How Targeted Support Plays a Vital Role in Addressing Youth Mental Health
YMCA Dublin
We believe everyone should have the opportunity to belong to healthy, confident, secure and connected communities.
In Ireland, nearly one in three teenagers report their mental health as “bad” or “very bad,” reflecting a growing crisis in youth mental health. According to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth (DCEDIY), mental health disorders among 10–24-year-olds are significantly higher than the EU average, with anxiety and depression comprising nearly two-thirds of these cases.
In this challenging landscape, community-based programmes like those offered by YMCA Dublin are crucial, providing timely, life-changing support to young people. Research from the RCSI found that 42% of adolescents aged 15–16 have experienced suicidal thoughts, with 11% having attempted suicide. For many, long waiting times for professional mental health services exacerbate their struggles, making immediate community interventions essential.
The Importance of Early Intervention Programmes
Community programmes like those offered by YMCA Dublin provide vital early intervention, reaching young people at the first signs of difficulty and preventing challenges from escalating into serious crises. The PlusOne Youth Mentoring programme exemplifies how targeted support can guide at-risk youth, offering consistent, judgment-free assistance that empowers them to navigate challenges and avoid risky behaviours.
The programme’s success is reflected in the outcomes following participation: 95% of participants experienced improved or stable mental health, and 82% felt better equipped with tools to manage their mental health, illustrating its effectiveness in building resilience and coping skills—key factors for long-term well-being.
Navigating the Pressures of Inner-City Dublin: Jake’s Story
By the age of 15, Jake had become disengaged from school and felt invisible in his own life. “I was like a ghost in the hall,” he said, describing the isolation and sense of hopelessness common among young people in his community. Surrounded by peers involved in risky behaviours, Jake felt pressured to follow paths that promised quick money but led to trouble.
Without intervention, Jake’s situation could have deteriorated further. His experiences reflect those of many young people in Ireland, especially in underserved areas where social and economic stressors are more pronounced. According to the DCEDIY, young people facing financial stress, loneliness, and social isolation are at significantly higher risk of experiencing mental health difficulties.
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How YMCA Dublin Helped Jake Find His Way
Jake was referred to YMCA Dublin’s Alternative Suspension (AS) programme, which is designed to support students facing challenges in traditional school settings. Recognizing his need for personalized support, he transitioned to the PlusOne Youth Mentoring programme, marking a pivotal moment in his journey. With one-on-one guidance from a dedicated mentor, Jake learned to reflect on his choices and explore new possibilities, gradually rebuilding his sense of control.
With this support, he re-engaged with education through Youthreach and discovered interests in mechanics and childcare. “I was lost, but now I have a direction,” he said, reflecting the significant impact this intervention has had on his journey.
The Role of Community-Based Programmes in Mental Health
YMCA Dublin’s holistic wraparound approach tailors services to meet each individual’s specific needs, providing young people like Jake with a strong foundation for making informed choices and pursuing brighter futures. This comprehensive model addresses immediate challenges while fostering resilience and self-efficacy—critical components for sustaining long-term mental well-being.
Jake’s journey exemplifies the vital role community-based programmes play in the broader mental health landscape. Initiatives such as Alternative Suspension and PlusOne Mentoring equip youth with essential tools to navigate challenges, stay engaged in education, and build emotional resilience, particularly in underserved areas where poverty and social disconnection heighten mental health risks.
By offering a wide range of services, including youth mentoring, educational initiatives, and family support, YMCA Dublin serves as a crucial resource for addressing the complex challenges faced by at-risk youth. This wraparound model ensures that no issue is treated in isolation, promoting sustainable well-being and development for those in need.
Supporting Programmes That Support Youth
As mental health challenges among adolescents continue to escalate, sustained investment in community-based programmes is essential. YMCA Dublin is actively expanding its reach through the development of new community hubs across Dublin, ensuring that vital support services are accessible to underserved communities.
This World Mental Health Day, we must recognise the importance of a holistic approach that combines community support with access to professional care. Continued investment in early intervention programmes like PlusOne Mentoring and Alternative Suspension is critical to helping young people like Jake overcome challenges, make positive choices, and thrive. The well-being of our youth and the future of our communities depend on it.
To learn more about Jake’s journey and the impact of YMCA Dublin’s targeted youth programmes, click here.
Consultant psychologist at the Connolly Counselling Centre.
4 个月I have the highest regard for the program being presented by the YMCA for young people, As a psychologist who works with young adults I am amazed at the progress being made by the young people who take the opportunity offered by Dublin City YMCA.