Mental health service Jigsaw accepting referrals

MENTAL health service Jigsaw in Dublin South West will resume accepting new referrals after previously having stopped accepting all new referrals due to staff shortages..

The Tallaght-based facility had previously suspended accepting new referrals in recent months to “an exceptional operational challenge due to a number of staff transitions”, which caused concern and worry for people in the area.

As staff levels have been adequately restored, the service will begin to accept new referrals again on Tuesday, August 17.

After previously calling for immediate resources to be put in place so the new referrals can be accepted at the service as a “matter of urgency”, Sinn Féin spokesperson for Mental Health Mark Ward TD said that the news that Jigsaw in Dublin South West will be reopen for referrals is “welcomed”.

Speaking about the announcement, Teachta Ward said: “I had met with Jigsaw in May who informed me of the decision to temporarily suspended accepting new referrals.

“I immediately contacted the Minister for Mental Health, Mary Butler, TD and asked that this situation be resolved as a matter of urgency.”

Teachta Ward added that young people’s mental health has been “adversely affected” during the pandemic due to loss of schooling, sports, peer supports and the inability to socialise with friends.

“To hear that Jigsaw stopped taking new referrals in my area was very worrying,” he said.

“Jigsaw have contacted me [today] to inform me that last month, due to an exceptional operational challenge following a number of staff transitions, Jigsaw Dublin Southwest temporarily suspended accepting new referrals until staffing levels were adequately restored.

“Situations like this should not arise and there needs to be safeguards in place so children can get the help they need, when they need it.”