Sinn Féin TD for Waterford, Conor D. McGuinness, has said the latest figures from Jigsaw should serve as a wake-up call for Government, warning that young people are facing growing mental health challenges while services continue to struggle to meet demand.
Deputy McGuinness said:
“The latest figures from Jigsaw are deeply concerning. They show that more young people than ever before are seeking mental health support, while demand continues to grow at an unprecedented pace.
“Behind every referral is a young person and a family looking for help. They deserve timely access to high-quality mental health services, not lengthy waits or overstretched supports.
“Jigsaw deserves enormous credit for the work it does. Supporting more than 11,000 young people last year while reducing waiting times is a remarkable achievement. Their staff and volunteers are making a real difference in communities across the country. However, charities should not be expected to carry the burden of gaps in our public mental health system.
“Waterford remains without a Jigsaw service, despite the clear and growing need. Following a sustained campaign that David Cullinane and I were proud to support, plans are now progressing to establish a Jigsaw service for the county. I have written to the Minister seeking an update on that progress because young people and their families deserve certainty on when this vital service will become available.
“I also remain deeply concerned about the ongoing pressures within CAMHS. Too many children and young people continue to face unacceptable delays accessing specialist mental health supports, often at a point when early intervention could make the greatest difference.
“Earlier this week I met with SpunOut, who also highlighted the challenges facing young people trying to access appropriate mental health supports in Waterford. Their concerns echo what many families have been telling us for some time.
“Government must urgently increase investment in youth mental health services, recruit additional mental health professionals, expand early intervention supports and ensure that no young person is left waiting for the help they need.
“Our young people deserve better. Government must stop simply reacting to crises and instead build a mental health service that is properly resourced, accessible and capable of meeting the growing needs of this generation.”
Conor D. McGuinness TD 