1. Introduction
This Cookie Policy outlines how Mental Health First Aid Ireland (MHFAI), part of the St John of God Group, uses cookies and similar technologies when you visit our websites or use our apps.
We use cookies to improve your experience, enhance the functionality of our digital services, and support our understanding of how users engage with our content. This policy explains what cookies are, how and why we use them, the types of cookies we use, and how you can manage your preferences.
By using our websites or apps, you consent to the use of cookies in accordance with this policy, unless you have disabled them via your settings.
2. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your computer, smartphone, or other device when you access a website or app. They allow us to recognise your device and store information about your preferences or past actions.
Cookies serve a range of functions, such as helping you navigate pages efficiently, remembering your preferences, and providing anonymised usage statistics.
For more information on cookies, including how to manage and delete them, please visit www.aboutcookies.org.
3. How We Use Cookies
MHFAI uses cookies to:
- Enable essential website and app functionality
- Monitor site performance and usage patterns
- Deliver a consistent, tailored user experience
- Understand user interactions and areas for improvement
- Remember your settings and preferences
- Support anonymised analytics and reporting
- Contact you with relevant information (only where marketing consent is recorded)
We do not use cookies to collect personally identifiable information without your explicit consent.
4. Cookie Consent and Management
Upon your first visit to our website, you will be presented with a cookie banner allowing you to accept, reject, or customise your cookie preferences.
You can change your preferences at any time via the cookie settings link in the website footer or by adjusting your browser settings.
Please note that disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality.
5. Types of Cookies We Use
| Cookie Name | Type | Purpose | Duration | Provider |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHPSESSID | Essential (Session) | Maintains session data while you navigate the website | Session only | MHFAI |
| _ga | Analytics | Used by Google Analytics to distinguish users | 2 years | |
| _gid | Analytics | Tracks user behaviour for analytics purposes | 24 hours | |
| _gat | Analytics | Limits the rate of requests to Google Analytics | 1 minute | |
| cookie_notice_accepted | Functional (Persistent) | Stores user’s cookie preference | 1 year | MHFAI |
Please note: this table may be updated as our services evolve.
6. Third-Party Cookies
We may use third-party services (e.g., Google Analytics) to help us analyse how users interact with our websites and apps. These services may place cookies on your device to collect information about your browsing behaviour.
Data collected through these tools is anonymised and processed in accordance with GDPR. Some providers may store data outside the European Economic Area (EEA); in such cases, appropriate safeguards are in place.
You can find more about how these providers handle data in their respective privacy policies:
- Google Analytics Privacy Policy
7. Data Protection and Retention
The data collected through cookies is retained only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined above. Where data is anonymised, it may be retained for aggregate reporting.
MHFAI does not use cookies to profile individuals or make automated decisions without user consent.
8. Updates to This Policy
We review our Cookie Policy regularly to ensure it reflects legal and technological developments. Any updates will be posted on this page and take immediate effect.
Last reviewed: 22/4/2025
9. Contact Us
If you have any questions about our use of cookies or how your data is handled, please contact:
Mental Health First Aid Ireland
St John of God University Hospital, Stillorgan, Co. Dublin
For Data Protection related queries, our Data Protection Officer can be contacted by:
Email: DPOHosp@sjog.iePost: Data Protection Officer, St John of God Hospital, Stillorgan, Co. Dublin, A94 FH92
