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Month: August 2026

Help shape the future of youth mental health in Ireland

Posted on by Ian Carey

Have you used mental health services? Or have you supported a child or young person who has? Your lived experience is powerful—and we want it to help shape the future of mental health support in Ireland.

The HSE and Jigsaw are currently recruiting for two national advisory panels:

  • Child & Youth Mental Health Advisory Panel: For young people under 18 who have used mental health services themselves, or have a close family member who has.

  • Parent & Carer Advisory Panel: For parents and carers of children and young people with experience of mental health services.

Both panels will work closely with us, the HSE Child and Youth Mental Health Office, and the HSE Mental Health Engagement and Recovery Unit. Together, we will share ideas, influence decisions, and co-design national policies and procedures for CAMHS and other vital services.

What will I do?

As a panel member, you will have the opportunity to:

  • Take part in interactive workshops and discussions.

  • Share your valuable ideas and experiences of mental health services.

  • Review information, policies, and resources.

  • Work alongside other panel members, Jigsaw, and HSE staff to actively improve future services.

What is involved?

If selected, panel members will be asked to:

  • Commit to being part of the panel until December 2027.

  • Attend regular meetings from September 2026 to December 2027 (this includes online meetings and some in-person sessions in Dublin).

  • Take part in optional workshops and project work throughout the programme.

Travel expenses for in-person meetings will be fully covered, and you’ll receive ongoing, dedicated support from Jigsaw and HSE staff throughout your time on the panel.

Why join?

  • Have your voice heard: Make a real difference for children, young people, and families across Ireland.

  • Drive change: Directly help improve mental health services on a national level.

  • Connect: Meet others who share similar experiences in a welcoming environment.

  • Grow: Learn new skills and build your confidence.

How to apply

We are recruiting for both panels right now, and applications will close on 7th September.

To find all the information you need, and to access the application links, visit: jigsaw.ie/yourvoice

Eight locations. Hundreds of people. One vital cause

Posted on by Ian Carey

Next month, the shores and outdoor pools of Ireland are going to look a little different. In eight communities across the country, hundreds of people will be coming together, getting into their togs, and braving the water—all in the name of youth mental health.

Welcome to the 2026 Dip for Jigsaw.

We know that when communities come together, incredible things happen. The Dip for Jigsaw is about exactly that: showing the children and young people in our local areas that we are here for them, and raising the vital funds needed to keep Jigsaw’s mental health support services running.

Where is it happening? Whether you’re a seasoned sea swimmer or someone who prefers to just dip a toe, there is a location waiting for you. We’re incredibly excited to bring the Dip to eight fantastic locations this year:

Saturday, 12th September:

  • Banagher, Co. Offaly (Outdoor public swimming pool)

  • Dromineer, Co. Tipperary

  • Fenit, Co. Kerry

  • Laytown Beach, Co. Meath

Sunday, 13th September:

  • Bray, Co. Wicklow

  • Portmarnock, Co. Dublin

Saturday, 19th September:

  • Rossnowlagh, Co. Donegal

  • Salthill, Galway

How does it work? Taking part is incredibly easy. Registration is completely free, and we ask our dippers to aim for a fundraising goal of €200. We want to make it as fun and simple as possible to reach that goal, which is why everyone who registers gets their very own iDonate fundraising page, plus a special fundraising pack containing an exclusive Jigsaw t-shirt and sponsorship card.

It’s about community, connection, and making a splash for a cause that has never been more important.

If you’ve been looking for an excuse to get into the water, or a way to give back to your local community this autumn, we would love to see you there.

Want to learn more or secure your spot? Head over to our official event page to find all the details and sign up for your nearest location: dip.jigsaw.ie.

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