Push for Jigsaw mental health clinic in Newbridge
This photo is for illustrative purposes only
THE COUNCIL has been asked to investigate options for locating a Jigsaw mental health clinic in Newbridge to support young people aged between 12 and 25.
The proposal was put forward by cllrs Noel Heavey and Rob Power at a Kildare–Newbridge Municipal District meeting.
The motion called on the council to explore potential locations in the town for a Jigsaw clinic, which provides mental health therapy services to young people.
In a report, the council acknowledged the positive work carried out by Jigsaw and other mental health charities. However, it noted that Jigsaw receives significant funding from the HSE and the Department of Health, and said that suitable accommodation from those agencies should be the primary consideration to ensure the sustainable delivery of its services.
The report stated that there is currently a limited range of suitable council-owned premises available and that it would not be appropriate for the local authority to commit to any single organisation.
It added that facilities benefiting from substantial public investment should be capable of providing the widest possible range of services to the community.
Despite this, the council said it would engage with Jigsaw if the organisation is unable to secure a suitable premises through the HSE or the Department of Health, and without prejudice to any future expressions of interest.
Councillors were also informed that consultation has identified a need in Newbridge for suitable spaces for neurodiverse young people, as well as private areas that could be used for counselling.
Efforts are being made to accommodate such facilities within the preliminary designs for the planned Newbridge Youth Centre, although the report noted that the property has certain constraints.
A council representative stressed: “Given the demographic above, however, very careful consideration to child protection measures would be required on what will hopefully be a busy and mixed-use site.”
The council further members would be briefed further on the outline designs for the Newbridge Youth Centre later this quarter.
Cllr Chris Pender said: “Anybody who works with young people knows there’s a mental health epidemic.”
However, while he agreed that a clinic like this is needed in Newbridge, it is cllr Pender’s position that such a facility should be funded through the HSE.
Cllr Tracey O’Dwyer, suggested meeting with the Local Community Development Committee for help progressing towards the introduction of a Jigsaw clinic in the town.
Cllr Noel Heavey suggested putting the clinic in the probation office on Eyre Street in Newbridge.
However, cllr Pender added that the probation office is under the management of the OPW, which might block off the location as the most viable option.
