Research Projects in Jigsaw
Research Projects in Jigsaw
At Jigsaw, research is at the heart of how we improve youth mental health services. Our projects focus on enhancing care quality, increasing accessibility, and innovating mental health support for young people aged 12-25. All of our research is aligned with Ireland’s National Mental Health Research Strategy, ensuring that our work contributes to evidence-based policy and service improvements at a national level. Below is a snapshot of our key research initiatives.
Ongoing Research Projects
Quality, Safety & Effectiveness in Youth Mental Health
We continuously evaluate our services to ensure they are safe, effective, and youth-friendly. Our research examines the impact of brief interventions, group work, and digital supports to improve outcomes for young people. This work also includes youth lead research, such as the Jigsaw Youth Research Council.
EQUICARES: Advancing Equitable Mental Health Care
Jigsaw is a partner in EQUICARES, a Horizon Europe project tackling mental health inequalities across Europe. Led by Dr. Jeff Moore and Dr. Siobhan O’Brien, we are researching barriers to accessing care and developing solutions for more inclusive services for vulnerable populations across Europe. This innovation research project will lead to a range of digital solutions which improve access for vulerable populations across Europe.
YOUTHreach: Bridging Gaps in Mental Health Support
Funded by the EU, YOUTHreach is a multi-country initiative evaluating youth walk-in centres, self-help apps, and digital peer support to improve mental health care for young people. Jigsaw is working with the University of Galway to assess how these interventions can enhance early support and reduce stigma.
Implementing Peer Support in Youth Mental Health
Jigsaw is supporting PhD researcher Rachel Murphy (UCD) in developing a peer support model for enhanced primary care mental health. This project explores how trained young people with lived experience can provide meaningful support alongside professional services.
Digital Technologies to Support Wellbeing
PhD researcher Isobel Walsh (DCU), in partnership with Jigsaw, is studying how digital tools can be integrated into youth mental health services. This research will help shape innovative and youth-centered digital interventions.