdominal pain, Toilet changes—to encourage early detection, as Ireland has high incidence and mortality rates.
Aware volunteers are providing support in a four part walk series led by experienced Dublin Mountain Partnership volunteer rangers. The walks take place on the last Saturday of the month during May, June and July and are designed to support individuals living with depression and anxiety by providing an opportunity to connect with others and experience the therapeutic benefits of nature.
In a demanding role like An Garda Síochána, healthy eating can often take a back seat. Long shifts and busy schedules can lead to quick food choices that don’t always support your energy or wellbeing. However, small changes can make a big difference. Healthy eating is about balance. Regular meals that include carbohydrates, protein, and plenty of fruit and vegetables help maintain energy, support concentration, and overall health. Planning ahead — such as preparing meals or bringing food to work — can help you stay fueled throughout the day.
The Get Active Programme is a new physical activity programme available through the HSE Health App. This free 10-week programme includes: • A graded walking plan • Strength-based exercise sessions What you’ll get: When you sign up, you’ll also receive a free Get Active pack, including: • Step-counter • Resistance bands • Programme manual
World Sleep Day and Nutrition & Hydration Week 2026
Free ParenTalk Lunch & Learn Webinar
Lena Ezine - February 2026
National Grief Awareness Week (January 26th – February 1st 2026)
Celebrating Two Years of the Mental Health First Aid Programme in An Garda Síochána
Looking After Your Mental Health and Wellbeing this Christmas and New Year
HUGG Walks: New Year's Day Walk, Dodder Canal, Charlemont Luas stop to Milltown, Dublin. Thursday, 1st January, 2026, 10.30am
Lena E-zine (Bumper Edition Dec 25 & Jan 26)
Lena's November Employee E-zine
Aware's Life Skills Programme
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day Wednesday 15th October
Prioritising our mental health and wellbeing
HSE Health and Wellbeing - Every Move Counts
Dublin North Event: Living with Loss - A Bereavement Information Event (Tuesday, the 23rd of September from 7pm – 9pm)
REGISTER NOW: MyHealth RCSI autumn programme is now live!
As part of our commitment to promoting health and wellbeing across An Garda Síochána, the Garda Information Services Centre (GISC) Wellbeing Team recently hosted their third annual wellbeing event – Wellbeing Month, packed with a series of informative and uplifting events.
Lena By Inspire July & August 2025 E-zine
Lena E-zine June 2025
Aware May Webinar - Why do we get depressed?
Lena By Inspire May 2025 Ezine
May: Skin Cancer Awareness Month
Lena By Inspire April 2025 Ezine
March 14th - World Sleep Day 2025: Make Sleep a Priority
GISC Coffee Morning in aid of Samaritans
March Edition of Lena’s Employee Ezine
Celebrating St. Valentine’s Day: A Workplace Wellbeing Perspective for An Garda Síochána
Occupational Health and Wellbeing at the Living Well Expo: Marking World Cancer Day
National Grief Awareness Week January 27 – February 2 2025
Join Us for Brew Monday at Garda Headquarters
Save the date: An Garda Síochána Living Well Expo
Embracing Dry January: A Path to Wellbeing
Brew Monday: A Cuppa for a Cause!
