- Chef Mark Moriarty hosts World Mental Health Month breakfast at M&S Grafton Street to celebrate the partnership's impact
Marks & Spencer and Jigsaw, the National Centre for Youth Mental Health, have marked World Mental Health Month by celebrating the impact of their three-year partnership, which has helped thousands of young people across Ireland access free, confidential mental health support since June 2024.
The milestone was recognised at the M&S Café on Grafton Street, Dublin, with a breakfast hosted by award-winning chef and M&S x Jigsaw Partnership Ambassador Mark Moriarty, followed by a discussion about young people’s mental health, wellbeing and the importance of staying connected.
Mark was joined by Dr Kim Lombard, Clinical Lead for Jigsaw’s Neart programme, and Tara Mulhern, National Neart Programme Lead. The discussion explored the growing pressures facing young people, the role that parents, guardians, teachers and other trusted adults can play in supporting their mental health, and the importance of looking after mental wellbeing in everyday life.
Under the banner Together we’ve got this, the three-year partnership has raised more than €250,000 to date, helping Jigsaw expand its services and support more young people across Ireland.
Since the partnership launched, Jigsaw has seen demand for their free youth mental support surge, with:
- Over 25,000 therapeutic appointments delivered to children and young people aged 12 to 25 since 2024
- Shorter waiting times, with average waits reduced from 13 weeks to 5 weeks through Jigsaw’s Single Session First model of care
- Over 3,750 people supported through Jigsaw’s Live Chat service
- Over 15,000 people reached through community mental health workshops and training
Laura Harper, Country Director, M&S Ireland and Northern Ireland, said: “Seeing the difference this partnership is making for young people across Ireland is something our customers and colleagues can be really proud of. Together with Jigsaw, we’re helping young people access free, confidential mental health support when they need it. The impact we’ve been able to make together has been incredibly meaningful, and our team across Ireland have played a huge part in making that possible.”
Mike Mansfield, Director of Communications & Fundraising at Jigsaw, said: “Through our partnership with M&S, we have had a fantastic opportunity to make a meaningful difference to young people’s mental health. The support and commitment of M&S’ colleagues and customers has helped us reach more young people, raise more awareness of the importance of mental wellbeing, and ensured that those who need support know where to turn. We’re incredibly grateful to M&S for championing Jigsaw and helping us build a future where every young person’s mental health and wellbeing is prioritised, protected and strengthened.”
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For further press information, please contact John at Fuzion Communications: [email protected], 086 136 5726
About Jigsa
At Jigsaw, we are here to make sure that every young person’s mental health is valued and supported. Mental health can affect every aspect of a young person’s life. We believe every young person must have the support that’s right for them, whatever they are going through. Visit jigsaw.ie for more information.
About M&S
At M&S our vision is to be Ireland’s most trusted retailer, committed to doing the right thing for our customers, communities, and colleagues. We offer a wide range of delicious, great-quality M&S Food and stylish Fashion, Home and Beauty products across Irish stores, international franchise partners and online at www.marksandspencer.com/ie/. With quality at the heart of everything we do, we bring the magic of M&S to life through exceptional products, great value, outstanding service, and continuous innovation - delivering an inspiring shopping experience whenever and however customers choose to shop with us.
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