Meath schools to benefit from Lidl sponsorship

Mental Health services in five Meath secondary schools will receive a major boost thanks to a partnership between Jigsaw and Lidl supermarkets.

The Meath-based schools that are participating in Jigsaw's 2020/2021 One Good School™ initiative are Ashbourne Community School, Athboy Community School, Beaufort College, Coláiste De Lacy and Coláiste na Mí.

As speculation grows around next week’s 2021 Budget announcement and what Government funding will be allocated towards much needed Mental Health services, Lidl Ireland have announced a one-year extension of their charity partnership with Jigsaw – The National Centre for Youth Mental Health.

The retailer’s initial three-year partnership with Jigsaw will now continue until February 2022 to support the mitigation of the impacts that the COVID-19 Pandemic is having on the mental health of youths in Meath and across Ireland.

Having already raised more than €8,000 in Meath stores to date, Lidl Ireland have increased their national fundraising commitment to Jigsaw from €1 million to €1.25 million to fund virtual accessibility of the One Good School™ initiative.

The initiative provides a broad range of evidence-informed activities for the whole school community, including school leadership teams, teachers, parents and students. It is delivered through interactive workshops, online tools and resources, peer education programmes.

The impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic are thought to have a long lasting effect on the collective mental health and well-being of Ireland’s young people, particularly as they adjust to their new schools, community environments and developing Government restrictions. Research shows that adequate resourcing of mental health services will be fundamental to meet demand.

To mark World Mental Health Day on Saturday, 10th October and to raise vital funds and awareness of mental health, Lidl Ireland have launched a dedicated Jigsaw flower bouquet with €1 from every bouquet sold being donated to Jigsaw. The limited-edition flower bouquet is available in all five Lidl stores in Meath and nationwide now until Sunday, 11th October for just €4.99 each.

Commenting on today’s announcement, Dr. Joseph Duffy, Jigsaw’s CEO said; “Lidl’s support over the last three years has been game changing for our organisation. Their support has enabled us to launch more initiatives, reach more young people and offer more in terms of mental health services to thousands of young people, parents and educators across the country. For more than 14 years, Jigsaw has supported young people aged 12 – 25 across Ireland to advance their mental health. From the start of this public emergency, we were adamant this would not change. COVID-19 has been the catalyst for fresh thinking and has accelerated our plans. We are incredibly grateful to Lidl for their continued support enabling us to achieve those plans.”