Jigsaw builds a clearer picture

AFTER two years of planning, Headstrong’s Jigsaw programme opened in Galway’s Mary St on December 1 last.

Galway was chosen as a demonstration site for Jigsaw for a variety of reasons, being a university city and recognised as a hive of cultural and social activity for young people. There is also a large number of youth-focused organisations throughout Galway.

Involving young people in designing mental health services to meet their needs is at the core of the Jigsaw model.

In Galway, the consultations with young people revealed a high degree of consistency in the emerging themes, despite differences in age, need, and location. The major themes included:

*Boredom — lack of social and recreational opportunities, lack of employment opportunities.

*High levels of stress from both family and school (also the media) related to performance.

*Strong sense of not being connected to the community; disengagement and alienation.

*Stigma of seeking help.

*Limited knowledge of services.

*Prevalence of antisocial behaviour, substance abuse, suicide, and other problem behaviours.

According to Headstrong, the recommendations of the young people involved in the consultation process were for more and better information about mental health and mental illness; for more accessible and flexible services, and for places to link into to become aware of resources and options.

Jigsaw Galway does not seek to provide long-term counselling or psychotherapeutic interventions. A key function is to ensure every young person’s needs are assessed and they are supported in accessing an appropriate level of intervention.

By intervening early and briefly, Jigsaw reduces the time a young person is engaged with a service, which allows for a higher number of young people to access the service without the need for a waiting list.

Headstrong has received the endorsement of the Government to demonstrate Jigsaw in five communities in Ireland.