What is the CYP-MH Project?
The Children and Young People’s Mental Health (CYP-MH) project is a collaborative programme of work led by Mental Health Reform and involving five well-established Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) providers of mental health services for children and young people (Barnardos, ISPCC, Jigsaw, Pieta, and Spunout).
in partnership with
This report provides a highly detailed and evidenced based economic case for more proactive/earlier mental health supports being provided for children and young people in Ireland. This independent research was undertaken by the London School of Economics (LSE) and commissioned by Mental Health Reform as part of its
CYP-MH Project.
This report presents a proposed ‘Roadmap’ for investment and a collaborative programme of action between the HSE and Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) to achieve the required scaling-up of children and young people’s mental health services. Published in collaboration with Barnardos, ISPCC, Jigsaw, Pieta, and Spunout.
The Launch
Mental Health Reform proudly launched the CYP-MH findings in collaboration with LSE and partner organisations on 6th March 2025. Philip Watt opened the event and introduced key note speaker Professor Philip Dodd, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Mental Health Policy Specialist of the Department of Health. Researchers, David McDaid, A-La Park and Kevin Cullen provided the backdrop of evidence in early intervention to support the policy changes suggested in the CYP-MH roadmap. The event concluded with engaging contributions from representatives of our partner organisations.
With special thanks to London School of Economics, Barnardos, ISPCC, Jigsaw, Pieta and Spunout.
Opening Remarks
Research
Panel Discussion
The Findings
Investing in early mental health support for young people not only benefits individuals but also leads to long-term public savings and societal benefits
Ireland is falling behind
Compared to other countries, Ireland’s mental health services for children and young people are not reaching enough people. At least 20,000 more children aged 0–17 should be getting help every year.
Early support works
Early support services can help meet the mental health needs of over 70% of children & young people, and address 45% of the impact these difficulties create
We need more funding
The analysis suggests aiming for an extra €15 million each year by 2030 for early mental health support. This could help 12,500 more children get the support they need every year.
It offers value for money
The cost of this support would be between €6,000 and €12,000 per healthy year of life gained, which is well below the usual cost-effectiveness limits used in Ireland.
It saves money in the long run
It saves money in the long run: Spending more on mental health support now would save money later by reducing pressure on other public services.
Investing in early mental health support for young people not only benefits individuals but also leads to long-term public savings and societal benefits
Key Actions
Need for Early Investment and a substantial scaling-up of early support services
VCS within the publicly-funded system needs greater recognition and resourcing
A Phased Approach to Scaling Up
Collaboration across both Statutory and Voluntary Sectors
Synergy with Government policy