Jigsaw Annual Report 2025 reveals record demand
Jigsaw Annual Report 2025 reveals record demand
National youth mental health charity warns demand is accelerating at unprecedented pace, as it delivers faster access and strong clinical outcomes despite historic pressure .
Jigsaw, the National Centre for Youth Mental Health, today publishes its Annual Report 2025, revealing both record demand for its services alongside a strong, organisation-wide response that is reducing waiting times and improving the mental health of young people across Ireland.
The report shows that Jigsaw accepted 11,064 referrals in 2025 – a 23% increase on the previous year and the highest number in its history. This surge has continued into 2026, with referrals rising by a further 33% in the first quarter alone, signalling a clear and accelerating trend in youth mental health need.
In a strong statement accompanying the report, Jigsaw said the figures demonstrate that Ireland is experiencing a sustained and intensifying demand for early mental health intervention among young people, requiring long-term commitment to investment to ensure services can keep pace.
Despite this unprecedented growth, Jigsaw reports that it has successfully halved national waiting times, from eight weeks to four, through major service innovations, including the rollout of Single Session First Therapy, ensuring more young people receive timely support before reaching crisis point.
In total, Jigsaw delivered 62,235 clinical contacts in 2025, the instance of young people showing measurable clinical improvement ahead of target and a satisfaction rate of 89% among young people and parents, demonstrating that quality of care has been maintained alongside increased demand.
Dr Joseph Duffy, CEO of Jigsaw, said:
“Our Annual Report makes one thing unmistakably clear: demand for youth mental health support in Ireland is not only at record levels – it is accelerating rapidly. A 33% increase in referrals in just the first three months of this year underlines the scale and urgency of what we are facing.
“This comes as we have transformed our services to meet growing need. By redesigning how young people enter our services and introducing Single Session First Therapy, we have cut waiting times in half nationwide. This shows that meaningful change in how we organise and run mental health services is possible – even under significant pressure.
“However, demand at this level cannot be absorbed indefinitely without sustained support. If we are to protect access, maintain strong clinical outcomes/improved mental health for young people, and continue reaching young people early, ongoing and sustained State investment will be critical. The public trust us to deliver for their young people, let’s not lose this due to short-term thinking and not planning for their future.”
Key findings from the Jigsaw Annual Report 2025
- Record levels of demand: Jigsaw saw 11,064 referrals across 2025 the highest level in Jigsaw’s 20 year history and a 23% increase on 2024.
- Reduced waiting times: National waiting times halved from eight weeks to four through service innovation.
- Clinical outcomes: an 89% satisfaction rate among young people and families and the rate of measurable clinical improvement in the mental health of those attending exceeding targets.
- National reach: Jigsaw engaged with 623 post-primary schools, representing over 80% of post primary schools nationwide.
- Strong financial stewardship: €17.3m income in 2025, with €17.25m reinvested in services and operations; €4 raised for every €1 spent on fundraising.
Figures from 2026
- Accelerating demand: 3,909 referrals in Q1 2026, up from 2,946 in Q1 2025—a 33% increase, following 11,064 referrals across 2025.
Read Jigsaw’s annual report in full here
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