At Jigsaw, we understand and support young people’s mental health. We are a community of professionals, supporters, and volunteers with a shared belief in an Ireland where every young person’s mental health is valued and supported.

Over the course of 6 weeks, representatives from Jigsaw’s Youth Advisory Panel partnered up with Donegal Youth Council to work together on a creative arts project with the vision of promoting the importance of youth mental health across Co. Donegal.

Michael Mc Devitt Donegal Youth Council, Youth Officer spoke about the importance of the partnership, “The highlight for Donegal Youth Council was working with other young people with the same interest in creating more awareness around mental health and also the interaction and exchanging of ideas on how to take care of our mental health.”

Both groups met virtually sharing ideas to encourage open conversation on how young people best mind their mental health and well-being. As part of the initiative the group were joined by a Jigsaw Clinician, Deirdre McGill. Deirdre highlighted importance of self-care, focusing on Jigsaw’s 5 a Day for Mental Health.

Cait Coll YAP Volunteer found that “Working on the Mind your Melon project with the Comhairle na nÓg was an amazing and enlightening experience! It’s always amazing being able to meet up with like-minded people and even better to just chat and have the craic while doing our project!” –

The young people designed their very own personalised Jigsaw piece inspired by the 5 a day for Mental Health, which will be on display in the Jigsaw Donegal service and visible online.

“I found the project very creative and relaxing after coming off an extremely intensive week of school with 3 exams, just being able to discuss and be artistic allowed me to relax and start my midterm on a high” – Oran Lafferty YAP Volunteer

We continue to share our knowledge and expertise, and together use our collective power to change attitudes and make sure that youth mental health is a local and national priority.

If you want to know more about Jigsaw’s 5 a day for Mental Health – please click here