My paper will outline a professional development module that aims to enable primary care staff to develop a critical awareness of the nature of mental health issues and needs in primary care contexts. This module has run since 2009 and a variety of professionals from primary care have completed it. To provide opportunities for students to develop their knowledge and skills for working with people who have mental health issues their, families and communities in primary care settings. My presentation will provide the background to the module development and overview of the module. This educational provision supports the current Irish mental health agenda to re-orientate health care to local settings. A Vision for Change (DOH & C 2006) provides a comprehensive blueprint for the development of responsive and dynamic mental health services for all in Ireland. This policy document emphasis the role primary care can have in addressing the mental health care needs of the local population. It is estimated that GP’s may seen about 60% of those who are experiencing mental health difficulties (Wright & Russell, 2007) and there is increasing support for providing mental health care in primary care settings. This module addresses the need for mental health education for primary health care staff in Ireland. This module adopts a student centred approach throughout. Its content includes overview of mental illness, mental health promotion, introduction to psychological therapeutic approaches. In addition the impact of mental illness on individuals and families is addressed. A variety of lecturers/speakers from both academic and clinical settings participates. References Kierans J & Byrne M ( 2010) A potential model for primary care mental health services in Ireland. Ir J Psych Med 2010; 27(3): 152-156. • Government of Ireland (2006) A Vision for Change Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy. Government Publications Office, Dublin. • Wright B & Russell V (2007) Integrating mental health and primary care services: a challenge for psychiatric training in Ireland. Irish Journal of Psych Medicine, 24 (2) 71-74.