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Author: Ian Carey

First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska Visits Jigsaw Service in Dublin’s North Inner City

Posted on by Ian Carey

Jigsaw, The National Centre for Youth Mental Health, welcomed the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, to its service in Summerhill, Dublin 1, during an official visit to Ireland with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The First Lady visited Jigsaw to learn more about how Ireland supports the mental health and wellbeing of young people, particularly through accessible, early-intervention, community-based services. The visit forms part of her wider humanitarian mission to develop strengthened youth mental health supports in Ukraine.

During her time at Jigsaw Summerhill, Mrs Zelenska met members of the Jigsaw leadership and board, youth advocates and local service users, who shared their experiences of supporting young people’s mental health challenges and the importance of timely intervention.

Speaking after the visit, Dr Joseph Duffy, CEO of Jigsaw, said:

“We were honoured to welcome the First Lady to our service today. Her deep commitment to the wellbeing of young people, particularly in the context of the profound challenges facing Ukrainian families, is inspiring.

“At Jigsaw, we believe that every young person deserves support that is early, accessible, and grounded in their community. We were proud to share our model, our approach, and, most of all, how the voices of young people shape what we do.

“We stand ready to collaborate and share our learnings with colleagues in Ukraine and internationally, in the hope that our experience can contribute in some small way to supporting young people living through extraordinarily difficult times.

“It was crystal clear to everyone in the room that the issue of youth mental health and wellbeing is of utmost important to the First Lady.”

Mrs Zelenska expressed appreciation for the opportunity to see the Irish model in practice and discussed her ambition to expand youth-focused mental health infrastructure across Ukraine, particularly as young people navigate trauma, displacement, and ongoing uncertainty.

The visit underscores growing international recognition of Ireland’s youth mental health approach and highlights Jigsaw’s role as a leader in early-intervention mental health support.

Jigsaw Youth Advocate and board member Sarah Whelan said:

“It was a fantastic opportunity to speak to the First Lady of Ukraine about the fantastic work Jigsaw does. Jigsaw places youth voice central to the work that is done at all levels, I look forward to watching the foundation grow – and partnering with young people in Ukraine in the future.”

Through the work of the Olena Zelenska Foundation, the First Lady shares many of Jigsaw’s values and today’s visit focussed on learning, information sharing and collaboration. Areas of discussions included emerging global models of primary care youth mental health, clinical staff and governance, funding models and evolution, youth and community engagement, school supports and more.

The visit comes as plans continue to roll out ‘Youth Spaces 12-21’, a Olena Zelenka Foundation initiative in Ukraine, aimed at creating spaces that combine individual and group psychological assistance, career counselling, leisure-time activities across the Ukraine.

 

 

ENDS

Notes to the Editor:

 

PRESS RELEASE: Record demand for Jigsaw services as youth mental health pressures intensify

Posted on by Ian Carey

Jigsaw, the National Centre for Youth Mental Health, has reported the highest level of demand for its services in a single month since the charity was established.

In October 2025, 1,243 young people sought support from Jigsaw, compared to the same month last year it represents a 24.3% increase.

Across the first ten months of 2025 (January to October), 9,059 young people have turned to Jigsaw for help, marking a 22.3% rise on the same period in 2024.

This follows on from record-breaking demand for youth mental health services with the charity in September. This means that the last two months have been the two highest demand months since the youth mental health charity was founded in 2006.

Jigsaw CEO Dr. Joseph Duffy said the figures paint a stark picture of the growing pressures on young people.

“We are seeing more and more young people reach out because they’re struggling to cope, and that should be of real concern for all of us,” said Dr. Duffy.

“We need to make sure that every young person in Ireland, has access to free, face-to-face mental health support when they need it.

“The recent budget saw a major investment in two new Jigsaw services. – Waterford, to serve the Southeast, and in Clare. These are an important step forward and I want to commend the Government for giving youth mental health provision greater priority but we need to ensure we have the resources to meet the rising demand in other parts of the country, so no one is left behind.

“This is a challenge for primary care providers, mental health charities, like Jigsaw, as well as policymakers.”

Jigsaw, which provides free, confidential mental health support to young people aged 12–25, operates 14 services across Ireland alongside online and school-based supports.

Jigsaw wins Mental Health Initiative of the Year at the 2025 Irish Healthcare Awards

Posted on by Ian Carey

Jigsaw, the National Centre for Youth Mental Health, has been recognised with the Mental Health Initiative of the Year award at the 2025 Irish Healthcare Awards.

This comes in recognition of a significant and ambitious change management project designed to make mental health support more timely, accessible, and effective for young people.

Over the last year, we have rolled out a series of innovations across its national network, including online referrals, single session first therapy, and significant digital investments, all aimed at improving access and reducing waiting times for young people in need.

Since the introduction of these initiatives, Jigsaw has seen major results:

  • 68% of young people now receive an appointment within a month (up from 19% in 2023).
  • Self-referrals have increased sharply, offering young people the ability to refer at any time.
  • Wait times and administrative pressures have been significantly reduced.

Dr. Joseph Duffy, Jigsaw CEO said:

“We’re really proud to be acknowledged with this Irish Healthcare Award, especially in the company of so many outstanding healthcare initiatives.

This recognition reflects the commitment and creativity of our teams nationwide who have embraced change and innovation to better serve young people.

Every improvement made over the last 18 months has been driven by one goal — to make it easier and faster for young people to get the mental health support they need.”

This award comes at a time of unprecedented demand for Jigsaw across the country  – September 2025 represented the highest level of demand for Jigsaw services in a single month since the charity was established in 2006. In September, 1,226 young people sought support from Jigsaw, compared to the same month last year it represents a 40.9% increase. Indeed, across the first nine months of 2025 (January to September), 7,816 young people have turned to Jigsaw for help, marking a 22.6% rise on the same period in 2024.

Dr. Duffy commented – “Alongside the efforts of our teams, we are hugely grateful to all those who supported our ambition through funding and investment, including the HSE (Mental Health), the Community Foundation of Ireland, the Ireland Funds, the Smurfit Westrock Foundation, the Fidelity Foundation and many others. We strongly believe Ireland has the capability to deliver mental health care rapidly and early, where the public, private and not-for-profit national and community organisations collaborate as part of an integrated system. This strengthening of collaboration is key to bridging the gap between supply and demand.”

Ends.

 

 

Celebrity Chef Mark Moriarty announced as M&S and Jigsaw Partnership Ambassador

Posted on by Ian Carey

Jigsaw, the National Centre for Youth Mental Health, is delighted to welcome award-winning chef Mark Moriarty as ambassador for our ongoing partnership with Marks & Spencer Ireland.

Since 2022, M&S and Jigsaw have worked together to raise awareness and vital funds to support young people’s mental health across Ireland. So far, this partnership has raised over €150,000, helping us continue our mission to provide trusted mental health support and services to 1.5 million young people and their families by 2026.

A shared commitment to young people

Mark joins the partnership with a deep personal connection to mental health.
“I grew up in a family of mental health professionals,” he explains. “That meant we talked about wellbeing at home before it became a wider public conversation. I’ve always understood how important it is to talk, to listen, and to support one another.”

As ambassador, Mark hopes to use his platform to encourage more open conversations about mental health.
“Young people today face incredible pressures — from social media to inequality to a lack of support structures. Every single person will experience challenges in their life, and communication is key to getting through them. That’s where organisations like Jigsaw make a real difference.”

The power of communication

Mark says he was drawn to Jigsaw because of its practical, approachable way of supporting young people.
“For some, support can be as simple as having somebody listen to you. That’s what I love about Jigsaw’s work — whether it’s one-to-one chats, workshops, or mentoring, it’s about real connection, not perfection.”

Working together for change

Eddie Murphy, M&S Country Director Ireland and Northern Ireland said: “Our commitment to Jigsaw and the wellbeing of Ireland’s young people is unwavering, and we’re incredibly proud of the difference we’re making together,” 

For Jigsaw, the partnership with M&S continues to be an important part of building collective support for young people’s mental health.
“Having someone like Mark involved brings energy and understanding to the conversation,” says Mike Mansfield, Jigsaw’s Director of Communications and Fundraising. “We know young people’s mental health continues to face huge pressures. Addressing that requires collective effort — from individuals, communities, and organisations. This partnership is one example of that effort in action.”

Talking About It: Young People in Meath Lead the Conversation on Mental Health

Posted on by Ian Carey

More than 50 young people from across County Meath came together this month for a special event called Talk About It — a day all about sharing ideas, experiences, and hopes for better youth mental health support.

Students and youth representatives from Kells Youthreach, Involve Meath, Dunboyne College, Cultúr Migrant Centre, and post-primary schools including Beaufort College, St. Patrick’s Classical, Mercy Secondary, and Boyne Community School took part. They were joined by more than 50 representatives from local organisations like CYPSC, TUSLA, HSE, LMETB, Youth Work Ireland, An Garda Síochána, Cultúr Migrant Centre, Springboard, Involve, Family Resource Centres, and others.

Taking place just a week before World Mental Health Day (October 10th), the event created a rare space where young people could speak directly with decision-makers and service providers about what’s really going on in their lives. It was a day of honest conversations, creative thinking, and powerful connection.

One young person summed it up simply:

“I felt heard.”

Another said:

“I was nervous at first, but they’re just real people like us. We had good chats and fun too.”

What young people are saying

The event, run by Jigsaw Meath in partnership with Comhairle na nÓg Meath, also shared findings from Jigsaw’s Amplify & Advocacy survey — research designed to understand what life is really like for young people in the county.

Some of the key insights included:

  • Many young people still don’t know what mental health services and supports are available locally.
  • Stigma — both internal (feeling embarrassed) and external (fear of being judged) — remains a major barrier to reaching out for help.
  • The cost of living and housing crises are having a real impact, with many young people living at home longer and separated parents struggling to find suitable accommodation.

Turning words into action: #WhatsYourWord

In response to what they heard, Jigsaw Meath is launching the #WhatsYourWord stigma reduction campaign. The campaign asks everyone — young people, parents, families, and communities — to share the What’s Your Word? video on Jigsaw Meath’s Instagram, and to create their own positive words that encourage open conversations about mental health.

The word stigma originally comes from the Greek for “to brand or mark.” This campaign flips that meaning — replacing the negative with the positive. Instead of shame or judgment, we’re inviting people to share words of kindness, strength, and hope.

Schools, clubs, workplaces, and community groups across Meath are encouraged to take part:

  • Watch and re-share the video.
  • Create your own word.
  • Start conversations where you live, learn, work, or play.

Follow this link to find the video on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPUDgqSD9kC/

Jigsaw Meath extended special thanks to Meath CYPSC (Children and Young People’s Services Committee) for funding both the Talk About It event and the #WhatsYourWord campaign.

The insights gathered from young people on the day will help shape both the CYPSC Plan and Jigsaw’s upcoming Strategic Plan (2027–2030) — ensuring that what young people said doesn’t just stay in the room, but leads to real change.

As organisers put it:

“This topic is too important to turn away from. Sharing one post, one word at a time, can become a powerful force for change.”

 

 

PRESS RELEASE Jigsaw welcomes new funding for youth mental health services as vital step towards nationwide support for young people

Posted on by Ian Carey

For Immediate Release

Jigsaw welcomes new funding for youth mental health services as vital step towards nationwide support for young people

Jigsaw, the National Centre for Youth Mental Health, has today warmly welcomed the Government’s announcement of new investment to expand youth mental health services across Ireland in Budget 2026.

The Budget commitment includes funding for new Jigsaw hubs providing free, early intervention mental health support for young people aged 12 to 25.

Jigsaw has been allocated an additional €1.3 million in annual funding to support the development of new Jigsaw services. While full details are still to be confirmed, proposed locations include Co. Waterford (serving the Southeast) and Co. Clare, through additional resourcing of our Limerick team.

Joseph Duffy, CEO of Jigsaw, said:

“This is a really positive and important step. Expanding Jigsaw services means that more young people will be able to access support when they need it, in their own communities, without long waits or complex referral processes. I want to acknowledge the significant work of Minister Butler, the Department of Health and the HSE in supporting this expansion of Jigsaw’s youth mental health supports.

“We know from experience that early, local, and accessible mental health support can change the trajectory of a young person’s life. Every young person, no matter where they live, deserves that opportunity.”

“While this funding is hugely welcome, the reality is that youth mental health remains one of the biggest challenges facing our country. We must see today’s announcement as part of a sustainied and long-term investment in building a system that truly meets young people’s needs.”

Jigsaw currently operates 14 services nationwide, supporting young people aged 12 to 25 who are experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties. The organisation has long advocated for a truly national network of supports that make early help available to every young person in Ireland.

Jigsaw launches annual National Compliment Day 

Posted on by Ian Carey

To get the country sharing compliments, and supporting young people struggling with their mental health.

This National Compliment Day (this Thursday September 25th), Jigsaw, the National Centre for Youth Mental Health, is again teaming up with Starbucks to help spread positivity and raise vital funds for young people’s mental health.

For 12 to 25-year-olds experiencing mental health challenges, Jigsaw provides free, confidential mental health support across Ireland. With demand for services growing, the charity is calling on the public to give more than words this September: share a compliment and make a donation to help a young person access support when they need it most.

“Something as simple as giving a compliment can have a ripple effect,” said Justin McDermott of Jigsaw. “It not only lifts the person receiving it, but it boosts the wellbeing of the giver too. By taking part in National Compliment Day, you’re helping to spread kindness while funding life-changing support for young people.”

Why giving feels good – the science behind it

Research shows that giving to others isn’t just good for the community – it directly benefits our own wellbeing. Evidence highlights that:

  • Acts of kindness spark positive feelings: Neuroscience shows that cooperation and generosity activate reward centres in the brain, giving us an intrinsic sense of pleasure and satisfaction.
  • Helping others builds purpose and meaning: From volunteering to small gestures like saying thank you, giving strengthens our sense of belonging and self-worth, both of which are vital for mental health.
  • Kindness helps us live longer, healthier lives: Studies reveal that supporting others is linked to lower stress and even reduced mortality rates, showing that generosity is not just emotionally rewarding but physically beneficial too.

More than words

While compliments and small acts of kindness can give our wellbeing a boost, Jigsaw stresses that words alone cannot resolve mental health difficulties. For young people struggling with anxiety, low mood, or stress, professional support can make all the difference – and that is what donations to Jigsaw make possible.

How to get involved

On Thursday 25th September, and over the following weekend, visit any Starbucks store nationwide to donate to Jigsaw or you can donate online at www.jigsaw.ie/give. Every euro raised goes directly towards providing free, early-intervention mental health services for young people across Ireland.

“By giving a compliment to someone in your life that day, and by making a donation to Jigsaw, you’re doubling the good – for yourself, for the person you compliment, and for the thousands of young people who need Jigsaw’s support,” added Justin McDermott.

For more information, visit https://jigsaw.ie/.

M&S donate €150k to support youth mental health

Posted on by Ian Carey

Marks & Spencer Country Director Eddie Murphy has presented Jigsaw with a donation of €150,000 to help support the mental health of young people around Ireland.  

This week marked one year since Jigsaw and M&S entered into our exciting partnership.

Under the banner, ‘Together we’ve got this’, the partnership aims to raise capacity, reach, and accessibility of the help available to young people across Ireland struggling with their mental health through a series of fundraising and awareness initiatives.

The last 12 months have seen a range of initiatives across areas such as in-store fundraising, staff training and public awareness campaigns. With over e150k raised to date, the partnership is due to go from strength to strength over the next 2 years.

 

How to manage exam stress

Posted on by Ian Carey

Exam stress impacts everyone. Learning how to manage it is essential to success and well-being at school.

As part of Jigsaw’s new schools programme Neart, the team has produced a podcast which provides tips and advice on how to understand and manage the stress of exams for students and parents.

 

Listen here

 

In this episode, the Neart schools team talks to Dr. Kim Lombard from Jigsaw, Catríona Rodgers and Eoin Houlihan from the Institute of Guidance Counsellors, Áine Lynch from the National Parents Council, Joe Leonard, principal of Cross and Passion College in Kildare, and Cian and Katie from the National Comhairle na nÓg.

We discuss the impact exam stress has on young people and families, how parents can recognise when a young person is experiencing a worrying level of stress, some practical ways parents can support young people, and possible avenues of further support for both young people and their parents.

The Neart Youth Mental Health Podcast is brought to you by Jigsaw, The National Centre for Youth Mental Health, and the Department of Education and the National Educational Psychological Service.

Information on the organisations and supports mentioned can be found here: Exam Stress Episode resource

A general list of supports for parents & guardians can be found here: Parent & Guardian Support List

To sign up for the Neart Parent newsletter and access further supports, register here: Neart Parent Registration

For more information on Neart visit www.jigsaw.ie/neart

 

Starbucks Easter donation drive

Posted on by Ian Carey

Starbucks are running an Easter Donation drive this weekend in aid of Jigsaw.

The coffee chain will be giving customers a chance to donate to Jigsaw and support free therapy for young people who need it.

Justin McDermott, Fundraising Manager at Jigsaw, explains:

“This Easter weekend our partners Starbucks Ireland are running a donation drive across all their outlets in Ireland to support our free therapy and support services for children and young people, aged 12-25.  So we are asking you to do these three things to support.

  1. Connect with your friends
  2. Grab a coffee in your local Starbucks 
  3. Donate to Jigsaw 

“You can also donate online to support this drive, to do so visit www.jigsaw.ie/GiveAtEaster“.

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