Category: News

This is Jigsaw’s fourth win at the awards since 2016.

 

This Christmas, get together with your colleagues, friends or family to wear your Jumpers for Jigsaw. Because loneliness doesn’t take a holiday, not even at Christmas.

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.

 

DOWNLOAD THE FULL REPORT HERE

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. 

Dr. Joseph Duffy, Jigsaw CEO calls for systemic changes to funding of youth mental health services in wake of “most demanding year”.

Our very own Damian Sheridan will be leading seven other motorcyclists on a 72-hour journey that will cover 15,000km and visit all fourteen local Jigsaw services across the country.

Galway Camogie has debuted new team jerseys on Saturday, 18 February to announce their partnership with Jigsaw. The Galway Camogie senior team will proudly wear the Jigsaw logo, in donated jersey space from sponsor Westerwood Global, for the duration of the 2023 National Camogie League.

• Jigsaw local services will be closed from 12pm on Friday, 23 December and will reopen on Tuesday, 3 January 2023. Please note that some local services reopening dates may vary. You can get in touch with your local Jigsaw here.
• Live Chat will close on Thursday, 22 December at 7.30pm and will resume as normal on Tuesday, 3 January 2023 (2 – 7.30pm).

Here are some services that can support you in the meantime: