Lidl Ireland has completed its six-year charity partnership with the National Centre for Youth Mental Health in Ireland, known as Jigsaw, by announcing that it has raised €3 million in charity funds for the organisation.
Jigsaw provides free, confidential, professional support to young people aged 12-25 in 14 centres across Ireland and online.
Lidl has partnered with Jigsaw since 2018 and twice extended the partnership, to continue providing mental health support across the country.
This was particularly key during the pandemic, due to the impact that it had on youth mental health.
Since the partnership launched, Lidl Ireland’s team of more than 6,000 employees and two million weekly shoppers smashed its initial fundraising target, to raise €3 million.
The partnership quickly raised the profile of the charity, growing from an awareness baseline of 24% in 2018 to 61% in 2023.
Trust in Jigsaw also grew in the same time period, from 64% to 72%, and referrals increased by 49%.
Comedian PJ Gallagher hosted the milestone fundraising event at the Radisson Blu Athlone.
More than 135 representatives from Lidl and Jigsaw, as well as service users and partners who have benefitted from the charity’s programme, attended the special event.
‘Profoundly Impactful’
Speaking at the event, the chief executive of Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland, JP Scally, said, “After a fantastic six years, it’s with a heavy heart that we say a fond farewell to our charity partner, Jigsaw.
“As a family retailer, we are deeply committed to supporting the communities in which we serve.
“This partnership has been extraordinary, and I am delighted that, in working with Jigsaw to address key issues in youth mental health, we have delivered such profoundly impactful programmes, which have empowered all Irish adults to support and encourage the young people in their lives to seek help when needed.
“I wish Jigsaw every success for the future.”
Commenting on the partnership, the chief executive of Jigsaw, Dr Joseph Duffy, said, “Lidl’s support over the last six years has been game-changing for our charity.
“It has been a privilege to partner with a company that bought into our vision from Day One and continually demonstrated their commitment to working with us to change the conversation on youth mental health in Ireland.
“Together, we have changed how Ireland talks about, responds to, and supports young people’s mental health.”
Duffy concluded, “We complete our partnership with Lidl in the knowledge that together we have created a lasting legacy that we can all be proud of, and I thank every Lidl employee and customer for their support over the years.”
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