This year, on Thursday 28th May, we’re inviting friends, colleagues and brave supporters everywhere to abseil together for youth mental health.
With just 40 spots available, places are limited so we encourage you to sign up and start fundraising as soon as you can to avoid disappointment.
You’ll be abseiling from one of Ireland’s most iconic venues, The Hogan Stand at Croke Park, all while raising vital funds to support young people who are struggling with their mental health.
Why Abseil for Jigsaw?
Young people across Ireland are facing more pressure than ever — and too many are facing it alone.
When you abseil for Jigsaw, you’re helping provide free, confidential mental health support to young people aged 12–25, when they need it most.
What’s involved?
To secure your place:
Register for the Abseil for Jigsaw challenge here and pay your €50 deposit
Commit to raising €500 in vital funds for youth mental health
Take part on the day with full safety support from professional abseil instructors at adventure.ie
When you sign up, you’ll get:
A fundraising pack with everything you need to get started
Talking to teenagers can sometimes feel like trying to open a door that keeps closing.
Many parents want to support their young person, but they are not always sure how to start the conversation or keep it going.
In a recent webinar hosted by Jigsaw’s Neart Team, Dr. Kim Lombard spoke about practical ways parents can strengthen communication with their teens. Kim shared a simple framework built around four ideas that all begin with the letter “C”. These small shifts can help parents build stronger, more open relationships with their young people.
Start with self-compassion
Parenting a teenager can be challenging. It is normal to question your decisions or feel that you could have handled something differently.
Showing yourself compassion is an important starting point. This means treating yourself with the same kindness you would offer a friend in a similar situation. Instead of focusing on mistakes, try to recognise that parenting is a learning process.
When parents are kinder to themselves, it becomes easier to respond calmly and thoughtfully when challenges arise. This also creates space to reflect on situations and consider what might work differently next time.
Be curious, not judgemental
Curiosity can transform how conversations with teenagers unfold.
Sometimes, when a young person is struggling or acting out of character, our instinct can be to ask “What is wrong with you?” A more helpful question might be “What has gone wrong for you?”
This shift in language moves the focus from seeking to understanding. It shows your young person that you are interested in what they are experiencing rather than judging their behaviour.
Curiosity also applies to parents themselves. When a conversation does not go well, it can help to pause and reflect. Why did I react that way? What might I try differently next time?
This kind of reflection helps build stronger communication over time.
Focus on connection
Teenagers may seem more independent, but connection with trusted adults is still very important.
Being present and genuinely interested in what is happening in your young person’s world can help them feel safe opening up. This might be through small, everyday moments such as chatting in the car, walking the dog or sharing a meal.
The goal is not to have perfect conversations, but to create an environment where your young person feels heard and valued.
Move towards collaboration
When children are younger, parents naturally take on a strong leadership role to keep them safe and guide their decisions.
As young people move into their teenage years, they need more opportunities to practise making choices and navigating challenges. This means gradually shifting from directing to collaborating.
Working together to solve problems or think through decisions helps teenagers build confidence and independence. It also shows that you respect their views and trust them to play a role in shaping solutions.
Lead with compassion
Teenagers often face complex situations as they grow and develop. Responding with compassion can help them feel supported rather than criticised.
Compassion means acknowledging what your young person might be going through, listening to their perspective and helping them think about possible next steps.
Rather than rushing to fix the problem, the aim is to support them to find solutions that work for them and meet their needs.
Small changes can make a big difference
Talking to teenagers is not always easy, but small shifts in how we approach these conversations can have a powerful impact.
By practising self-compassion, staying curious, focusing on connection and working collaboratively, parents can help create a relationship where their young person feels understood, supported and able to open up.
And remember, there is no such thing as perfect parenting. What matters most is continuing to show up, listen and learn together.
These tips formed part of a webinar on Talking to Your Teen delivered as part of the Jigsaw’s Neart Programme for schools, in collaboration with the National Parents Council. To find out more about the programme and future webinars subscribe to the Neart newsletter through the button below.
Every day across Ireland, young people reach out for help with their mental health.
Services like Jigsaw, the National Centre for Youth Mental Health, work to ensure that support is available when it is needed. But as demand continues to grow, services face an important challenge: making sure the right support reaches the right young person at the right time.
A new research project hopes to help with exactly that.
PROACT (Predictive Analytics for Optimised Care in Youth Mental Health) is a partnership between University of Limerick and Jigsaw, funded by the Health Research Board. The project will explore how modern data analysis can help youth mental health services better understand young people’s needs, plan services more effectively, and personalise the support they provide.
Put simply, PROACT is about learning from the information services already collect so that mental health supports can work better for young people.
Why this research matters
Across Ireland and around the world, more young people are seeking help for their mental health. Meeting this need requires services like Jigsaw to keep evolving, not only in how we deliver care, but in how we understand and anticipate it.
PROACT is the first study of its kind in Ireland to examine how advanced analytics can be used within youth mental health services to generate actionable real time insight from real-world service data.
By identifying patterns that are often difficult to detect in day-to-day practice, the project will explore how services can better anticipate demand, understand what works for different young people, and intervene earlier where there is a risk of disengagement.
The ambition is clear – we want to equip clinicians in Jigsaw with better intelligence so that young people can receive more safer, responsive and personalised support.
What the PROACT project will do
The research will focus on five main areas.
Predicting needs and demand
The project will explore how advanced data analysis techniques, including machine learning, can help predict mental health outcomes and identify patterns in how services are used. This could help services anticipate changes in demand, plan staffing more effectively, and respond more quickly when more young people need support.
Understanding young people’s needs
Researchers will analyse anonymised data to build a clearer picture of the needs of young people who access services. This includes looking at how young people find their way to mental health support and how they move through services. Understanding these pathways can help identify gaps in care and groups of young people who may need additional support.
Personalising support
Every young person’s experience of mental health is different. The project will examine how data can help tailor supports to individual needs. Over time, this could help clinicians understand which approaches are most likely to work for particular young people.
Testing tools for clinicians
The research will also explore how data insights could support clinicians in their day-to-day work. In one part of the project, clinicians will test a prototype decision-support tool that uses data insights to help guide personalised care. Their feedback will be essential to make sure any future tools are practical, useful, and aligned with clinical judgement.
Turning research into real-world impact
The final stage of the project will focus on sharing the findings with practitioners, policymakers, and services. The goal is to ensure that what is learned through the research can help improve youth mental health support across Ireland.
Dr Jeff Moore, Director of Research at Jigsaw said:
“At Jigsaw, we have made major investments in implementing a world-class electronic health record system because we believe better data leads to safe and more effective mental health care. PROACT allows us to combine that asset with world-class academic and clinical expertise to apply innovative analytic methods in a way that is grounded in real service need. This is about turning data into intelligence that supports clinicians, informs better decisions and helps deliver safer, personalised and effective care for young people.”
Protecting young people’s privacy
Protecting the privacy of young people is central to this project. All of the data used in the research will be fully anonymised. This means individual young people cannot be identified.
The aim is not to monitor individuals. Instead, the research looks at patterns across many cases so services can learn and improve over time.
A collaboration across disciplines
PROACT brings together people with expertise in mental health research, clinical practice, artificial intelligence, policy, and lived experience.
The research team includes Dr Ruth Melia, Associate Professor in Clinical Psychology at University of Limerick, Dr Jeff Moore, Director of Research at Jigsaw – The National Centre for Youth Mental Health, and Professor Pepijn Van de Ven, Professor of AI and Machine Learning at University of Limerick.
They are joined by Derek Chambers General Manager (Policy Implementation) at the National Mental Health Office, in HSE Access & Integration team along with youth advocates Jack Kirby and Eva Lenihan, who help ensure the voices and perspectives of young people remain central to the work.
Looking ahead
The long-term vision of the PROACT project is straightforward. It is about helping youth mental health services provide the right support the first time a young person seeks help.
By learning from data in a responsible way, the research aims to help services anticipate demand, reduce waiting times, identify young people who may need additional support, and plan services more effectively.
Ultimately, the goal is simple. When a young person reaches out for help, they should receive the support they need as quickly and effectively as possible.
The VHI Women’s Mini Marathon is back on Sunday 31 May 2026, and it’s set to sell out faster than ever.
Last year was one of the biggest events yet, and demand continues to grow every year. That’s why we’re giving you early access to our Team Jigsaw charity places before general registration opens next week — and before we launch our wider public campaign.
Why Team Jigsaw?
Last year, Team Jigsaw was bigger than ever. From first-time walkers to seasoned runners, our supporters showed up in force — and the atmosphere on the day was incredible.
Our runners say it best:
“I had such a wonderful experience.”
“I felt amazing completing the marathon for Jigsaw. I felt great to be able to give back and take part for the service that helped me.”
“I really enjoyed running for Jigsaw. The event was honestly amazing. The energy and good vibes from everyone involved.”
When you take part for Jigsaw, you are helping provide free therapy and confidential mental health support for young people aged 12 to 25 across Ireland. Every euro raised helps ensure no young person has to face tough times alone.
You are not just signing up for a race. You are joining a powerful community of women coming together to support young people across Ireland.
What’s involved?
To secure your charity place:
Pay a 50 euro deposit to reserve your ticket
Pledge to raise a minimum of 250 euro in total, including your deposit
When you join Team Jigsaw, you will receive:
An official Jigsaw running T-shirt
A fundraising pack with tips and ideas
Your own iDonate fundraising page
Ongoing support from our fundraising team
Places are limited and once we open to the public, they are likely to move quickly.
Have you ever just needed a minute of calm? We all feel overwhelmed from time to time.
Jigsaw’s Neart Programme have put together a guide of Top Tips for Well-being to help you take a minute to reset and get grounded.
Shaped by the contributions from the Neart Parent & Guardian Network, this guide offers simple practices to bring steadier moments to everyday life. These small, practical tools are designed to support your wellbeing, especially when life feels like it’s moving at a more challenging pace.
If you are a parent who would like to know more about the Neart programme to support well-being in post-primary schools you can subscribe to their newsletter by clicking the button.
From iconic city runs to an adrenaline-fueled abseil to meaningful remembrance walks, there are powerful ways for you to get involved this year, set a personal goal, and support young people’s mental health across Ireland.
Whether you are chasing a personal best, ticking something off your bucket list, taking on your first 10km, or honouring someone close to you, we would love to have you on Team Jigsaw.
The RIP.ie Remembers campaign invites people across Ireland to walk 20 kilometres during March in memory of someone they love. Participants can complete the distance at a time and place that suits them, making it a flexible and meaningful way to get involved.
It is a thoughtful and reflective initiative that brings remembrance, community and purpose together, while supporting causes close to your heart.
If you would like to take part in RIP.ie Remembers and fundraise for Jigsaw, we would love to support you.
The Paris Marathon is one of the largest and most famous marathons in the world. The 42.195km route begins on the Champs Élysées and takes runners past some of the most recognisable landmarks in Paris, including the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower.
It is a true bucket list race and entries sell out quickly each year.
If you are ready to take on the ultimate endurance challenge in one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, this is your chance to do it while raising funds to support young people’s mental health. Charity places are limited, so early expressions of interest are encouraged.
One of the newest and most exciting additions to Ireland’s running calendar, the Dublin City Half Marathon takes place on Sunday, 3 May, starting and finishing in the heart of Dublin. The scenic 21.1km route brings runners through some of the city’s most iconic streets and landmarks.
The 2026 event is already completely sold out, with general entry places snapped up in record time. It is fast becoming one of the most sought-after races in the country.
The good news is that Jigsaw has secured a limited number of charity places.
If you missed out on general entry, this is your opportunity to run with purpose and help ensure young people can access free, confidential mental health support when they need it most.
Looking to achieve a lifelong ambition in Croke Park?
On Thursday, 28 May, our fundraising abseil challenge is taking place in GAA HQ.
Join our team of Jigsaw heroes who will abseil off the iconic Hogan Stand in Croke Park, taking in incredible views across Dublin before making their way back down to earth.
This fully organised challenge is perfect for anyone who wants to push themselves in a new way while raising funds for a cause that matters. You do not need prior abseiling experience. Full instructions and safety support will be provided on the day.
Places are limited, so early expressions of interest are encouraged.
The Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon returns on 31 May and remains the largest women only 10km event of its kind in the world. It is an iconic day in Dublin’s sporting calendar, bringing together runners, joggers and walkers of all levels in an atmosphere that is supportive, uplifting and inspiring.
Last year, the event sold out early due to huge demand. If you are interested in taking part this year, we have charity places available for anyone who would like to support Jigsaw.
Whether it is your first 10km or your fifteenth, this is a fantastic way to be part of something powerful while raising vital funds for youth mental health.
Ready to Take Part?
If you are interested in taking part in any of these opportunities, please email fundraising@jigsaw.ie and a member of our team will be in touch to guide you through the next steps.
Every euro raised helps us continue to provide free therapy and confidential mental health support for young people aged 12 to 25 across Ireland.
Jigsaw, the National Centre for Youth Mental Health, has today responded to the Government’s Memo to Cabinet regarding the drafting of new legislation to restrict social media use for those under 16. While acknowledging the Government’s intent to enhance online safety, Jigsaw is calling for the upcoming Bill to move beyond simple “blanket bans” and instead embed youth voice and digital resilience into the core of the new regulations.
Drawing on its 2025 youth-led policy brief, Social Media & Youth Mental Health, Jigsaw highlights that while young people are keenly aware of online risks, they remain concerned that restrictive controls alone are often unrealistic and can disproportionately impact marginalized youth who rely on these spaces for connection and support. As the legislative process begins, Jigsaw is urging the Government to include mandatory youth-informed impact assessmentsfor the new measures to ensure they do not unintentionally harm the very people they aim to protect.
Dr. Jeff Moore, Director of Research at Jigsaw said:
“The findings from our youth-led policy research show that the link between social media use and young people’s mental health is complex. Young people speak clearly about the risks they encounter online, including exposure to harmful content and peer pressure, but they also describe how digital spaces support connection, identity development, and access to help. Many young people do not believe that a blanket ban on social media use will be effective on its own, and policies that rely only on restriction risk missing this reality.
“Jigsaw, alongside many international colleagues in youth mental health, recommends an approach grounded in harm reduction. This means combining proportionate regulatory safeguards, including stronger platform safety and age-appropriate design standards, with sustained national investment in digital literacy, resilience-building, and supports for parents and caregivers. Helping young people develop the skills to navigate online environments safely is as important as limiting exposure to risk.
“Young people must also be directly involved in shaping the policies that affect them. Introducing youth-informed impact assessments as part of the legislative process would help ensure that new measures are practical, rights-based, and grounded in the everyday experiences of young people in Ireland.
Notes:
Jigsaw is Ireland’s National Centre for Youth Mental Health, supporting young people aged 12-25 with free and confidential therapy.
The 2025 Online Health Taskforce Report was a government-commissioned study that highlighted the need for “Safety by Design” and digital literacy alongside regulation.
Jigsaw welcomes this morning’s article in the Irish Times highlighting the recent report from ESRI on Supporting Student Wellbeing in School Contexts.
There is little doubt that the global deterioration in our young people’s mental health is the most significant and cross-cutting issue facing our society today.
And we all have a role.
Jigsaw’s Neart programme, developed and delivered in partnership with the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS)/Department of Education and Youth, focuses on strengthening the whole school environment and support systems around students, fostering positive school culture, the centrality of supportive relationships and sense of belonging for all, which promote and support student wellbeing.
This approach strongly aligns with the evidence-based recommendations of the report. In recognition of the increased challenges of minoritised students referenced in this article, Neart also has an ongoing workstream on supporting the specific wellbeing needs of minoritised groups, holding equity, true inclusion and belonging for all front and centre.
Neart offers direct and practical support to schools to build the necessary skills and take evidence-informed actions to promote student wellbeing through of suite of supports for school staff and parents, including webinars, a podcast series, in-person regional conferences, online resources and our Neart Wellbeing Award.
Neart aims to support schools to create an environment that promotes the wellbeing of the entire school community. This whole school approach, involving school leaders and all staff, parents and young people, is essential in moving from individual ownership to collective responsibility.
As referenced in the recent ERSI report, the creation of this supportive environment is essential in supporting belonging and connectedness – key ingredients in supporting the student, but also those around them – educators, school leaders, staff and parents.
Key to the successful implementation of any wellbeing initiative in schools is student involvement from the start. As pointed in the ERSI report, “There are few better opportunities to hand over responsibility than in the design and implementation of school wellbeing initiatives… Students are the experts on their own subjective wellbeing and should be central to decision-making around whole school wellbeing efforts.”
Please see www.jigsaw.ie/neart for further information on how we can support your school on your wellbeing journey.
It’s famed for it’s art, it’s fashion, and its incredible architecture.
But on April 12th thousands of people will take to the streets of Paris for the Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris 2026.
Jigsaw have a small number of places for fundraisers. Why not take on the challenge for a great cause?
If you are interested you better hurry as entries close next week.
Experience Paris like never before
Paris is one of the world’s most iconic marathon routes. You’ll:
Start on the Champs-Élysées
Pass the Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame and the Eiffel Tower
Follow the Seine through the heart of the city
It’s a marathon people remember for the rest of their lives.
Why run for Jigsaw?
Your run will make a difference for young people in Ireland. Jigsaw provides free therapy and confidential mental health support to 12–25 year olds, and delivers education and resources to schools, communities and parents across the country.
Every euro you raise helps young people who are struggling with their mental health.
Fundraising & deposit details
To help us plan and to make sure our places go to committed runners:
Deposit: €300 (goes towards your fundraising)
Total target: €1,500 by race weekend
Don’t worry if that sounds daunting but once you start sharing your page, things will start to move more quickly than you might expect.
What you’ll receive as part of Team Jigsaw
We’re with you from sign-up to the finish line, including:
A personal fundraising page on iDonate
A Jigsaw running top for race weekend
Regular check-ins from the team
Encouragement every step of the way
Next step: Secure your place
If you would like to register to take part in this unforgettable event, click the link below. We’d love to have you on the team. 💚
