Mental Health First Aid Ireland

March 8th marks International Women’s Day This year’s theme, Accelerate Action, is a call to drive meaningful progress toward gender equality. At the current pace, full gender parity won’t be reached until 2158—a stark reminder that change must be faster and more intentional. Today, we acknowledge the strides made, the challenges that remain, and the role we all play in creating a more inclusive and equitable future. #IWD2025 #AccelerateAction #MHFAIreland

Eating disorders can affect anyone, and the path to support often begins with a conversation. Eating Disorders Awareness Week (24th February – 2nd March 2025) reminds us that all stories matter—whether from those who have lived with an eating disorder or the people who support them. At Mental Health First Aid Ireland, we recognise the critical role that informed, compassionate support can play. Youth Mental Health First Aid includes a dedicated section on eating disorders, empowering adults who work with young people to provide the right guidance and help connect them to professional support. This week, we’re highlighting Sean Blake, a Youth Mental Health First Aider, who shares how his experience with an eating disorder shaped his perspective—and how the training has given him the tools to support others facing similar challenges. #EDAW2025 #AllStoriesMatter #MentalHealthFirstAid #EatingDisordersAwareness Bodywhys - The Eating Disorders Association of Ireland

"It may seem like a simple thing to do, but I am now realising it could be this simple thing that could save a person’s life." Recently, we had the privilege of delivering Youth Mental Health First Aid training to secondary school staff from Shannon and Ennis, Co. Clare. Hosted by St. Caimin’s Community School, Shannon, the training brought together educators and support staff from six schools to gain practical, skills-based knowledge on how to support young people’s mental health. This is just some of the incredible feedback that our instructors, Deirdre Reddan and Lisa Fox, received. By equipping school staff with the confidence to recognise and respond to mental health difficulties, we are fostering safer, more supportive school environments—ensuring young people have access to understanding and informed support when they need it most. A huge thank you to all the participants for their engagement and dedication to supporting youth mental health. #YouthMHFA #EvidenceBasedTraining #MentalHealthMatters #YouthMentalHealth #MentalHealthFirstAid #MentalHealthFirstAidIreland

Well done to the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (ONE) for the successful delivery of their Mental Health First Aid training over the weekend. We are always delighted to see organisations equipping their personnel with practical, evidence-based skills through Mental Health First Aid Ireland training. #MentalHealthFirstAid #MentalHealthFirstAidIreland

Earlier this week, we had the privilege of delivering Youth Mental Health First Aid training to secondary school staff from Shannon and Ennis, Co. Clare. Hosted by St. Caimin’s Community School, Shannon, this training brought together educators and support staff from six schools to learn practical skills to support young people’s mental health. A heartfelt thank you to Clare Local Development Company and the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme for making this course possible through their generous funding. We are incredibly grateful to Maria Sheehan, Tara O’Loughlin, and the team at St. Caimin’s for their warm welcome and leadership in championing youth mental health. Special thanks to SNA Yvonne Hehir for the delicious catering and to Uma, St. Caimin’s gentle canine companion, who made a very special guest appearance! A huge shout out to the team at Park Inn by Radisson, Shannon Airport, for accommodating us at short notice on Day 1. Delivered by Deirdre Reddan (Associate YMHFA Instructor) and Lisa Fox (National Trainer YMHFA), this training was attended by representatives from: Clare Local Development Company Coláiste Muire, Ennis St. Caimin’s Community School, Shannon St. Flannan’s College, Ennis St. Patrick's Comprehensive School, Shannon St. Joseph's Secondary School, Tulla Rice College, Ennis Thank you to everyone involved in making this happen. If you would like to learn more about Youth Mental Health First Aid, email [email protected] #YouthMentalHealthFirstAid #MHFAIreland #CommunitySupport #MentalHealth #MentalHealthFirstAidIreland

We're delighted to see companies like KPMG Ireland taking a proactive approach to mental health by investing in its people through both education and training. Encouraging open conversations and equipping people with the skills to support others can make a real difference in workplaces and communities. Elephant In The Room Movement #MentalHealth #MentalHealthFirstAid #MentalHealthFirstAidIreland

We're Hiring: Mental Health First Aid Ireland is seeking a Programme Coordinator & Trainer to support the delivery and development of Mental Health First Aid training. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to an established, evidence-based programme that equips individuals and organisations with the skills to recognise and respond to mental health difficulties. About the Role -Deliver Mental Health First Aid training to a range of audiences. -Coordinate programme logistics to ensure effective training delivery. -Support Mental Health First Aid Ireland's growth and engagement with key stakeholders. -Maintain the high standards of Mental Health First Aid Ireland training, ensuring alignment with international best practices. This role is suited to a skilled facilitator with experience in mental health training or education. #MentalHealthFirstAidIreland #MentalHealth #Hiring #Job #MentalHealthFirstAid

At Mental Health First Aid Ireland, we’re proud to partner with educational institutions like Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) to empower future healthcare professionals with the skills to recognise, understand, and respond to mental health challenges. This collaboration demonstrates the vital role of mental health training in fostering supportive, stigma-free environments—both in professional practice and daily life. Special thanks to PhD student Zoe McCormack, whose research into the role of Mental Health First Aid training in healthcare education is funded by Mental Health First Aid. As Zoe shares: "Mental Health First Aid training is more than a programme; it’s a vital step in ensuring that mental health awareness and compassionate care are at the core of future healthcare practices." Her work is paving the way for a generation of professionals who are better equipped to support mental health challenges in their communities and workplaces. #MentalHealthFirstAid #MentalHealthFirstAidIreland #FutureofCare #MentalHealth

International Day of Education – January 24th Today, we take a moment to reflect on the transformative power of education and its vital role in shaping lives and minds. Education goes beyond academics—it creates spaces where people can grow, thrive, and feel empowered. At Mental Health First Aid Ireland, we are proud that a number of participants in both our Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid courses are educators, school staff, or work in an educational role. These individuals are equipping themselves with the skills and tools needed to support the people they teach and interact with every day, fostering safer and more inclusive environments. On this International Day of Education, we recognise the power of learning and celebrate those who dedicate themselves to delivering it. #InternationalDayOfEducation #YouthMentalHealth #Education #MentalHealthFirstAidIreland #EmpoweringCommunities

🎉 Proud to have completed my recertification as a Mental Health First Aider with Mental Health First Aid Ireland and Three Ireland. 🎉 This training is so much more than a certificate, it’s a vital toolkit for recognising when someone might be struggling and knowing how to offer support effectively. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and being equipped to help others in moments of need. It also highlights something we often overlook: the importance of looking after our own mental health. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and taking time to care for yourself is just as important as supporting others. The course reinforced the importance of listening, showing empathy, and being there without judgment. It reminded me how small conversations can make a huge difference. Whether it’s a colleague, friend, or stranger, reaching out can be life-changing. If you ever need someone to talk to or if life feels overwhelming, please know that I’m always here to help in any way I can. Whether it’s a chat, a cup of tea, or just someone to listen, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s continue to look out for one another, raise awareness, and break the stigma surrounding mental health together. #MentalHealthFirstAid #EndTheStigma #HereToHelp #MentalHealthMatters