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Looking After Your Mental Health and Wellbeing this Christmas and New Year

The Christmas and New Year period can be a time of connection, celebration and reflection. However, it can also bring added pressures, loneliness, or emotional challenges — particularly for those working shifts, away from family, or experiencing personal difficulties. Whatever this time of year looks like for you, it’s important to remember that support is available and you don’t have to manage alone.

An Garda Síochána provides a range of free, confidential mental health and wellbeing supports to assist you throughout the festive period and beyond:

  • Employee Support Programme (ESP) – In partnership with Lena, this 24/7, 365 confidential helpline and counselling service provides immediate support and a proactive space to 'check in'. All personnel can access up to eight counselling sessions, including trauma-specific support. Call 1800 817 433 to speak with someone today.
  • Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Programme – Over 4,000 Garda personnel have attended MHFA workshops since 2024. Delivered by fully accredited Garda MHFA Facilitators, these workshops equip participants with practical tools to appreciate their own mental health and recognise and support mental health challenges. Workshops continue across all Divisions into 2026 — we encourage you to take part.
  • KOPS (Keeping Our People Safe) App – Available on all official mobility devices (and for download on personal devices), KOPS offers quick access to wellbeing advice, health and wellbeing tips, and signposting to key support services.
  • Psychological Support Programme (PSP) – Designed for Garda personnel working in areas or roles risk assessed as involving regular exposure to severe psychologically hazardous material by default; PSP provides mandatory confidential psychological supervision, and, if needed, access to trauma-focused counselling.
  • Employee Assistance Service (EAS) – A team of 17 full-time EAS Officers are available to offer non-clinical welfare and wellbeing support.
  • Peer Support Network – Over 1,100 trained Peer Supporters are available across the organisation to offer a listening ear and connect colleagues with the right supports.

These supports are free, confidential, and available to all Garda personnel based on individual needs — whether you need a listening ear, professional guidance, or just a moment to reflect on your own health and wellbeing after a busy year.

This festive season, please take time to check in — with yourself, a colleague, or one of the supports available.