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Jigsaw sees 400% increase in demand for online services

The youth mental health charity Jigsaw says it has seen a 400% increase in demand for its online ...
Jack Quann
Jack Quann

15.38 26 Mar 2020


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Jigsaw sees 400% increase in d...

Jigsaw sees 400% increase in demand for online services

Jack Quann
Jack Quann

15.38 26 Mar 2020


Share this article


The youth mental health charity Jigsaw says it has seen a 400% increase in demand for its online services since the COVID-19 crisis began.

The group temporarily suspended all face-to-face services on March 12th and moved all services and supports online.

This was based on public health advice.

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On Thursday it revealed it has also had more than 500 teachers across the country sign up to its Mental Health eLearning Programme.

This is aimed at building mental health skills and literacy of secondary school teachers.

The charity has announced range of revised services and supports it will continue to roll out over the coming weeks and months.

Dr Joseph Duffy, Jigsaw’s CEO, said: "The message is clear: we are very much open for business. We have to be.

“Just as the COVID-19 situation has evolved and changed, so too has Jigsaw’s response.

"On March 12th, based on public health advice, we announced the temporary suspension of our face-to-face service.

"Since then, our teams across the country have worked tirelessly to re-imagine our organisation, to rethink how we operate and to develop a full range of information, supports, advice and services to those who need our help, now more than ever.

"We are fully committed to supporting young people, their parents and educators across a wide range of offerings."

Jigsaw says it will continue to provide support for young people (aged 12-25) already engaged in their one-to-one service via telephone.

Twice daily group chats for young people focused on diverse emerging themes can also be  accessed through their website.

While e-mail support through help@jigsaw.ie is also available.

It is also set to launch a free 1-800 phone service, where young people across the country can speak to a Jigsaw clinician, from April 3rd.

The group was thrown into the spotlight earlier this month, when British royals Prince William and Kate Middleton paid them a visit as part of their trip to Ireland.

Anyone affected by issues raised in this article can contact Jigsaw around the country here


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