Issue Date: 16th November 2021
We are pleased to announce the launch of An Garda Síochána’s new Wellbeing App, called KOPS. KOPS stands for Keeping Our People Supported. The app has been created specifically for employees of An Garda Síochána. We want to ensure that all personnel have 24/7 access to information on wellbeing supports and services – particularly if they are in distress.
Until now, employees in An Garda Síochána would need to be at their desk or hold an official mobile phone or laptop in order to access details on wellbeing supports inside and outside the organisation. This needed to be addressed, and was one of the actions outlined in the Health and Wellbeing Strategy, launched in May of this year. The app has been designed to allow it to be installed on any phone – iphone or android – personal or official Garda mobility device.
The app was developed in-house by a team with personnel from a number of areas across the organisation including the Office of the Chief Medical Officer, the Strategic Transformation Office, the IT unit and the Garda Press Office.
The purpose of the App is two-fold: firstly to allow our personnel to reach out for support whenever they need it, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Particularly if they are in distress and need immediate help.
Secondly, we wanted to make it as easy as possible for our staff to access information on wellbeing from all corners of the organisation. Wellbeing supports span a number of different areas across An Garda Síochána and this was an opportunity set out all of that detail in a user friendly, accessible manner.
Wellbeing also spans a broad range of issues – some of which are sensitive - like depression or addiction, and people may be reluctant to start a conversation about them. The app means there is now an opportunity to view information in private, at a time that suits. With contact details available for a wide range of internal and external supports, we hope people will be encouraged to reach out for further advice or support.
While some of the services and supports listed in the app are only available to employees of An Garda Síochána, there is also a lot of useful information and signposts which may be of interest to a wider audience.
We have therefore decided to share the app via the Garda website so that the wider Garda Family – including retirees, family, friends and our colleagues who may be on sick leave can access key information on issues that may be affecting them or someone close to them.
The App is "open access” which means you do not need to log in or register to use it. Using this link https://kops.garda.ie, you can install the app on any phone.
