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80 cyclists, two days, €210k – looking back at the Applegreen Cycle

Posted on by Ian Carey

Last weekend, over two glorious days on July 10th and 11th, 80 colleagues from across Applegreen got on their bikes for the Applegreen Cycle.

Open to cyclists of every skill level, the route took the team from the historic castle at Bunratty, Co. Clare, all the way to Tullamore, Co. Offaly. While experiencing some of the most beautiful cycling scenery Ireland has to offer, the team embarked on an incredibly challenging, positive, and powerful few days in the saddle.

Most importantly, their monumental efforts have raised an astounding €210,000 to date for their charity partner, Jigsaw.

There is something deeply fitting about cycling as a symbol for this cause. Progress isn’t always easy. Sometimes the road is steep, the wind is against you, and the finish line seems a long way off. But with determination, support, and people alongside you, it’s possible to keep moving forward.

By turning the pedals, one after another, these cyclists demonstrated huge generosity toward the children and young people (aged 12-25) we support day in and day out across our 14 regional services. The vital funds raised will directly support our free therapy and mental health resources. This journey taken together was one of true solidarity—with each other as colleagues, and with us as a charity partner, and we are hugely grateful.

By choosing to champion this cause, Applegreen colleagues have shown that youth mental health matters. Their dedication on and off the saddle will help fund vitally important and pressing solutions, ensuring that when a child, a young adult, a mam, or a dad reaches out and asks for help, we are there.

Every climb tackled, every headwind battled, every puncture fixed, and every turn of the wheel was for something so, so important.

To everyone who organised, supported, donated, or cheered from the sidelines—thank you.

Find out more about the cycle and the ongoing partnership at applegreen.jigsaw.ie.

Are we leaving our youth behind in the digital era? A new EU report points to Jigsaw as the way forward

Posted on by Ian Carey

It has been a significant week for youth mental health in Ireland and across Europe. The European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS) has just released a major new report: Mental health of young people in a digital era. The findings are stark, detailing the unique modern pressures on our youth, but the report also brings validating news for our community: Jigsaw’s youth hub model is highlighted in the report as a leading, successful example of how to properly support young people.

The “Missing Middle” and the cost of inaction

The report paints a worrying picture of the escalating pressures facing young people. Currently, almost one in five young people in the EU lives with a diagnosable mental disorder, with anxiety and depression leading the burden. Furthermore, adolescents are increasingly struggling with sub-clinical distress—such as sleep disruption and low self-esteem—exacerbated by the digital environment, including persuasive platform designs and algorithms that promote harmful content.

One of the most critical structural issues identified by the EPRS is the “missing middle”. Mental health systems across Europe are frequently structured to treat only acute, severe crises. This leaves a massive gap for adolescents experiencing mild-to-moderate psychological distress, who often languish on long waiting lists or receive no formal support until their condition deteriorates. The socioeconomic cost of ignoring this missing middle is staggering: if we maintain the current status quo, youth mental ill-health will cost the EU economy an estimated €1.68 trillion over the next decade.

Jigsaw’s approach: A blueprint for Europe

This is exactly the gap Jigsaw exists to fill, and we are immensely proud to see our work recognized as a “mature” and effective community intervention model at the European level. In its assessment of solutions, the report praises Jigsaw for providing an essential intermediate tier of early care.

The EPRS highlights our core model: providing free, brief, primary-care-level talking therapy designed to build coping skills and prevent early distress from becoming entrenched. Crucially, the report champions our low-threshold accessibility. By allowing young people aged 12-25 to self-refer—bypassing the need for a general practitioner referral—we remove massive administrative barriers and accelerate access to non-stigmatizing care.

We see the daily impact of this approach across our 14 regional services. It is incredibly validating to see the report cite our strong outcome data, noting that between 62% and 68% of Jigsaw participants show reliable and clinically significant improvements in their psychological distress. The report also emphasizes the strength of our multidisciplinary teams—which include psychologists, social workers, and youth workers—and our integration with local schools and primary care providers.

Moving forward with the recommendations

To turn the tide on this crisis, the EPRS report proposes six core EU-level policy options. Notably, Option 2 calls for a dedicated EU framework to support “youth-friendly early-intervention services” or youth hubs—directly mirroring the Jigsaw model. It recommends exactly what we have built: low-threshold access, multi-disciplinary care, and youth-centered environments.

We have long advocated that community-based, youth-friendly support should be the standard everywhere. This European recognition is a profound testament to the dedication of our staff and the young people who inspire us. Now, it is time to use this momentum to ensure that every young person in Ireland has a safe place to turn to when the digital and offline worlds become too much.

Help shape support for your teen’s wellbeing

Posted on by Ian Carey

Parenting a young person today can feel both rewarding and overwhelming. As our children grow into teenagers and young adults, their emotional world becomes more complex – and as parents, we all want to support them in the best way possible.

But what does effective support really look like?

At Jigsaw, in collaboration with the University of Limerick, we’re working to answer that question through an exciting new initiative — the PEARL Project.

What is the PEARL Project?

The PEARL project is focused on developing a practical, evidence-informed parenting programme to help strengthen young people’s ability to regulate their emotions — a skill that is critical for mental health, relationships, and resilience.

A key part of this work is ensuring that the programme reflects the real experiences, challenges, and insights of parents and caregivers.

That’s where you come in.

Your Voice Matters

Any parent or caregiver of a young person (aged 12—25 years) is invited to take part in a confidential, 1-hour online discussion.

This is your opportunity to:

  • Share your experiences of supporting your young person
  • Talk about what works — and what doesn’t
  • Help shape a programme that will support families across Ireland

Sessions are flexible and supportive, and you can choose to take part:

  • One-to-one, or
  • In a small group discussion
  • With a dedicated group available for fathers

Why Take Part?

Parenting doesn’t come with a manual — but together, we can create something close.

By taking part, you will:

✅ Help ensure parents’ voices are at the heart of this programme
✅ Contribute to a resource designed to make a real difference in young people’s lives
✅ Support other families facing similar challenges
✅ Be part of a meaningful collaboration between research and real-life experience

Most importantly, your input will help create something practical, relevant, and genuinely useful — not just in theory, but in everyday family life.

A Small Commitment, A Lasting Impact

We know your time is valuable. That’s why participation is simple:

  • Just 1 hour online
  • Completely confidential
  • Scheduled at a time that suits you

That one hour could help shape support that benefits countless young people and families.

Get Involved

If you’re interested in taking part, signing up is easy:

👉 Sign up here

There is a specific sign up link if you are interested in taking part in the group dedicated to fathers.

👉 Fathers sign up here

📧 Or contact: sarah.oleary@ul.ie for more information

 

Early bird registration now open for the IAYMH

Posted on by Ian Carey

We’re excited to share another update on the International Association for Youth Mental Health (IAYMH) Conference 2026, which will take place this November at the Convention Centre Dublin.

Since our previous announcement confirming that Dublin will host this global event, preparations have continued to gather pace — and there are now some important developments for anyone considering attending.

Welcoming Our First Plenary Speakers

We are delighted to introduce the first of our Conference Plenary Speakers, who will be joining us at IAYMH2026.

These speakers bring a wealth of expertise, research, and lived experience from across the global youth mental health community. Their contributions will help shape conversations on how we can continue to improve supports, services, and outcomes for young people.

More speaker announcements will follow in the coming weeks, but this first group already reflects the diversity, innovation, and leadership that defines this conference.

👉 View Plenary Speakers:

Early Bird Registration Now Open

Registration for IAYMH2026 is officially open — and Early Bird rates are now available.

These discounted rates offer significant savings across different categories, including:

  • General registration
  • Concession tickets
  • Delegates from low-income countries

We encourage anyone interested in attending to book early to take advantage of these lower rates.

👉 View Registration Information:

Accommodation Options Available

Planning your trip to Dublin is now easier, with exclusive, competitively priced hotel rates secured for conference delegates.

These accommodation offers are:

  • Limited in availability
  • Time-sensitive
  • Available through official booking links

With high demand expected in Dublin in November, we strongly recommend booking your accommodation as early as possible.

👉 View Accommodation Information:

Looking Ahead to November

Hosting IAYMH2026 in Dublin is a significant milestone for youth mental health in Ireland. The conference will bring together researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and young people from around the world to share knowledge, build connections, and drive progress.

As we move closer to November, we look forward to sharing more updates — including additional speakers, programme highlights, and opportunities to get involved.

Stay tuned, and join the conversation online using:
#IAYMH2026 #YouthMentalHealth #ConventionCentreDublin #Dublin2026

 

Over €120,000 raised with Applegreen for Jigsaw

Posted on by Ian Carey

Our new charity partnership with Applegreen could not have gotten off to a better start.

Over the three days of the May bank holiday weekend, an incredible €123,764 was raised in support of Jigsaw’s work with young people across Ireland. Across more than 200 Applegreen service stations nationwide, customers were invited to make a simple €2 donation at the till—and the response was extraordinary.

More than 60,000 Applegreen customers said “yes”.

Each of those moments, each conversation, each decision to give, came together to create something truly powerful: a nationwide show of support for young people’s mental health.

This campaign was made possible by the dedication and enthusiasm of Applegreen teams across the country. By taking the time to ask customers to support Jigsaw, they played a vital role in helping thousands of people take a small action that adds up to a lasting impact.

We want to say a heartfelt thank you to every Applegreen team member who asked the question—and to every customer who chose to say “yes.”

Because behind this remarkable total is something even more important – the difference it will make.

Every euro raised will help Jigsaw continue to provide free, accessible mental health support for children and young people across Ireland. It means more young people can access early support, find a safe space to talk, and get help at the moment they need it most.

Justin McDermott, Fundraising Manager at Jigsaw, said:
“We’re incredibly grateful to every single person who contributed over the weekend – whether that was an Applegreen team member starting a conversation at the till or a customer choosing to donate. What’s so powerful about this campaign is how those small moments come together to create something really meaningful. This level of support will help ensure more young people across Ireland can access the mental health support they need, when they need it most. It’s a brilliant example of what can be achieved when communities come together behind a shared cause.”

This is just the beginning of our partnership with Applegreen, and this first campaign has shown what’s possible when people come together with a shared purpose.

Thank you for helping us be there for young people across Ireland—when it matters most.

Wicklow councillors champion youth mental health

Posted on by Ian Carey

At Jigsaw, we are committed not only to supporting young people directly, but also to advocating for stronger systems, better access, and lasting change in youth mental health.

Recently, our team in Wicklow brought that commitment into a key local decision-making space through a deputation to Wicklow County Council’s Bray Municipal District—an engagement that has also been recognised in local media.

Bringing youth mental health to local decision-makers

Youth Community Engagement Worker, Adam Burke, alongside Senior Clinician Clara O’Shea Collins and Youth Advocate Ceoladh Fenlon, presented an overview of Jigsaw Wicklow’s work and our key advocacy priorities to local councillors.

The meeting was chaired by Councillor Melanie Corrigan and attended by councillors Ned Whelan, Malachai Duddy, Joe Behan, Ian Neary and Caroline Winstanley, council staff, local press and members of the public.

The deputation had been organised by Cllr Erika Doyle, Green Party Councillor for Bray East and Cathaoirleach of Bray Municipal District, who unfortunately was unable to attend on the day due to illness.

Responding to growing need

As outlined during the presentation—and reflected in recent coverage in the Irish Independent—demand for youth mental health support continues to grow, with services facing sustained pressure from a range of factors impacting young people’s wellbeing.

Our team shared the impact of their work in Wicklow:

  • Over 400 young people completing therapy in 2025
  • Reduced waiting times through our single-session model
  • More than 3,000 people reached through workshops in the past two years
  • Continued expansion of early intervention and prevention work across communities.

These insights helped ground the discussion in both the scale of need and the effectiveness of early intervention models.

Councillors show strong support

The response from councillors was overwhelmingly positive, with clear recognition of both the need for youth mental health services and the impact of Jigsaw’s approach.

As reported locally, there was a shared understanding among elected representatives of the “unprecedented demand” facing youth mental health supports, alongside strong backing for early intervention services like Jigsaw.

Councillors also spoke about the value of community-based, youth-friendly supports and the importance of ensuring young people can access help early—before difficulties escalate.

Centred on youth voice

A key strength of the engagement was the inclusion of youth voice. Ceoladh Fenlon’s contribution brought lived experience into the room and highlighted the importance of meaningful youth participation in shaping services.

This reflects a core principle of Jigsaw’s work—“nothing about us, without us”—ensuring that young people are not just recipients of services, but active contributors to how they are designed and delivered.

Building on local partnerships

The discussion also acknowledged the role of strong local partnerships in supporting youth mental health in Wicklow, including community initiatives and long-standing advocates who have championed this work over many years.

These connections remain central to how Jigsaw operates—working collaboratively with communities, schools and local stakeholders to build a more supportive environment for young people.

From conversation to action

Importantly, the deputation was not simply a presentation—it was the beginning of an ongoing dialogue.

Councillors expressed a willingness to stay engaged, with interest in visiting the local Jigsaw service and continuing discussions around the practical steps needed to strengthen support for young people in the area.

Why local advocacy matters

Engaging with local representatives is a vital part of delivering on Jigsaw’s mission. It allows us to:

  • Highlight emerging needs within communities
  • Share evidence of what works in early intervention
  • Advocate for accessible, youth-friendly services
  • Ensure youth voice is heard where decisions are made

Encouraging collective action

The experience in Wicklow shows that local advocacy can be both constructive and impactful. By bringing together data, practice, and youth voice, it is possible to build understanding—and momentum—for change.

We would encourage services and organisations across the country to explore similar opportunities to engage with local decision-makers. These conversations matter, and they can help shape more responsive, supportive systems for young people.

Looking Ahead

This engagement marks an important step in ongoing advocacy efforts. With strong support from local representatives and a shared recognition of the challenges facing young people, we look forward to continuing this work—ensuring that youth mental health remains a priority at every level.

PHOTO CAPTION: L – R: Ian Neary (Independent Ireland), Ceoladh Fenelon (Jigsaw Wicklow Youth Advocate), Clara O Shea Collins (Jigsaw Wicklow Senior Clinician), Melanie Corrigan (Fine Gael), Joe Behan (Independent), Adam Burke (Jigsaw Wicklow YCEW), District manager Jackie Carroll, Caroline Winstanley (Soc Dems), Edward Whelan (Fine Gael), Malachai Duddy (Non- Party) A/District Executive Engineer Stephen Fox.

 

Help shape youth mental health

Posted on by Ian Carey

If you are coming to Jigsaw for the first time, we’re inviting you to help improve mental health services for young people.

Jigsaw is taking part in an important EU‑funded research study called YOUTHreach, led by the University of Galway. To make this research meaningful, we need to hear directly from young people and families at the very start of their journey with our service.

Who we are looking for

We are currently inviting:

  • Going to Jigsaw for the first time
  • Aged between 12 and 25

Those under 18 will need the consent of their parent or carer.

 

👉 Click here to find out more and sign up

Why your participation matters

Your experience at the beginning of using Jigsaw is incredibly important.

By taking part, you can:

  • Help us understand what it’s really like to start using a mental health service
  • Shape how Jigsaw and similar services are delivered in the future
  • Contribute to research that will improve supports for young people across Ireland and Europe

Quite simply — your voice can help make services better for others.

What taking part involves

If you’re invited, the research team from the University of Galway will explain everything clearly before you decide.

Taking part includes:

  • Four online interviews, each about 30 minutes long
  • Flexible times that suit you and your family
  • A €60 payment to thank you for your time

For young people under 18, a parent or carer will also need to give consent.

Important to know

  • Taking part is completely voluntary
  • Saying yes or no will not affect your care at Jigsaw
  • Everything you share is confidential and handled securely

A message from Jigsaw

Dr Jeff Moore, Director of Research at Jigsaw, says:

“By taking part, young people have an opportunity to share their experience and help improve youth mental health services for others. Participation is voluntary, confidential, and separate from the care provided by Jigsaw.”

Will you help?

If you are invited to take part — and feel comfortable doing so — we strongly encourage you to consider it.

We need your help to improve youth mental health services for the future.

 

👉 Click here to find out more and sign up

 

👉 Learn more about the wider study

 

PEARL: Helping young people navigate big feelings

Posted on by Ian Carey

When a young person is struggling, it can show up in ways that are hard to name – snapping over small things, withdrawing, sleeplessness, worry that won’t switch off, or emotions that feel suddenly “too much”. For parents and caregivers, those moments can bring a mix of concern, confusion, and a very human question: What’s the right thing to do here?

That’s the heart of PEARL, a new research project being developed through a partnership between the Univeristy of Limerick and Jigsaw. PEARL is focused on understanding the role emotion regulation can play in supporting positive mental health for young people and the adults who care for them.

What do we mean by “emotion regulation”?

Emotion regulation doesn’t mean never getting upset, or trying to “fix” feelings. It refers to how we notice, make sense of, and respond to emotions, especially when they’re intense. For young people, emotion regulation skills can shape how they cope with stress, conflict, disappointment, and change. For parents and caregivers, emotion regulation also matters because staying present in a difficult moment, even when you’re worried, can help a young person feel safer and less alone.

PEARL’s research focus is simple and important: how can we better support emotion regulation in young people, and how can parents be supported to play a positive role in that process?

What is PEARL?

PEARL stands for “Promoting Emotion Regulation and Positive Mental Health in Adolescents Through Leveraging Parental Engagement.” In practice, the project aims to develop and pilot a digital, scalable, emotion-focused parenting programme designed to support young people’s emotion regulation and promote positive mental health.

A key part of PEARL is its focus on parental engagement, not as an add-on but as a meaningful part of prevention and early support. Many parents want to help, but don’t always have practical tools or guidance that feel relevant to everyday life. PEARL is exploring what support for parents can look like when it’s designed to be accessible, realistic, and grounded in what families are actually experiencing.

Built with families, not just for them

One of the most valuable features of PEARL is its participatory co-design approach. That means the programme won’t be developed in isolation. Instead, it will be shaped with input from:

  • young people (aged 12–25)
  • parents/primary caregivers
  • and professionals working in youth mental health and family support

This approach matters because families aren’t one-size-fits-all. Language, format, and practicality make a huge difference to whether support feels usable—especially when life is already busy or stressful. Co-design helps ensure the programme is meaningful, accessible, and informed by lived experience.

Right now, the research team is running a series of consultations with parents, young people, and professionals to help guide the development of the programme.

A partnership between research and frontline practice

PEARL is being led by PhD researcher Sarah O’Leary in the Department of Psychology at the University of Limerick. The work is supervised primarily by Professor Jennifer McMahon (Head of Department of Psychology, UL), with collaboration from Professor Siobhán Howard (UL). It’s delivered in partnership with Jigsaw, with involvement from Dr Jeff Moore (Research Director, Jigsaw Ireland) and Fiona Hughes (Regional Clinical Manager, Jigsaw Ireland).

This collaboration brings together academic expertise and the reality of frontline youth mental health work—so the research stays connected to what matters in practice.

Abseil for Jigsaw

Posted on by Ian Carey

This year, on Thursday 28th May, we’re inviting friends, colleagues and brave supporters everywhere to abseil together for youth mental health. 

With just 40 spots available, places are limited so we encourage you to sign up and start fundraising as soon as you can to avoid disappointment. 

You’ll be abseiling from one of Ireland’s most iconic venues, The Hogan Stand at Croke Park, all while raising vital funds to support young people who are struggling with their mental health. 

Why Abseil for Jigsaw? 

Young people across Ireland are facing more pressure than ever — and too many are facing it alone.   

When you abseil for Jigsaw, you’re helping provide free, confidential mental health support to young people aged 12–25, when they need it most. 

What’s involved? 

To secure your place: 

  • Register for the Abseil for Jigsaw challenge here and pay your €50 deposit 
  • Commit to raising €500 in vital funds for youth mental health 
  • Take part on the day with full safety support from professional abseil instructors at adventure.ie 

When you sign up, you’ll get: 

  • A fundraising pack with everything you need to get started 
  • Your own iDonate fundraising page 
  • Ongoing support from the Jigsaw fundraising team 
  • A check mark off your bucketlist! 

 

👉 Sign up now and take a stand for youth mental health 

 

Four small shifts for better connection with your teen

Posted on by Ian Carey

Talking to teenagers can sometimes feel like trying to open a door that keeps closing.

Many parents want to support their young person, but they are not always sure how to start the conversation or keep it going.

In a recent webinar hosted by Jigsaw’s Neart Team, Dr. Kim Lombard spoke about practical ways parents can strengthen communication with their teens. Kim shared a simple framework built around four ideas that all begin with the letter “C”. These small shifts can help parents build stronger, more open relationships with their young people.

Start with self-compassion

Parenting a teenager can be challenging. It is normal to question your decisions or feel that you could have handled something differently.

Showing yourself compassion is an important starting point. This means treating yourself with the same kindness you would offer a friend in a similar situation. Instead of focusing on mistakes, try to recognise that parenting is a learning process.

When parents are kinder to themselves, it becomes easier to respond calmly and thoughtfully when challenges arise. This also creates space to reflect on situations and consider what might work differently next time.

Be curious, not judgemental

Curiosity can transform how conversations with teenagers unfold.

Sometimes, when a young person is struggling or acting out of character, our instinct can be to ask “What is wrong with you?” A more helpful question might be “What has gone wrong for you?”

This shift in language moves the focus from seeking to understanding. It shows your young person that you are interested in what they are experiencing rather than judging their behaviour.

Curiosity also applies to parents themselves. When a conversation does not go well, it can help to pause and reflect. Why did I react that way? What might I try differently next time?

This kind of reflection helps build stronger communication over time.

Focus on connection

Teenagers may seem more independent, but connection with trusted adults is still very important.

Being present and genuinely interested in what is happening in your young person’s world can help them feel safe opening up. This might be through small, everyday moments such as chatting in the car, walking the dog or sharing a meal.

The goal is not to have perfect conversations, but to create an environment where your young person feels heard and valued.

Move towards collaboration

When children are younger, parents naturally take on a strong leadership role to keep them safe and guide their decisions.

As young people move into their teenage years, they need more opportunities to practise making choices and navigating challenges. This means gradually shifting from directing to collaborating.

Working together to solve problems or think through decisions helps teenagers build confidence and independence. It also shows that you respect their views and trust them to play a role in shaping solutions.

Lead with compassion

Teenagers often face complex situations as they grow and develop. Responding with compassion can help them feel supported rather than criticised.

Compassion means acknowledging what your young person might be going through, listening to their perspective and helping them think about possible next steps.

Rather than rushing to fix the problem, the aim is to support them to find solutions that work for them and meet their needs.

Small changes can make a big difference

Talking to teenagers is not always easy, but small shifts in how we approach these conversations can have a powerful impact.

By practising self-compassion, staying curious, focusing on connection and working collaboratively, parents can help create a relationship where their young person feels understood, supported and able to open up.

And remember, there is no such thing as perfect parenting. What matters most is continuing to show up, listen and learn together.

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These tips formed part of a webinar on Talking to Your Teen delivered as part of the Jigsaw’s Neart Programme for schools, in collaboration with the National Parents Council. To find out more about the programme and future webinars subscribe to the Neart newsletter through the button below. 
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