Jigsaw, the National Centre for Youth Mental Health, welcomes the commitments on tackling the crisis in youth mental health in the recently published Programme for Government, but caution that a clearer plan is needed to help young people in crisis now.
The broad commitment to enhancing mental health services for those under 25 is very welcome but the charity stressed the need to understand how those services are to be stepped up and where. Jigsaw noted that the mental health and wellbeing of young people globally has been deteriorating for the last two decades and that in Ireland we need an effective and immediate plan to deliver mental health services and supports for young people now.
Dr Joseph Duffy CEO of Jigsaw said:
“There are many really positive commitments in this programme that I want to welcome. The commitments around wait time reductions, expanding mental health services in schools, and commitments to improve CAMHS are all to be applauded, as is the commitment to continue to support the voluntary and community sector working in mental health.
“However, we feel that the plans could have been strengthened considerably by a commitment to invest in and expand early intervention services. We know that helping young people when they first experience distress is the most effective way to prevent suffering and improve outcomes. It also helps reduce the need for acute services as you catch problems sooner.
“Above all we want to see the young people in our community who are struggling or in distress getting the services they need and deserve. Jigsaw, and others in the community and voluntary sector, are working hard to address that need and play a vital role in addressing the crisis we find ourselves in.
“Our sector is best placed to deliver an increase in mental health services to young people quickly and cost-effectively. We look forward to working with the new government to meet their ambition and address this need. What matters most is that young people get the help they need when they need it.”