Volunteer youth advocates

Be part of driving change in youth mental health across Ireland! As a Jigsaw Youth Advocate, you will play a crucial role in helping us achieve our vision for an Ireland where every young person’s mental health is valued and supported. 

Our Youth Advocates amplify the voices of young people and support us in mobilising community and societal change. They are essential to our rights-based approach in evolving, designing, and delivering mental health services for young people aged 12-25. 

Join us and make a difference! 

Jigsaw Youth Advocates are volunteers who support us in our goal of achieving better mental health outcomes for young people. 

Youth advocates create understanding, raise awareness of and promote youth mental health within their own community. They are also a key element of the youth voice and engagement approach within Jigsaw.

Why become a Youth Advocate?

As a Jigsaw Youth Advocate, you will have lots of opportunities to get involved in change making initiatives within your community and nationally and have fun while doing it!

See below for examples of what you could be involved with:

• Advocacy and Public Speaking: Advocating and amplifying your voice in public debate and conversation on youth mental health.
• Service Design: Sharing your voice and expertise to help inform the design and delivery of Jigsaw’s services.
• Workshop Facilitation: Facilitating youth mental health promotion workshops in your community.
• Project Participation: Taking part in project groups related to our work in Research & Evaluation, Communications, Mental Health Promotion, and Fundraising.
• Digital Creativity: Helping our digital work by being part of the creative process.
• Staff Recruitment: Having a say in the recruitment of new staff.
• Training and Skill Development: Getting involved in training and developing new transversal skills.
• Awareness Campaigns: Raising awareness and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health.
• Fundraising: Fundraising vital funds for Jigsaw to help achieve our mission as a charity.

Volunteering with Jigsaw can provide Youth Advocates with several benefits, including:

• Skill Development: Gain valuable transversal skills such as communication, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving.
• Personal Growth: Increase self-confidence, self-awareness, and a sense of active citizenship.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded peers, professionals, and organisations in the mental health sector.
• Experience: Build a strong resume with practical experience in advocacy and community work.
• Community Impact: Make a tangible difference in the mental health and well-being of other young people.
• Support and Training: Receive training and support to develop knowledge about mental health issues and effective advocacy.
• Covered Expenses: Receive out-of-pocket expenses related to volunteering covered, ensuring that participation is accessible to all
• Empowerment: Feel empowered by contributing to meaningful change and being a voice for peers.

Sounds great! How do I apply?

Services recruit youth advocates at different points throughout the year, please see below those currently recruiting. To apply you need to be aged between 16 and 25 and living, studying, or working in the community the service you have applied for serves.

If you don’t see your local service here and are interested in getting involved contact your local service for when they may be recruiting next.