Jigsaw, the charity dedicated to supporting youth mental health, is thrilled to announce that it has been selected as the charity partner to Start Solar, the leading renewable energy specialist.
This exciting two-year collaboration aims to raise awareness and funds to support the vital mental health services that Jigsaw provides.
Colours Climb invites individuals to unite with their family, friends, classmates, club members, teammates, or colleagues in a collective effort to take on a walking or hiking challenge, all while wearing your favourite colour, uniform, or jersey.
Jigsaw were delighted to partner with Mind your Melon for the much-anticipated relaunch of their successful art competition and exhibition.
Young people from secondary schools and Youthreachs across Donegal collaborated to encourage young people to explore their mental health through art. From the 21 January to the 2 February, the entries were featured in public exhibition at An Grianan Theatre. A prize-giving event was then held to celebrate all the young people who took part in the competition.
We hope that you have a peaceful and safe Christmas break.
If you or someone you know requires urgent care over the holidays, please get in touch with a service. You can find a list of available services here: https://jigsaw.ie/need-urgent-help/.
This is Jigsaw’s fourth win at the awards since 2016.
For many young people, this time of year can be a time of loneliness, sadness, and isolation. When we feel lonely, we don’t just feel down. Loneliness is the silent wrecker of mental and physical wellbeing.
We at Jigsaw want to be there for young people who are facing these challenges in silence. Every contribution helps us remind them that they’re not alone. That there is hope.
In April, young people and professionals came together to highlight what we need to do to achieve better mental health and a sense of belonging for students in third-level education. Today the report on the findings of this event is being launched.
Jigsaw, the youth mental health charity, and HSE Mental Health and Wellbeing, co-hosted a roundtable event which gathered together university staff, national stakeholders and, most importantly, higher education students from across Ireland to talk through what is needed to support the mental health of higher education students.
Jigsaw and UCD School of Psychology’s My World Survey 1 and 2 found that 58% of higher education students were outside the normal range for depression and anxiety. The top three stressors students identified were college, finances and the future.
The discussion was an opportunity to share current good practice across colleges and universities, but also focused on gaps – what needs to be done to help? The discussions highlighted that students must be key partners and are central to any initiatives on student mental health. “As students we know what works best…Our message to you is to take on these findings, whilst being aware that plenty of students are keen to support and advise your projects” says Aisling Dillon, a Jigsaw Youth Advocate and university student, speaking at the launch of the report.
Participants emphasised that the success of student mental health promotion initiatives depends on a whole college approach, with all staff having a role to play alongside significant buy in from senior leadership.
Evidence shows that mental health needs to be addressed both inside and outside the lecture rooms, but for anything to have an impact, more resources are needed. National collaboration is key, and results should be shared across universities.
The Higher Education Authority will consider the recommendations of this report while keeping in mind the work being undertaken across the sector to support student and staff health and wellbeing. The report can be read in full at jigsaw.ie/roundtable
Sophie Kathryn, a young person who previously accessed Jigsaw services.
Damian, our Facilities Officer tells us how a thank you letter from a young boy inspired him to plan his own fundraiser for Jigsaw.
