The Heart of Care: Supporting those who Support Others

How Do We Better Care for the Carers?

Frontline professionals – those in emergency services in health and social care and criminal justice sectors – work daily in some of the most demanding and high-pressure environments, where exposure to stress, trauma, and compassion fatigue is an inevitable part of the role. This reality places them at increased risk of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and even suicidal ideation.

Yet, for many working on the frontline, personal wellbeing remains a last priority, overshadowed by the needs of patients, the public, and colleagues. While their focus is on serving others in times of crisis, the personal impact often goes unseen by others – and indeed unrecognised, ignored, or dismissed by them.

This is where leadership plays a vital role: ensuring that organisational culture and environments actively support and protect those who serve. Across the blue light sector in Ireland, there is a growing commitment to place staff wellbeing at the heart of service delivery in recognition that, when we care for our people, they are better equipped to care for themselves, as well as to care for others.

Organised and hosted by Lena (By Inspire), this timely event brings together leaders, practitioners, researchers, and policy makers from across Ireland to share insights, strategies, and innovations, in promoting wellbeing within emergency and frontline services. Together, we’ll explore practical solutions and cultural shifts that foster resilience, psychological safety, and trauma-informed care.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

Senior leaders, managers, and HR/Workplace Wellbeing professionals, in:

Emergency Services (ie Fire, Police, Ambulance, Defence, Search&Rescue)

Health & Social Care (ie HSC/HSE)

Criminal Justice (ie Prosecution, Prison, and Probation Services)

Please note: Registrants from other sectors will be placed on a reserve list and notified whether they have a place by Thursday 12th February.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE DAY

Keynote presentations – Hear from experts and senior leaders on organisational approaches to resilience and psychological safety

Real-world insights – Learn from personal experiences and practical examples of trauma-informed care

Interactive panels & Q&A – Engage in meaningful discussions on the challenges that matter most

Networking opportunities – Connect with peers across sectors and jurisdictions

Actionable takeaways – Leave with practical strategies to strengthen your organisation’s approach to supporting frontline staff

CONFIRMED SPEAKERS [with more TBC]

Professor Ciaran Shannon – Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Director of the Impact Research Centre in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust

Dr Sinead Mitchell – Specialist Clinical Psychologist, Elevate Psychology Group

Dr Oghenovo (Ovo) Oghuvbu – Chief Medical Officer, An Garda Síochána

James Bull – UK Fire & Rescue Service Commander and mental health advocate

Amanda Stewart – Chief Executive, Probation Board for Northern Ireland

Dr Michael McBride – Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health (NI) – Closing Remarks

SIGN UP TODAY

This is more than a conference – it’s a call to action. By coming together, we are showing our ongoing commitment to creating systems and cultures that protect and empower those who dedicate their lives to helping others.