Training as a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) instructor has been one of the most meaningful and rewarding experiences of my career in An Garda Síochána. With 20 years of service, I have seen first-hand how mental health challenges affect both colleagues and the public. Being selected to take part in the instructor programme was an honour, and I viewed it as both a professional opportunity and a personal responsibility.
From the outset, the training was of an exceptional standard—comprehensive, practical, and grounded in empathy. It provided me with the knowledge and confidence to recognise signs of mental health difficulty, approach conversations appropriately, and offer effective support. The emphasis on early intervention, non-judgemental listening, and signposting to appropriate supports makes the course highly relevant to frontline Gardaí and staff.
Since becoming an instructor, I have delivered the course in Kildare under the supervision of the MHFA coordinator Jacqui Mulligan. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Participants have consistently expressed how valuable the training is—many said it was the first time they felt mental health was truly being prioritised within the organisation. Others spoke about how the course gave them the tools to support a struggling colleague or family member with confidence, something they previously felt unprepared to do.
The organisational benefit is clear. The MHFA course is helping to shift culture. Gardaí are beginning to speak more openly about their mental health, seek help sooner, and look out for one another in a more informed way. The ripple effect is significant—each trained member carries that awareness back to their unit, their home, and their wider community.
To ensure I was fully prepared and had access to the most comprehensive resources, I applied to the Divisional Officer for funding to purchase the recommended MHFA books. This application was approved, and the materials have greatly enhanced my ability to deliver the course effectively and with confidence. These resources will continue to support future course deliveries, ensuring consistency and depth.
On a personal level, this role has changed how I lead and engage with colleagues. I’ve become more attentive, more open, and more focused on the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment—particularly for those facing unseen challenges. As a peer supporter, supervisor, and parent, I use MHFA skills every day. They’re not just professional tools— they’re life tools.
I truly believe MHFA will have a lasting impact on the culture of An Garda Síochána. It’s more than just a training programme—it’s a step toward a healthier, more connected, and more supportive organisation. I am proud to be part of this change and fully committed to ensuring the momentum continues.
Detective Sergeant Grainne McPartlin
MHFA Instructor, Kildare
