Fifteen Gardaí complete mental health first aid training to help people in crisis

Fifteen Gardaí have completed a mental health first aid course to foster better understanding of mental health when dealing with members of the public. 

The 15 graduates are now accredited as Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training Facilitators after completing a course developed in collaboration with An Garda Síochána, Mental Health First Aid Ireland and St John of God Hospital.

It's hoped the training will reduce mental health stigma, help participants to recognise when someone may be in difficulty or in crisis, and help Gardaí navigate their own mental health on the job. 

Accredited facilitators are expected to deliver the courses to all Garda personnel across An Garda Síochána over the next several years. 

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is given to someone in a mental health crisis until appropriate professional support is received, or until the crisis resolves, and is an internationally recognised evidence-supported programme used by police services around the world. 

Speaking at the graduation, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said, "Today, our first group of instructors graduate, paving the way for many others across the organisation to be trained and informed in the area of Mental Health First Aid. 

"As this is our first graduation, it is an important milestone in our partnership with Mental Health First Aid Ireland and St John of God’s Hospital. This partnership began last July when we launched this programme. 

"As Gardaí, mental health is something we are likely to experience in terms of our day to day duties in keeping the people of Ireland safe. But it is also important to remember that anyone, even Gardaí, can experience a mental health difficulty at any stage in their lives.

"Having access to Mental Health First Aid in the workplace is a huge asset to you, to our colleagues. And furthermore it augments the service we can provide to members of the public." 

He continued: "Through this partnership, it is hoped that within two years we may see up to 20% of our Gardaí, across all ranks nationwide, completing Mental Health First Aid Ireland certified training courses.

"And, it is our intention that all Garda personnel will complete this training in time."

Also speaking at the graduation, Chief Medical Officer of An Garda Síochána, Dr. Oghenovo Oghuvbu, said, "The An Garda Síochána Mental Health First Aid Programme provides An Garda Síochána with an evidence supported programme that has the potential to change the way we view mental health, talk about mental health and support mental health in the workplace. 

"It also promotes organisational mental health resilience alongside other supports in line with the An Garda Síochána Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2021 – 2025."

The Garda Senior Leadership Team reportedly undertook the two-day mental health first aid course in 2023, with 328 Garda personnel receiving the standard two-day MHFA courses programme since January 2024.