Project Reference: 2024-1-IE01-KA154-YOU-000239193
Status: Completed | Duration: June 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025 | EU Grant: 20,130 EUR
Programme: Erasmus+ | Action Type: Strategic Partnerships for Youth
Countries Involved: Ireland
Background
In recent years, Ireland has faced growing challenges in youth mental health. Many young people experience stress, anxiety, and depression, while access to appropriate support remains limited. The Youth Talk, We Listen project was created to respond to this crisis by giving young people a stronger voice in shaping mental health policies and services that affect them directly.
Led by the National Centre for Youth Mental Health (Jigsaw), the project aimed to bridge the gap between decision-makers and young citizens. It created a space where young people could share their experiences and propose real solutions to improve the mental health system in Ireland.
Objectives
The project’s main goal was to empower young people to take part in mental health reform. It focused on ensuring that youth perspectives are included in implementing the “Young Ireland: National Policy Framework for Children and Young People.”
Specific objectives included:
- Promoting youth participation in mental health policy and service design.
- Raising awareness of the weaknesses in the current mental health system.
- Building meaningful dialogue between young people, policymakers, and health professionals.
- Advocating for systemic changes in funding, service provision, and accessibility.
Through these actions, the project aimed to make Ireland’s mental health services more inclusive, youth-friendly, and effective.
Implementation
The project consisted of two main activities designed to encourage communication and innovation.
The first was a visit to the Houses of the Oireachtas (Dáil Éireann & Seanad Éireann), where young participants met national decision-makers to discuss their mental health concerns and propose ideas for improvement.
The second was the “Youth Talk, We Listen” event, based on the World Café methodology—a creative approach that encourages open dialogue and collective brainstorming in large groups. During this event, around 125 participants—including youth advocates, community members, politicians, and healthcare leaders—took part in interactive discussions and collaborative sessions.
Using design thinking methods, participants worked together to identify key issues, challenge existing assumptions, and propose innovative solutions to improve mental health services.
Key Activities
Throughout the project, young participants learned how to communicate their needs effectively and think critically about systemic challenges. They engaged in discussions with policymakers, developed project ideas, and co-created strategies for reform.
Workshops encouraged them to explore real examples of service gaps, share personal stories, and design solutions through teamwork. The participatory approach helped them feel valued, confident, and motivated to stay involved in shaping mental health policies.
The Youth Talk, We Listen event served as both a learning opportunity and a platform for advocacy—allowing youth voices to be heard and respected at the highest levels of government.
Results and Impact
The project successfully strengthened youth participation in mental health policy development in Ireland. Young people gained practical experience in dialogue and advocacy, while policymakers received direct insights from those affected by the system.
As a result, the project contributed to greater awareness of youth mental health challenges and inspired policy discussions focused on making services more responsive and inclusive. Participants also developed valuable skills such as teamwork, communication, and critical thinking.
In the long term, Youth Talk, We Listen aims to lead to tangible improvements in mental health services, ensuring that young people across Ireland receive better support, understanding, and access to care.
