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Marie was the first person I came into contact with when I dropped into Jigsaw.  After emailing first, I knew it was a welcoming place. Even on our first meeting, she was very kind to me and treated my every word with importance. It was exactly what I needed at that moment, as I was feeling very alone and down living in Galway by myself. Throughout the following weeks, Marie was my Support Worker and helped me through many, many difficult periods.

I spent much more time with Jigsaw than initially agreed but never once felt as though I wasn’t welcome. I was in complete denial of my depression, fighting hard to prove I was a strong person. Eventually that got the better of me … leaving me in a terrible state of sleeplessness, inability to do anything normal, even to a point of suicidal thinking.

The doctors in Jigsaw were a great help when I finally admitted to this. They made me feel so comfortable and treated me so well. In addition to being prescribed the right medication, I was well tucked under Marie's wing as we worked through some of the issues.

I was certain Jigsaw wouldn’t want to deal with my intensity, but they made it very clear that I was not 'crazy' and that sometimes it’s okay to ‘not be okay’.

I am now on the road to recovery from my anxiety and depression. I am planning to go to college soon and build a decent future for myself and my son. I honestly do not know how or if I would have managed to get through my difficult times without the support of Jigsaw. It is one thing to be away from home, but having no one to talk to is a very difficult way to live. I’m very thankful that Marie and the rest of the staff could step in and be such a great support.

- Mairead, 21