Youth mental health charity highlights rising demand for its services
by Emily Sheehan
Leading youth mental health charity Jigsaw has today launched its annual report for 2023.
The report points to a significant increase in demand for its youth mental health services and supports.
This increasing demand, alongside increased complexity, funding and staffing challenges, has resulted in Dr. Joseph Duffy, Jigsaw CEO, describing 2023 as the charity’s ‘most demanding year” since its establishment in 2006.
Speaking at the launch of the report, Dr. Duffy noted, “While our Annual Report launched today points to increased demand (up 7% on 2022) and a growth in the complexity of mental health presentations, it also tells the story of progress.”
“The impact of our work over the last 12 months is only made possible through the tireless work of our teams across the country; teams who have remained committed to helping thousands of young people and their families as they navigate increasingly complex mental health challenges”.
The 2023 report outlines that, throughout the year, Jigsaw spent over €17m in the delivery a range of mental health services and supports across Ireland, with the support of the HSE (Mental Health), philanthropy, corporate and public donations,
The report also showcases that 2023 saw Jigsaw offer its highest number of in-person appointments to young people – 45,376 - whilst also receiving the highest ever number of referrals – 8,952 - in the charity's 18-year history.
Additionally, it shows positive developments in relation to the service's wait times; with the time between a referral and the first appointment dropping across almost all services.
According to the report, over 16,000 people attended mental health workshops and training courses and almost half a million people accessed online supports through jigsaw.ie.
Primary issues faced by those who accessed Jigsaw’s services throughout 2023 included anxiety, low mood, low self-esteem and isolation.
62% of these young people aged 17-25, reported moderate to severe distress levels at their first session, while among 12-16 year-olds, 64% reported experiencing distress within the clinical range at first session.
Siofra McCrum, a youth volunteer at Jigsaw, commented on the results of the report.
"It has undoubtedly been a very busy and challenging year at Jigsaw. I have witnessed first-hand the impact of this increased demand as a volunteer.”
“However, I have also been inspired by how Jigsaw staff and volunteers have responded by doubling down their efforts to provide support to, and advocate for, young people.”
“More funding is needed to continue providing the increasing numbers of young people looking to access Jigsaw with the support they need and deserve,” Siofra continued.
Fellow volunteer, Dan Kelly, noted: “Put simply, we need more Jigsaws in more counties. I have been on the other side and I can attest to the effectiveness of Jigsaw’s approach.
“Without Jigsaw, I don’t know where so many young people would be today”.
Jigsaw’s Annual Report speaks of a desire to grow the network of services, which currently consists of 14 service areas.
This desire applies especially in areas of the country where service gaps exist, and calls for increased government funding in Budget 2025.
Dr. Joseph Duffy assured: “We will continue to advocate for increased funding in the face of surging demand.”
“The past year has highlighted, once again, that when adequately resourced, early interventionists mental health services like Jigsaw, can be highly effective.”
“We have plans in place for service expansion, wait times reduction strategies, ongoing evolution of how our services are delivered, growth in breadth and depth of our work with communities, schools, online and more. Budget 2025 is the opportunity to invest in these plans.”
Those wishing to avail of Jigsaw services may click here for further information.