16 Meith 2021, 14:31
The Sub-Committee on Mental Health will discuss the impact of the lockdown on mental health services for young people with Jigsaw and the Soar Foundation at a meeting in Leinster House, Committee Room 4 tomorrow, Wednesday 17 June at 12.30pm.
The Soar Foundation’s chief executive officer, Mark McDonnell and programme facilitator Megan Byrne; and Jigsaw’s chief executive officer Joseph Duffy and clinical director Gillian O’Brien will appear virtually before the Committee.
Speaking before the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Senator Frances Black said: “Every age group has been uniquely impacted by the public health restrictions imposed in response to Covid-19. There have been widespread reports of increases in the levels of depression and anxiety across all age groups. Soar and Jigsaw are witnessing the impact of the pandemic on mental health services for young people firsthand. The Sub-Committee welcomes this engagement to hear about their experiences, the impact of the Covid-19 on their services and what needs to be done in the future to ensure services are in place to meet demand.”
Soar which was founded in 2012, creates and delivers early intervention-preventative, wellness workshops for young people aged 12 to 18 years from all backgrounds. And Jigsaw is the National Centre for Youth Mental Health offers metal health advice and supports to young people across Ireland, aged 12 to 25.
Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.
Watch the Committee live.