An Taoiseach Micheál Martin met with Mental Health Reform and Jigsaw in Cork on Saturday, 9th July.
As part of the visit, An Taoiseach heard about the work of Mental Health Reform and Jigsaw’s plans for improved youth mental health services in Cork.
An Taoiseach Mícheál Martin said: “It is a great pleasure and a privilege to meet with the staff and service users from Jigsaw Cork and Mental Health Reform. I am delighted to have the opportunity to discuss mental health and how we can rise to the challenge of improving care for those in need.
Throughout the pandemic, Jigsaw and Mental Health Reform have played a crucially important role in promoting access to mental health supports. I am keenly aware of the mental health impact of COVID-19 and, with my government colleagues, we are committed to working together to enhance mental health outcomes for people in Ireland.”
Róisín Clarke, Interim CEO, Mental Health Reform said: “We are pleased to meet with An Taoiseach and Jigsaw to highlight the need for an increased focus on mental health services and supports. We thank An Taoiseach for his acknowledgement of the importance of mental health and look forward to continued support for mental health services throughout Ireland.
As the national coalition on mental health, Mental Health Reform represents over 75 member organisations in the community and voluntary sector. The work of Jigsaw Cork is testament to the invaluable role of the sector in delivering essential mental health supports to young people across the country.
Strengthening the community and voluntary sector is a key recommendation of our national mental health policy, Sharing the Vision. As we come out of the pandemic, additional investment will enable community and voluntary organisations to continue providing vital mental health services to those who need them.”
Dr Joseph Duffy, CEO, Jigsaw said: “We are delighted to host An Taoiseach Michéal Martin and our colleagues from Mental Health Reform at our Jigsaw service here in Cork. An Taoiseach’s ongoing interest in our work, and that of the broader mental health sector is hugely welcome. We look forward to ongoing engagement with An Taoiseach and his team in supporting the achievement of our vision of an Ireland that better supports and values our young people’s mental health”.
