Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has welcomed confirmation that an application for funding Jigsaw youth mental health service to be provided with the resources necessary to open a dedicated community-based facility for young people across Waterford City and County.
McGuinness said:
“I received confirmation this week that an application has finally been made for funding to establish a Jigsaw Mental Health service for Waterford.
“Jigsaw is an early intervention, primary care service for young people’s mental health. It provides a range of mental health supports to young people across the state. While some of these supports are available online or remotely, Jigsaw is best known for its face-to-face services, provided out of centres in towns and cities throughout Ireland.
“Waterford is the only city in the state that doesn’t have a Jigsaw service, nor is there a service anywhere in the South East. The closest Jigsaw services are in Thurles or Cork City. Young people from this part of the country are at a disadvantage, and I believe that Government should provide resources to Jigsaw to establish a base in Waterford to serve young people here.
“I have raised the need for such a service as Waterford representative on the Regional Health Forum and I want to thank everyone who supported my call and signed the petition.
“Thanks also to my colleagues David Cullinane T.D. and Sinn Féin spokesperson on Mental Health Mark Ward T.D. for their advice and assistance.
“I will be lobbying hard for this application to be approved and for the service to be stood up as soon as possible.”
Cllr. Conor D. McGuinness 