Jigsaw Shortlisted for Irish Healthcare Awards 2025

All at Jigsaw are delighted to be shortlisted in the Irish Healthcare Awards 2025 in the category Mental Health Initiative of the Year.

This announcement recognises the work of our teams across the country in increasing access to timely therapy for young people in a national mental health primary care network through a range of initiatives including opening up online referrals, offering single session first therapy and more.

Addressing the escalating mental health crisis requires systemic and innovative solutions and over the past two years, we, at Jigsaw, have renewed our commitment to timely care. We have reimagined how services can be delivered within our existing resources.

At the heart of this transformation is the introduction of single-session first therapy, aimed at providing impactful therapeutic support at the point of need.

Early indicators are really positive and this shortlisting is a real boost. Fingers crossed for the awards ceremony in November!

Request for Proposals – Independent External Review of Board Effectiveness 2025

1 – About Jigsaw

We are Jigsaw, the National Centre for Youth Mental Health CLG. Formerly known as Headstrong, we were set up in 2006 and to this day, we remain committed to leading a nationwide transformation in youth mental health.

We aim to better inform, support, educate and empower communities, enabling a better understanding of our collective responsibility in supporting young people’s mental health. Our youth mental health promotion work seeks to enhance community engagement and increase knowledge and understanding in relation to youth mental health. Our community-based workshops and programmes build the capacity of those who work or volunteer with young people, better equipping them to promote and support the mental health of young people where they live, learn, work and play.

We undertake pioneering research and conduct robust evaluation leading to transformative evidence. We are changing the way Ireland thinks about and responds to young people’s mental health. It is essential for our young people’s wellbeing that we respond at the right time, in the right way. We work with Government, the HSE and other policymakers to make sure the right frameworks are being put in place to help Ireland’s young people for generations to come.

Our vision

An Ireland where every young person’s mental health is valued and supported.

Our mission

Together, we will achieve better mental health outcomes for young people (aged 12 to 25) by delivering therapeutic services, promoting youth mental health and mobilising community and societal change, while ensuring our organisation evolves to support all aspects of our work.

Our values

  • We value young people
  • We work collaboratively
  • We are progressive
  • We value diversity
  • We show compassion
  • We are driven by evidence
  • We act with integrity

Our governance

Jigsaw currently has eleven directors. Two directors were newly appointed at Jigsaw’s AGM on 22nd July. Two Youth Advocates, while not formal board members, sit with the board and can attend every meeting.

Our directors bring a range of skills and experience to the board. Profiles of all directors can be viewed here.

Jigsaw’s board is supported by six sub-committees:

Audit and risk sub-committee

The role of the audit and risk sub-committee is to provide strategic advice and oversight for organisational risk, internal auditing, the annual external audit of the financial statements and any other external audits and reports to the board.

Finance sub-committee

The role of the finance sub-committee is to provide strategic advice and oversight for the financial performance of Jigsaw against the financial and fundraising goals and targets.

HR and governance sub-committee

The role of the HR and governance sub-committee is to provide strategic advice and oversight for policies and practices relating to the governance of Jigsaw, the recruitment of board members and employment of staff.

Quality and safety sub-committee

The role of the quality and safety sub-committee is to provide strategic advice and oversight for the quality and safety programme for Jigsaw, and ensure compliance with all regulatory and legal requirements.

Research sub-committee

The role of the research sub-committee is to provide strategic advice, direction and exercise oversight of the organisation’s work concerning research and evaluation.

Education sub-committee

The role of the education sub-committee is to provide strategic advice and oversight of Jigsaw’s work in primary, post-primary, further and higher education.

2 – Requirements

The assignment

Jigsaw is inviting interested parties to submit proposals to review the overall effectiveness of how the board does its work. The review will focus on whether the Board’s structures and processes enable it to:

  • meet the best practice requirements of the Charities Governance Code and HSE Compliance requirements
  • align with the implementation of our strategy: Jigsaw Organisational Strategy 2022-2026 and
  • make recommendations to the Board in order to improve its effectiveness

Deliverables and outputs

It is expected that through desk research, questionnaires, a series of engagements with the board, its sub-committees and other relevant people from the executive, the consultant appointed will complete their work with a report which contains a series of recommendations to improve Jigsaw’s board effectiveness.

Qualification and criteria

Interested parties that wish to submit a proposal shall meet the following minimum criteria:

  1. Proven track record in conducting board effectiveness reviews for organisations in the nonprofit sector and of similar size to Jigsaw.
  2. A strong understanding of the various frameworks and codes and standards that apply across various sectors, including nonprofit.
  3. Demonstrable ability to deliver consulting services in the most professional, effective and efficient manner by providing references

The following criteria will be used as the basis for shortlisting interested parties:

  • Qualifications – 25%
  • Approach – 25%
  • Similar experience in nonprofit sector – 25%
  • Value for money – 25%

3 – Timeframe

Jigsaw is asking for proposals to be submitted by 5th September 2025.

Interviews for a small number of shortlisted candidates will take place online during the week-ended 12th September 2025.

Confirmation of appointment of the successful contractor no later than 19th September 2025.

It is anticipated that this review will be an agenda item at the Board meeting to be held on the 24th November 2025. The contractor will need to be available for a presentation on the review’s key findings to the Board at that meeting. A draft of the report should be submitted to HR & Governance sub-committee by the 7th November 2025 at the latest.

4 – Proposal Submission

Those wishing to be considered should submit a brief proposal (max 4 or 5 pages) to the Director of Finance & Operations, Peter McDevitt at peter.mcdevitt@jigsaw.ie by 5pm on 5th September 2025.

It should include:

  • Justification of why they are the most suitable consultant for the work, and a brief methodology on how the work will be conducted
  • Work and time plan including the scheduling of main activities and time inputs required per consultant/s
  • Insurance details
  • Two client referees relating to similar project work.

The financial proposal shall be in Euro and include:

  • Fee rate and time inputs required as presented in the work and time plan. The total price shall be broken down by specific deliverables and outputs
  • Any reimbursable expenses envisaged

Proposal should not exceed €10,000 plus VAT (including expenses)

The payment shall be based on approved deliverables and outputs and production of invoice.

The information provided shall also incorporate:

  • Company profile (clearly stating full contact details, physical address, email and phone numbers)
  • Declaration of relationships – describe if your organisation/employees have any business or personal relationships connected to Jigsaw or any of the staff or board members of Jigsaw
  • A statement of availability of key consultant/s during the timeframe of the assignment period
  • Certificate of incorporation or registration (where relevant)
  • Tax status and tax clearance certificate.

For further details on the tender please contact:

Director of Finance & Operations, Peter McDevitt at peter.mcdevitt@jigsaw.ie

Research Ethics in Jigsaw

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.

PODCAST: How to manage exam stress

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

 

School Refusal: Supporting a Young Person Facing School Difficulties

For many young people, school can be a mixed bag. Whether it’s the nuts and bolts of course work, exam pressure or social anxiety, bullying, or struggles with mental health, difficulties at school can lead to difficulties in getting your young person out the door in the morning.  

School refusal comes hand in hand with low self-esteem and distress and it can be tough to know how to help a young person who is unhappy in school.  

Understanding  

School refusal isn’t just about skipping classes or avoiding homework, it can be linked to issues such as anxiety or difficulties with learning. Some common signs include: 

  • Frequent complaints of headaches or stomach aches, especially on school days 
  • Sudden changes in mood or behaviour 
  • Avoiding school-related conversations 
  • Increased anxiety or distress when discussing school 
  • Declining school performance. 

Recognising early signs can help you intervene in a supportive way. 

How to Support a Young Person 

  • Listen Without Judgment 

A young person struggling with school needs to feel heard and understood. Try to create a safe space where they can express their feelings without fear of being dismissed or criticised . Use open-ended questions like, “Can you tell me what’s been difficult for you at school?” to encourage conversation and try to get them to be specific. 

  • Acknowledge Their Feelings 

It’s important to validate their emotions rather than downplay them. Saying things like, “I can see this is really hard for you” or “That sounds really stressful” can help them feel understood and supported. It can be hard for a parent or guardian to put themselves in the shoes of a young person, it’s important to show compassion for your young person. 

  • Work Together to Find Solutions 

Once you understand their concerns, collaborate on possible solutions. This might include: 

  • Talking to a teacher or school counsellor 
  • Exploring alternative learning options 
  • Setting small, achievable goals to help them re-engage with school 
  • Adjusting expectations to ease pressure. 
  • Encourage Healthy Routines 

A regular sleep schedule, balanced diet, and physical activity can help manage stress and anxiety. Encourage them to take breaks, get outside, and engage in activities they enjoy. 

Know When to Seek Help 

It can sometimes feel that we need to have all the answers for our children, but even on our best days we can’t do everything. Speak to the school and other parents who may be able to offer advice.  

If school difficulties are linked to mental health concerns, consider reaching out for additional support. Engage with your young persons school to find out what supports are available for them.  

Remember there is help out there- if you young person is struggling with their mental health, consider contacting their GP or Jigsaw. 

Moving Forward 

Supporting a young person through school difficulties takes time, patience, and understanding. Keep communication open, reassure them that they’re not alone, and remind them that with the right support, things can improve. 

How to talk to a young person about toxic relationships

Relationships are a central part of life, especially for young people embarking on new friendships and romantic connections. The best relationships build confidence and resilience, but toxic relationships can harm your mental health.

It’s important to talk with young people about what are the signs of toxic behaviours within relationships and how we can all work to have healthy connections.

Navigating Leaving Cert result stress

On Friday, 23 August, young people will be getting their Leaving Cert results.

The wait beforehand can be an anxious and stressful time for many. Here we share helpful tips and advice gathered from our team of mental health professionals and other young people who have been there.

Remember to give yourself credit

No matter how your results turn out, you deserve to celebrate your hard work. And remember, your exams do not define your worth.

Take your time

Moving forward is personal. Don’t rush. Give yourself space to figure things out. Check in with yourself now and again about how you are feeling. If you are worried or stressed sometimes, that is OK. It is normal to feel that way. But don’t be afraid to seek help if you feel you need it.