It has recently been announced that Jigsaw, the National Centre for Youth Mental Health, will move its much-needed services out of Clondalkin. The organisation intends to amalgamate Jigsaw Tallaght with Jigsaw Clondalkin and services will be provided from its Tallaght location. Jigsaw Clondalkin is located on the grounds of Neilstown Church.

With Clondalkin and the surrounding area representing the second highest number of referrals for mental health services in the country, those working in the sector are concerned that the move will have a detrimental impact on young people’s ability to access help.

People Before Profit TD, Gino Kenny said: “I have been contacted by a number of people who work with young people with significant mental health issues and they are extremely worried about Jigsaw’s impending move out of the Clondalkin area.

“In an area that experiences deep economic and social disadvantage, the impact on people’s mental health can be immense. I believe it is vital that these services are kept in the locality so that young people can access the help they need in their own area.
Deputy Kenny believes that the removal of services in an area where there are significant issues in terms of mental health for young people and adults, which is supported by research from the National Suicide Research Foundation (NSRF) and the National Office for Suicide Prevention, will have catastrophic implications for the Clondalkin and wider Dublin Mid-West constituency.

“I urge Jigsaw to rethink its decision. We desperately need to keep these services in the area for the sake of our young people. It is regularly acknowledged that access to local services is always the better and preferred option for those who are struggling with mental health difficulties,” said Deputy Kenny.