New youth mental health services open in Waterford City
Waterford Fianna Fáil TD and Minister for Mental Health Mary Butler with Director of Services for Jigsaw Sarah Cullinan and Jigsaw CEO Dr. Joseph Duffy
New mental health services for young people are now available in Waterford, as Jigsaw's free youth mental health services finally arrive in the city.
Minister for Mental Health and Waterford TD Mary Butler announced this week that the free services have begun operations in Waterford, with referrals now open for young people aged 12 to 25 across the county seeking early intervention mental health supports.
The free service will operate from a temporary location at Buíon Phort Lairge, 62 O'Connell, Street in Waterford City for the time being, while refurbishment works continue on its permanent home at Canada Street, Waterford City.
Referrals for the service officially opened this week for GPs, teachers, parents and young people themselves to gain access to Jigsaw's early intervention supports.
After 15 months working on this project, Minister Butler said: "I am really pleased to see Jigsaw Waterford reach this important stage and begin accepting referrals. Since securing the funding for this service, I have worked closely with partners to ensure that young people in Waterford have access to high-quality early intervention mental health supports as soon as possible."
The opening of referrals marks a major milestone in the delivery of the service for Waterford and the Southeast, and was made possible by the €1 million in recurring funding allocated by Minister Butler in Budget 2026.
Welcoming the commencement of the services, local Fianna Fáil Councillor Jason Murphy said: "I would like to commend Minister Mary Butler for her perseverance over the last two years securing over 1 million in funding for this much needed service. Working closely with Mr.Ivan Grimes DOS, Waterford City and County Council she has delivered this permanent support for young people in Waterford."
