A new Jigsaw youth mental health service in Waterford is set to be established following the allocation of €1 million in Budget 2026. The service will provide early intervention supports for young people in Waterford and the South East, marking a major step in improving youth mental health provision in the region.

The Jigsaw youth mental health service Waterford will focus on helping those aged 12 to 25 who are experiencing mild to moderate mental health issues. It will offer confidential, community-based support, filling a long-recognised gap in youth mental health services locally.

A premises for the Jigsaw service is being secured by Waterford City and County Council, with plans for outreach services across West Waterford, South Kilkenny, and South Wexford. The initiative follows strong advocacy from Waterford Comhairle na nÓg, who met earlier this year with the Minister for Mental Health to highlight the need for local access to Jigsaw supports.

Minister for Mental Health Mary Butler TD said the new service represents a significant investment in early intervention, ensuring young people in the South East can access the right help when they need it most.

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