Month: July 2025

Why Are So Many Struggling To Cope?

Posted on by Karl Hempton

What’s happening to young people’s mental health? 

And why are so many struggling to cope?

 

We are living through a youth mental health crisis. It has been building slowly over the past two decades, but today its impact is unmistakable. From schools and homes to social media and community spaces, young people in Ireland and across the world are struggling, and too often, they’re struggling alone. 

 

So what’s changed? And why now?

 

A landmark global study published in The Lancet in 2024 found that mental health among young people has been declining, especially in high-income countries like Ireland. The study highlighted a range of contributing factors: rising academic pressure, the influence of social media, increased loneliness and isolation, climate anxiety, economic insecurity, and growing inequality. 

 

Closer to home, the My World Survey 2 — the largest ever study of youth mental health in Ireland — found that levels of anxiety, stress and low self-esteem increased significantly between adolescence and young adulthood. The research also identified a worrying fall in protective factors like optimism, life satisfaction and connectedness, with many young people reporting that they felt unsupported, unheard or unsure where to turn for help. 

 

Is it too late to turn things around?

 

No, but the science is clear: we must act early. Evidence consistently shows that intervening at the first signs of mental health difficulty can significantly reduce the risk of more serious problems developing. Young people need timely, accessible, youth-friendly services — not just when things reach crisis point, but at the very beginning of their mental health journey. 

 

That’s where Jigsaw comes in. Our services offer free early support in local communities across Ireland, giving young people a safe, non-judgemental space to talk, to be heard, and to find hope. 

 

Thanks to your support, we are there every day helping young people build their mental health and resilience. But demand is rising, and the need has never been greater. This is one of the biggest health and social challenges of our time. 

 

Together, we can respond. Together, we can change the story.

 

Need Support?

We at Jigsaw offer a range of supports for children and young people aged between 12 and 25 across Ireland, including online support and face to face therapy sessions.

For more information on our supports click here:

Get Support

PRESS RELEASE: Youth mental health: Levels of distress remain significantly higher than pre-Covid 19, Jigsaw’s 2024 Annual Report shows

Posted on by Ian Carey

In 2024, over 4 in 10 young people accessing Jigsaw’s services presented with high levels of mental health distress – a statistically significant increase from pre-Covid 19 levels.  

July 24th, 2025 – Jigsaw, Ireland’s leading youth mental health charity, today launched its 2024 Annual Report, revealing that psychological distress among young people remains significantly elevated compared to pre-2020 levels.

Despite this sustained demand, Jigsaw delivered over 62,000 clinical contacts across Ireland, demonstrating resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to supporting young people’s mental health.

Dr. Joseph Duffy, CEO of Jigsaw, said:
“We are seeing sustained high levels of need among young people. While the numbers have slightly stabilised, they remain well above what we were seeing five or six years ago. That tells us something important: the challenges young people face are not going away – and neither is our commitment to being there for them.”

Report Highlights

  • 62,235 clinical contacts delivered across Jigsaw’s services – reflecting the breadth of therapeutic support.
  • 6,238 participants engaged in Jigsaw’s mental health workshops and training.
  • Introduction of single-session first therapy,
  • Reduction in wait times to access Jigsaw from 11 to 8 weeks
  • Launch of the Neart programme in partnership with NEPS and the Department of Education and Youth, supporting mental health in post-primary schools.
  • Continued delivery of online supports to thousands of young people and their families.

Edel Connolly, Jigsaw Youth Advocate, said:
“Young people today are under more pressure than ever. Jigsaw is often the first place they turn to, and this report shows just how vital that support is. But we can’t do it alone. We need more funding, more awareness, and more people standing with us. The past year has highlighted, once again, that when adequately resourced, mental health services like Jigsaw, can be highly effective.”

Jigsaw’s 2024 Annual Report calls for increased government investment in early intervention youth mental health services in Budget 2026, and urges the public to continue supporting its work through donations and advocacy.

“Despite all the challenges we faced in 2024”, Dr Duffy added. “our report, launched today, clearly shows that Jigsaw is making a difference. Through the daily efforts of our teams across the country, through levels of innovation unparalleled across our health system and through the support of public and state funders, our model is effective. While the need continue to growing, solutions are within reach – but only if we are resourced to deliver them. We are calling on government, donors, and communities to stand with us in building a better future for young people.”

This year’s achievements were only possible thanks to the dedication, resilience, and passion of Jigsaw’s staff and volunteers across the country. Your commitment continues to change lives and shape the future of youth mental health in Ireland.

Jigsaw’s Annual Report 2024 can be downloaded here

Research Ethics in Jigsaw

Posted on by Caoimhe O'Brien

The Jigsaw Research Ethics Committee

At Jigsaw we are proud to have an independently chaired Research Ethics Committee that ensures all our research is conducted to the highest ethical standards — with rigour, safety, and responsibility at its core.

Research and Evaluation in Jigsaw

Posted on by Caoimhe O'Brien

High-quality healthcare research to improve youth mental health services

At Jigsaw, our Research and Evaluation Department leads a programme of health services research and evaluation focused on improving youth mental health services across Ireland. Our work is informed by evidence, shaped by learning, and aligned with Ireland’s National Mental Health Research Strategy.

Through a commitment to scientific rigour, ethical integrity, and transparency, we aim to advance the quality, accessibility, and impact of youth mental health care. Our work spans service monitoring, real-world health services research, programme evaluation, and strategic learning, supporting Jigsaw’s mission to deliver early intervention and primary care mental health support to young people. One example is our evaluation of the factors that predict better outcomes for young people who use Jigsaw services, available here.

Tipperary Jigsaw address the Elephant in the Room

Posted on by Ian Carey

Introducing Rocky the Elephant!

The team in Jigsaw Tipperary welcomed Rocky the Elephant into their hub for a 2-month stay as part of the Elephant in the Room Movement and to highlight the Light It Up Tipperary website, which aims to bring together an easy accessible list of all public and private support services available in Tipperary.

What is The Elephant in The Room Movement?

The Elephant in the Room Movement is a social enterprise which started in Ireland. The movement brings business, art and community together to help change the narrative around mental well-being all over the world, using the visual medium of art sculptures to challenge stigma of all kinds.

The movement promotes a message of hope and kindness, and encourages open conversation about mental health in schools, workplaces and our communities.

Cashel Community School are the first secondary school in Ireland to take part in the movement and Rocky is the first elephant in Co. Tipperary.

This project is a collaboration with local community sponsors and students who are participants in the Young Social Innovator Programme in Transition Year and the school’s Amber Team which promotes positive mental health.

We are indebted to our amazing local artist Damien Mc Caron for his guidance and talent throughout this journey.

Rocky’s Symbols

My name is Rocky the Elephant I am a symbol of HOPE in Cashel Co. Tipperary. Cashel Community School students worked in collaboration with the Elephant in The Room movement and local businesses to make this project a reality. I have many symbols that I want you to understand. 
My bright yellow colour is a symbol of HOPE. The Rock of Cashel iconic in its historic and religious significance is my central symbol. I am so proud to be the first elephant of HOPE in Co. Tipperary.

There are beautiful wild Irish flowers on my legs reminding you of the importance of nature to our wellbeing. I also have symbols of sport, dance and music reminding us how vital it is to have hobbies and enjoy new challenges regardless of our age.

I have a megaphone symbol which is on my ear this is reminding everybody that asking for help is always a sign of strength. There is a QR code that can be scanned with lots of information if anybody needs the contact details of all the supports available in Tipperary. We would like to thank Light It Up Tipperary for allowing us to share this QR code.

I have a Sanskrit symbol representing the breath and a pair of hands on my forehead symbolising community and friendship.  I have a large heart symbol on my ear, reminding us of the important of being kind to ourselves and to others. 

We would like to thank Damien McCarron the artist who helped us design and paint Rocky, we are so grateful for his help, guidance and dedication.

Five-a-side fun for a good cause

Posted on by Karl Hempton

Now in its 5th year, the Cocoa Cup 5-a-side football fundraiser, organised by Lindt Chocolate, took place in the Astro Park in Coolock last Thursday, June 26th.

Over 120 took part, including players from Lindt, Butlers Chocolate, Primeline Group, Heinz, Sprungli and even a Jigsaw team.

The event raised over €4k this year, but more than that, it brought players together for a sun-drenched afternoon of connection, competition and craic.

Details of how you can support this years fundraising efforts can be found here – https://www.gofundme.com/f/g4jbx-the-cocoa-cup-charity-tournament-for-jigsaw