Research shows that 42 per cent of Irish adults meet the criteria for a mental health disorder and 11 per cent have attempted suicide at some point in their lives.
In another survey, over a quarter of adolescents described their mental health as bad or very bad.
Despite growing awareness, many people still feel unsure how to help, whether it’s a colleague, a student, a family member or a friend. Most people want to help, but who educates the listeners?
Mental Health First Aid Ireland delivers internationally recognised training that empowers people to respond with confidence and compassion in real-world situations. Whether in the workplace, the classroom or the community. The programme equips people with practical tools to support others facing mental health challenges or crises.
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“You don’t need to be a professional to start this conversation. A helper’s actions can make a difference along with the right knowledge, confidence and willingness to act,” explains Donal Scanlan, head of Mental Health First Aid Ireland.
What is mental health first aid?
Mental Health First Aid is a structured training programme that teaches people how to identify the signs of mental health difficulties, such as anxiety, depression, psychosis or substance use and how to provide initial help and guide someone toward appropriate support.
The training does not teach people to diagnose or treat mental illness. Instead, it gives them the tools to support someone in distress, de-escalate crisis situations and reduce stigma by building understanding.
Mental Health First Aid Ireland is the only licensed provider of this internationally accredited programme in the Republic of Ireland.
Who is it for?
Mental Health First Aid Ireland offers a range of courses for different audiences:
- Adult Mental Health First Aid: Designed for individuals who want to support other adults in any setting – work, community or home.
- Youth Mental Health First Aid: Tailored for adults who live or work with young people aged 12–18, including teachers, coaches, parents and youth workers.
- Workplace MHFA: A specialised stream for organisations seeking to foster a mentally healthy workforce and support employee wellbeing.
- Awareness and Refresher Sessions: Shorter or follow-up formats for those looking to stay informed or renew previous training.
With nearly 30,000 people across Ireland have completed the training, including staff in schools, public sector organisations, community groups and major companies, including VHI, ESB, AGS and the IRFU.
Why it works
What sets Mental Health First Aid apart is the official, licenced and international evidence-based design. Each course is grounded in research and updated regularly to reflect best practice in mental health support and suicide prevention.
Research shows that people who complete MHFA training:
- Improve their knowledge of mental health issues.
- Feel more confident offering support.
- Are more likely to intervene and guide someone to appropriate help.
Building a more supportive Ireland
Whether you’re a manager trying to support your team, a parent worried about your teenager, or a colleague who wants to do more than just ask “Are you okay?”, Mental Health First Aid Ireland training helps close the gap between concern and action.
The ripple effect of even one trained individual can be profound.
“Just like physical first aid or CPR, mental health first aid is a life skill,” says Scanlan. “Why wait for a crisis to learn to help? Mental Health First Aid empowers us all to support each other earlier, offer support and build a culture of care and genuine connection. Every conversation has the potential to make a difference.”
You can learn more about Mental Health First Aid Ireland, explore available course dates and read real-life impact stories at mhfaireland.ie
