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Volunteer and Help Shape Mental Health Services

Have you used mental health services? Or supported a child or young person who has?  

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

  1. 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.
  1. Parent & Carer Advisory Panel: For parents and carers of children and young people with experience of mental health services.  

Both panels will work with the HSE Child and Youth Mental Health Office to share ideas, influence decisions and help improve mental health services for children and young people across Ireland. 

What will I do?  

As a panel member, you may:  

Take part in workshops and discussions
Share your ideas and experiences of mental health services
Review information, policies and resources
Help improve mental health services
 Work alongside other panel members, Jigsaw and HSE staff to shape future services. 

What is involved?

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
Join meetings online and attend some in-person meetings in Dublin
 Take part in optional workshops and project work throughout the programme.  

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

Why join?

✔ Have your voice heard
✔ Help improve mental health services on a national level
✔ Meet others with similar experiences
✔ Learn new skills and build confidence
✔ Make a real difference for children, young people and families across Ireland   

Find out more

Read our Child and Youth Panel Information Leaflet

Read our Parent and Carer Panel Information Leaflet


Ready to get involved? 
 

Applications are now open and will close at 5pm on 7 September 2026.  

Apply today! 

Join our Child and Youth Panel Application

Join our Parent and Carer Panel Application 

Why I Run: A Teacher’s Story

Sadbh is a teacher who sees firsthand the difference Jigsaw makes in young people’s lives.

What started as a COVID lockdown hobby has grown into something much more meaningful — a way to give back to the service that helps her students find their voice.

In this interview, Sadbh shares why she runs the VHI Women’s Mini Marathon for Jigsaw, what race day feels like, and why investing in young people’s mental health matters so much to her. From the magic of 30,000 women taking to Dublin’s streets together, to the small moments when a student regains their confidence — Sadbh’s passion for this cause shines through every word.

Whether you’re a seasoned runner or someone who’s never laced up a pair of trainers, Sadbh’s story might just inspire you to sign up. Because as she puts it: “Doing the Women’s Mini Marathon in aid of Jigsaw is an incredible experience because you know you are making a difference in young people’s lives.”

Watch Sadbh’s full interview below.

Neart Wellbeing Award 2025-27

Neart are delighted to launch the Neart Wellbeing Award this September, to acknowledge the commitment of participating schools to mental health and wellbeing. Schools that sign up to participate in Neart, and meet the criteria required for the 2025-2026 Award, will receive the Neart Wellbeing Award to display on their digital and print materials. The Neart Wellbeing Award is endorsed by NAPD.

Find out how you can take part

Register your expression of interest

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