Calls for dedicated Jigsaw mental health service for this Kildare town
Senator Fiona O'Loughlin (FF) has called for a Jigsaw service for Newbridge, Co Kildare
A Fianna Fáil Senator has called for a dedicated Jigsaw mental health service for Newbridge, Co Kildare.
Senator Fiona O'Loughlin was speaking on Men's Health Week in the Seanad on June 16 2026.
The senator said that while it is important for men to look after their physical health, too often their mental health is neglected.
Sometimes, she added, men are “nervous” about speaking out and remain silent until they reach crisis point.
“We need men and boys to know that it is okay not to be okay. Asking for help is not a weakness, but a sign of strength”, she said.
“When we look at our suicide figures, in 2023, 453 people died by suicide, of whom 368 were male. Out of 14 people in Kildare who died that year by suicide, 12 were male.
“I raise again the need for a specific dedicated Jigsaw service for Newbridge, which would cover the county. It provides important early intervention mental health supports for young men and young women aged 12 to 25. We have a very fast-growing population and Newbridge is ideally placed to service this need.”
Senator O'Loughlin concluded by saying she would like to have a debate in the House on mental health provision with the Minister of State with responsibility for mental health care.