Jigsaw Dublin City
Dublin City
Meet the team and find out all the details you need to get in touch with the Jigsaw service in Dublin City, for youth mental health support.
Contact Details
Telephone: 01 658 3070
Email:dublincity@jigsaw.ie
Location
Address: Two locations
44 Essex Street East
Temple Bar,
Dublin 2
Get Directions
Beckett House - wheelchair accessible
Summerhill
Dublin 1
Opening Hours
- Monday 9am – 1pm, 2pm – 5.30pm
- Tuesday 9am – 1pm, 2pm – 8pm
- Wednesday 9am – 1pm, 2pm – 5.30pm
- Thursday 9am – 1pm, 2pm – 8pm
- Friday 9am – 1pm, 2pm – 5.30pm
- Saturday -Closed
- Sunday -Closed
Closed: The Mondays of Bank Holidays
About us
Jigsaw Dublin City is a free, non-judgemental, and confidential support service for young people aged 12 – 25 living, working, or studying in Dublin City.
We provide guidance and support for young people who are going through a difficult or distressing time. We also provide advice and guidance for anyone who is concerned about a young person in their life.
We operate in two different locations:
- 44 Essex Street East Temple Bar, Dublin 2
- Beckett House, Summerhill, Dublin 1. (Wheelchair accessible)
Jigsaw services aim to provide tailored community-based help for young people’s mental health needs.
Direct support for young people
Our service in Dublin City provides a welcoming space for young people to get information or have a chat with a support worker. If a young person wants support, our staff are there to listen, without making judgements, and provide supportive guidance. We also provide information and advice to anyone worried about a friend or young person in their life.
Working with young people
At Jigsaw, we believe it is vital to make sure young people’s voices are heard. Our Youth Advocates represent us and take part in decision-making at every level.
We are currently recruiting Youth Advocates (aged 16-25) for our Jigsaw Dublin service. If you would like to apply please complete an application form.
Working with the community
As well as directly helping young people in tough times, we want to work towards a community that is supportive of mental health and wellbeing.
Presentations and talks in schools, workplaces, and community groups aim to open up a discussion on mental health and raise people’s awareness of the support that Jigsaw Dublin City can offer.
>> Check out what workshops we offer.
Tell us about your experience
At Jigsaw, we care passionately about what we do and strive to give young people the best possible support for their mental health. If you are happy, or unhappy, with our service in any way, let us know by completing our online feedback form.
Please select the option best suited to you:
Meet the Jigsaw Dublin City team
Rachel Ardagh
I completed an honours degree in Occupational Therapy (OT) in Trinity College. After working for several years in disability I studied Equine Assisted Therapy and became qualified as an Equine Assisted Learning Facilitator, and a Therapeutic Riding Coach. I am now studying for a Masters in Mindfulness Based Interventions in UCD.
Study and work
I spent 7 years working as an OT supporting children and adults with physical and intellectual disabilities. I then took a post facilitating and delivering equine assisted therapy programmes in an equestrian centre. There, alongside horses, I supported a wide population of people with varying different sensory, motor, intellectual, and emotional needs. Before coming to Jigsaw I worked as Senior Paediatric OT in Primary Care. This job focused on boosting children’s and adolescent’s self esteem by supporting them to achieve functional goals.
Rachel Ardagh
I completed an honours degree in Occupational Therapy (OT) in Trinity College. After working for several years in disability I studied Equine Assisted Therapy and became qualified as an Equine Assisted Learning Facilitator, and a Therapeutic Riding Coach. I am now studying for a Masters in Mindfulness Based Interventions in UCD.
Study and work
I spent 7 years working as an OT supporting children and adults with physical and intellectual disabilities. I then took a post facilitating and delivering equine assisted therapy programmes in an equestrian centre. There, alongside horses, I supported a wide population of people with varying different sensory, motor, intellectual, and emotional needs. Before coming to Jigsaw I worked as Senior Paediatric OT in Primary Care. This job focused on boosting children’s and adolescent’s self esteem by supporting them to achieve functional goals.
Aoife Byrne
My career has been divided between Administrative and Teaching. I have eight years experience in Administration between my family's furniture business and working with CORU - Regulator for Health and Social Care Professions. I also have four years teaching experience. I worked as a Home Tutor to pre-school children with ASD for three years and as an ESL (English as a Second Language) for a year in Murcia, Spain. I love engaging and helping people in anyway possible.
Study and work
I have a degree in Psychology from National University of Ireland Maynooth and I am currently studying my Diploma in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy with Zestlife College which I am thoroughly enjoying. I have also completed a number of CPD (Continuous Professional Development) trainings in areas such as (ASD) Autism Spectrum Disorders and teaching through drama, play etc.
Conor Boksberger
My job is to lead the team in Jigsaw Dublin City to provide the highest quality and safest service to young people. I am also really lucky that I still get to meet with young people and support them to find solutions to what’s causing their problems.
Study and work
I studied Social Science in UCD and then went on to complete a Masters degree in Social Work in Trinity College. These courses have helped me understand how society, family, school and a range of other factors can have a direct influence on our lives, and can play a big part in how we feel on a day to day basis.
Cian Mekitarian
I have had many career changes on my journey to Jigsaw. Throughout college I worked as a chef and continued afterwards, both in Ireland and abroad. My first teaching role was with VTOS, where I taught art subjects. I also taught in Midlands prison and various BTEI initiatives. My main teaching focus was with Youthreach where I spent ten years, on and off. Before joining Jigsaw I worked for YAP as a Youth Advocate and for Meath Partnership as Education Support Youth Worker.
Study and work
After school I studied Fine Art in Limerick School of Art and Design. A few years later I received a hDip in Adult and Community Education from Maynooth University.
Criosa Houston
As an OT, my role was to support people to overcome barriers so they could do the daily activities that were important to them. Fun Fact: I was terrified about driving when I first started learning, and it took me 4 tries to pass my test, but now I really enjoy it!
Study and work
I completed a degree in Occupational Therapy (OT) in National University of Ireland, Galway. I graduated in 2011. Before joining Jigsaw, I mainly worked in services for adults who were experiencing difficulties with their mental health.
Karen Duggan
I found my favourite part of admin work is I enjoy helping people. I began working with Jigsaw in August 2019.
Study and work
I studied English Literature and Religious Studies with Dublin City University. When I finished college I did not know what I wanted to do. I started working in Dublin Airport where I began to build up my admin skills. I’ve also worked in Glasnevin Cemetery as an Office Admin and a Leisure Centre as a Business Development Admin.
Lauren O’Halleron
After college I moved into Administration with an engineering company before stepping into my current role with Jigsaw Dublin City. I also do a lot of volunteer work for various charities – mostly fundraising.
Study and work
I studied my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology Applied to IT in the Institute of Art, Design and Technology followed by a Masters degree in Journalism in the Dublin Institute of Technology (now TUD). I also have a Diploma in Legal Studies from Dublin Business School. I worked in Retail during my college studies in different establishments including Dunnes and Tesco.
Sarah Murray
When I was a student I worked as a home care assistant with the elderly and I really enjoyed it. After I qualified I went to work in Exchange House Ireland National Travellers Service as a Social Worker and then Team Leader for the Family Support and Crisis Intervention Service. I worked with members of the Traveller community all across county Dublin. I worked with families and individuals of all ages in this service providing supports.
Study and work
I studied Social Sciences at University College Dublin and graduated in 2009 with a Bachelor’s degree. I then went on to study a Masters in Social Work at UCD from 2009-2011.
Valerija Gnusareva
I provide sessions in two languages: English and Russian. I work as a clinician in Jigsaw Dublin City and I am a psychotherapist. Psychotherapy is a process taking place in a relationship between psychotherapist and a person who work together to explore their difficulties. My professional development is always ongoing as I continue to progress professionally by attending conferences, seminars and by taking part in reading groups to further my knowledge.
Study and work
My studies began with a B.A. (Hons) in Psychology and continued with a clinical M.A. in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy. My professional training consisted of theory, clinical placements, infant observation, weekly psychiatric case conferences and personal development. I have worked on placements in a number of different sectors, including several south inner city primary schools in Dublin, and Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Navan (Department of Psychiatry). I have also worked extensively with university students in Dublin. I have worked with people of different ages and with various presenting issues. I am a fully accredited member of A.P.P.I. (Association for Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy in Ireland) & of I.C.P. (Irish Council for Psychotherapy) and I practice within their code of ethics.
Dawn O'Higgens
I work one to one with young people in Jigsaw. As a social Care Worker and Social Worker I have worked with young people in many different settings including residential care, student support, disabilities and throughcare/aftercare.
Study and work
I spent three years studying for an honours degree in Social Care in Dublin Institute of Technology. After this, I worked in the world of Social Care for two years before moving to Cork and studying for a masters in Social Work at the University College Cork.
Fiona Daly
I am originally from Toronto, in Canada, eh? From my experience working with adults, I saw the benefit of early intervention for mental health challenges. So I completed a MSc in Child Art Psychotherapy at UCD in 2017. I went on to qualify as a Play Therapist through the National University of Ireland Galway and Play Therapy Ireland. So you’ll often see me covered in paint! Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, DIY projects and music.
I completed a Bachelor of Social Work from Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada. I am a CORU registered Social Worker. My initial experience in criminal justice and homelessness focused on advocacy, supporting individual’s to make positive changes in their life.