Progress on youth mental health welcomed but Sligo/Leitrim ‘cannot remain the exception’

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

Speaking in the wake of the recent meeting of the Regional Health Forum West North West, Cllr Edel McSharry has welcomed confirmation that progress is being made towards the development of an Early Intervention Youth Mental Health (EIYMH) service for Sligo/Leitrim, following sustained advocacy through the Regional Health Forum and direct engagement with the HSE.

Noting that Sligo/Leitrim remains the only area in the region without a dedicated Youth Mental Health Intervention Centre with Cllr McSharry expressing her regret that despite a commitment from Minister for Mental Health, Mary Butler the HSE has yet to engage with delays potentially damaging momentum that has been established.

“It is positive that the HSE has confirmed engagement with voluntary providers Jigsaw and Mindspace, both of whom have indicated their intention to submit business cases. This is an important development, as these organisations deliver evidence-based early intervention supports specifically designed for young people aged 12 to 25,” noted Cllr McSharry.

EIYMH services provide timely, community-based mental health support for young people experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, or life crises. Crucially, they intervene early, offering assessment, brief therapeutic supports, and access to multidisciplinary teams, helping young people before issues escalate to crisis point or require referral to acute services such as CAMHS.

“Before Christmas, following a motion I brought forward at Sligo County Council, the Minister for Mental Health, Mary Butler, confirmed her willingness to engage to progress this service, including consideration of suitable premises. However, the HSE has not engaged as yet, and this delay risks undermining the momentum that has been built.”

Cllr McSharry added, “I also acknowledge that a psychologist in training has commenced an extended placement with the EIYMH initiative in the region until August 2026. While this has added some capacity and expanded referral pathways, it does not replace the need for a permanent, fully resourced service with dedicated staff.

“Sligo/Leitrim remains the only area in the region without a dedicated Youth Mental Health Intervention Centre, while counties such as Mayo, Donegal already have these services in place. The evidence shows that early intervention improves outcomes, supports families, and significantly reduces pressure on overstretched acute mental health services.

“The direction of travel is positive, but progress must now accelerate. Our young people need delivery, not delay, and I will continue to keep this issue firmly on the agenda until Sligo/Leitrim has equitable access to early mental health support.”

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.