Jigsaw challenge helps piece together mental health

YOUTH mental health organisation, Jigsaw Dublin 15 held their ‘100 Reasons Challenge’ in Blanchardstown recently when young people, professionals, community members and politicians from across Dublin 15 came together to celebrate World Mental Health Day.

One hundred young people from nine schools and colleges were challenged with walking from their organisations to Draíocht, Blanchardstown, carrying a reason why there’s a need to talk about youth mental health.

Jigsaw has been in Dublin 15 for three years but the organisation as a whole is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year. To mark the occasion, a ceremony was held in Draíocht where the reasons the young people came up with were showcased and their achievements celebrated.

The event was a huge success according to Aoife Clerkin, Youth and Community Engagement Worker for Jigsaw Dublin 15, who said she was delighted by the turnout on the day.

“It went so well,” she told Northside People.

“We were thrilled to have Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People, Helen McEntee there. She gave a great speech and I guess for our young people, for her to be there and listen to what they had to say was really powerful.

“We were delighted to have so many local schools and college involved and there was a great energy at the event so we’re very pleased.”

Jigsaw Dublin 15 organised the event to celebrate World Mental Health Day with the organisation playing a key role in mental health awareness, early intervention and prevention in Ireland.

Since the first Jigsaw Service opened in 2008, the organisation has directly supported the mental health of more than 13,000 young people across Ireland, with more than 3,900 young people receiving help in 2015 alone.

The Jigsaw Dublin 15 Service, which is located on the second floor of Blanchardstown Library, has supported nearly 1,500 young people since they opened their doors in 2013, with a further 8,000 people having attended their workshops on youth mental health.

“Our focus is on early intervention, we work with young people who are experiencing mild to moderate mental health issues,” said Clerkin. “We aim to provide young people with the right help, in the right place at the right time.”

Jigsaw Dublin 15 work with young people aged 12-25 who are living, working or studying the Dublin 15 area.

If you would like to get in contact see www.jigsaw.ie/dublin15 or call 01-8905810.