PRESS RELEASE: Youth mental health: Levels of distress remain significantly higher than pre-Covid 19, Jigsaw’s 2024 Annual Report shows

In 2024, over 4 in 10 young people accessing Jigsaw’s services presented with high levels of mental health distress – a statistically significant increase from pre-Covid 19 levels.  

July 24th, 2025 – Jigsaw, Ireland’s leading youth mental health charity, today launched its 2024 Annual Report, revealing that psychological distress among young people remains significantly elevated compared to pre-2020 levels.

Despite this sustained demand, Jigsaw delivered over 62,000 clinical contacts across Ireland, demonstrating resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to supporting young people’s mental health.

Dr. Joseph Duffy, CEO of Jigsaw, said:
“We are seeing sustained high levels of need among young people. While the numbers have slightly stabilised, they remain well above what we were seeing five or six years ago. That tells us something important: the challenges young people face are not going away – and neither is our commitment to being there for them.”

Report Highlights

• 62,235 clinical contacts delivered across Jigsaw’s services – reflecting the breadth of therapeutic support.
• 6,238 participants engaged in Jigsaw’s mental health workshops and training.
• Introduction of single-session first therapy,
• Reduction in wait times to access Jigsaw from 11 to 8 weeks
• Launch of the Neart programme in partnership with NEPS and the Department of Education and Youth, supporting mental health in post-primary schools.
• Continued delivery of online supports to thousands of young people and their families.

Edel Connolly, Jigsaw Youth Advocate, said:
“Young people today are under more pressure than ever. Jigsaw is often the first place they turn to, and this report shows just how vital that support is. But we can’t do it alone. We need more funding, more awareness, and more people standing with us. The past year has highlighted, once again, that when adequately resourced, mental health services like Jigsaw, can be highly effective.”

Jigsaw’s 2024 Annual Report calls for increased government investment in early intervention youth mental health services in Budget 2026, and urges the public to continue supporting its work through donations and advocacy.

“Despite all the challenges we faced in 2024”, Dr Duffy added. “our report, launched today, clearly shows that Jigsaw is making a difference. Through the daily efforts of our teams across the country, through levels of innovation unparalleled across our health system and through the support of public and state funders, our model is effective. While the need continue to growing, solutions are within reach – but only if we are resourced to deliver them. We are calling on government, donors, and communities to stand with us in building a better future for young people.”

This year’s achievements were only possible thanks to the dedication, resilience, and passion of Jigsaw’s staff and volunteers across the country. Your commitment continues to change lives and shape the future of youth mental health in Ireland.

Jigsaw’s Annual Report 2024 can be downloaded here