Councillors unite behind Jigsaw Wicklow amid sharp rise in youth mental health pressures
The Wicklow PeopleYouth mental health services in Wicklow are facing unprecedented demand, according to Jigsaw Wicklow, which has reported a sharp rise in the number of young people seeking support and a growing need for investment in early intervention care.
The organisation, which provides free primary care mental health support for 12- to 25-year-olds, says the pressures facing young people have intensified in recent years, with the aftermath of Covid 19, academic expectations and social challenges all contributing to a surge in distress.
Jigsaw staff and youth representatives outlined the scale of the issue during a recent engagement with district councillors in Bray, describing a situation in which demand for the services on offer is “as strong as ever” and the need for accessible, youth friendly support has never been clearer.
Adam Burke, a key figure in the development of the Wicklow service, emphasised the organisation’s guiding principle of youth participation, saying that the phrase “nothing about us, without us” remains central to how Jigsaw operates. He warned that Ireland is experiencing a significant youth mental health crisis, and that Wicklow is no exception.
Despite the pressures, Jigsaw Wicklow has recorded strong outcomes. More than 400 young people completed therapy at the service in 2025, one of the highest figures since the centre opened.
A major factor in this progress has been the introduction of the single session first model, which has significantly reduced waiting times and allowed young people to access support more quickly. Staff explained that early access to a single therapeutic session can often prevent difficulties from escalating, and councillors welcomed the improvement in responsiveness.
The organisation’s community and prevention work has also expanded rapidly. Over the past two years, Jigsaw has delivered workshops to more than 3,000 people across the county, with 750 participants already taking part in 2026. These workshops aim to build mental health literacy, resilience and early intervention skills among young people, parents, teachers and community groups. Jigsaw representatives stressed that prevention is a critical part of addressing the wider mental health crisis, particularly as pressures on formal services continue to grow.
A standout contribution came from Jigsaw ambassador Ceoladh Fenlon, who spoke about her involvement in initiatives such as Swim for Jigsaw, street surveys and direct engagement with young people.
She described the importance of adapting mental health supports to a society that is “always changing and evolving", noting that young people today face pressures that previous generations did not. Her remarks resonated strongly with councillors, several of whom praised her clarity, courage and commitment to representing the voices of young people.
Jigsaw also outlined its long term vision for the future, built on four pillars: improving access to timely care, securing increased funding to meet rising demand, ensuring active involvement of young people in shaping services and providing better information to families, schools and communities. Representatives said that while the service has made significant progress, sustained investment and strong partnerships will be essential to meeting future needs.
Councillors responded with unanimous support and concern. Cllr Melanie Corrigan described the advocacy on display as “incredible” and said she would remain in contact to support the service. Cllr Caroline Winstanley, a speech and language therapist, highlighted Jigsaw’s importance for neurodivergent young people and said the training provided to schools was of exceptionally high quality. She expressed concern that the HSE may not fully appreciate the value of the service or the gap it fills for families seeking support.
Cllr Joe Behan spoke about the deep concern surrounding youth mental health, particularly in the wake of Covid 19 and lockdowns. He praised Adam Burke’s spirit and work ethic, calling him a guiding force in the development of Jigsaw Wicklow, and described Ceoladh Fenlon as a true voice for young people.
Cllr Ned Whelan echoed this sentiment, calling Ms Fenlon a brilliant ambassador. Cllr Ian Neary commended the team for helping to create a culture where people feel more open about mental health and emphasised the importance of reminding young people that brighter days lie ahead.
Cllr Malachai Duddy described the engagement as impressive and brave, praising the service as a fantastic support for the community.
District manager Jackie Carroll said she was blown away and expressed her willingness to assist the service going forward.
Across the board, councillors agreed that Jigsaw Wicklow is an essential service at a time when young people need support more than ever. With rising demand, strong outcomes and deep community backing, the organisation stands as a vital pillar in Wicklow’s mental health landscape.
The message from the meeting was clear: the service is invaluable; its impact on Bray and surrounding areas is undeniable, and continued support will be crucial as the county works to address the growing mental health needs of its young people into the future.