Jigsaw has called for continued action to embed stronger mental health supports and training in schools following the publication of the ESRI report Supporting Student Wellbeing in School Contexts.
Responding to the report, Mike Mansfield, Director of Communications and Fundraising at Jigsaw, said the findings reflect what the organisation sees every day in schools across Ireland.
“We strongly welcome this report. It confirms that schools are on the frontline of the youth mental health crisis, yet educators remain ill equipped. With 75 percent of mental health difficulties that persist into adulthood beginning before the age of 25, we cannot afford to wait. While we acknowledge the government’s recent investment in youth mental health and progress in educational policy, far more attention must be given to preventing mental ill health in schools rather than simply intervening when problems arise.”
The ESRI findings echo Jigsaw’s experience working with more than 580 schools nationwide through its Neart programme, which supports schools in creating positive mental health environments for both students and staff. Research shows that adolescents who feel connected to their school have lower levels of self harm, anxiety, and depression. However, the top three stressors identified by young people all relate to school life, including general school pressures, exams, and homework. These issues affect Ireland’s 370,000 post primary students.
“The solutions to the crisis in our youth mental health system lie as much outside the therapy room as within it,” Mansfield added. “Kitchen tables, playing pitches, and classrooms are crucial spaces for improving mental health support. The ESRI report rightly highlights the need to embed mental health supports in schools and strengthen teacher mental health literacy. Investing in keeping young people well, rather than waiting until they are very unwell, will save money and has the potential to save lives.”
Jigsaw has said it is ready to work with government, educators, and communities to ensure that every young person can access support when they need it.
Neart is the national programme of wellbeing support for post primary schools and is a partnership between Jigsaw and NEPS, the National Educational Psychological Services, and the Department of Education and Youth. The programme focuses on strengthening the whole school environment, supporting positive school culture, relationships, and a sense of belonging. This approach closely aligns with the recommendations of the ESRI report. Neart also includes an ongoing workstream that supports the specific wellbeing needs of minority groups, with equality, diversity, and inclusion at its core.
