Jigsaw Sees Record 11,064 Referrals in 2025, Up 23% Amid Accelerating Demand
Youth mental health charity Jigsaw recorded a record 11,064 referrals in 2025, a 23% increase, with demand accelerating into 2026. Despite this, waiting times halved to four weeks, and satisfaction was 89%. Jigsaw urges sustained State investment to address the growing mental health needs of young people.
Youth mental health charity Jigsaw reported a record 11,064 referrals in 2025, a 23 per cent increase from the previous year. This surge continued into the first quarter of 2026, with referrals rising by 33 per cent to 3,909, indicating an accelerating trend in youth mental health needs.
Despite the increased demand, Jigsaw's annual report, to be published Wednesday, also highlighted positive outcomes. National waiting times for services halved from eight weeks to four, and the charity achieved an 89 per cent satisfaction rate among young people and families. Jigsaw engaged with 623 post-primary schools, over 80 per cent of secondary schools nationwide.
Dr. Joseph Duffy, Jigsaw chief executive, emphasized that this unprecedented demand requires sustained State investment to maintain access and strong clinical outcomes. Youth advocates Alana Powell and Eoin McEvoy noted that loneliness, personal issues, and global crises like political instability, climate concerns, and economic pressures contribute to young people's mental distress.