Recent research conducted by youth mental health charity Jigsaw has brought to light an alarming trend: over 30 per cent of Ireland’s young people have not received a single compliment in the last month. These findings, released ahead of the charity’s second annual National Compliment Day, have raised concerns about the well-being and emotional state of young people across the country.

National Compliment Day: A Call for Action

Jigsaw’s National Compliment Day, set to take place on Friday, is more than just a symbolic day—it’s a powerful initiative aimed at fostering kindness and support for young people. The day is dedicated to using the power of compliments as a way to combat feelings of loneliness, fear, and isolation. As part of this event, Jigsaw is encouraging people across Ireland to come together and offer positive words to those who may need them most.

The event is also a key part of the charity’s fundraising efforts. Through donations, the organisation can continue providing essential mental health services to young people, services that are in higher demand than ever before.

Research Highlights Gender Differences in Compliments

Jigsaw’s recent research highlights significant differences in how young men and women experience compliments. According to their findings, 79 per cent of young women aged 18 to 25 received at least one compliment in the last month. However, the number drops sharply for young men, with just over 50 per cent of young men in the same age range reporting that they received a compliment during the same time period.

These statistics are based on an online survey conducted in July, involving 486 young people aged 18 to 25. While the research sample provides an important snapshot, it also raises broader questions about the impact of societal norms and expectations on how young men and women receive and perceive compliments.

The Power of Positive Words in a Divisive World

Reflecting on the research findings, Justin McDermott, fundraising manager at Jigsaw, expressed concern over the emotional state of young people in today’s world. “The research findings paint a tough picture. Against a backdrop of a world that seems hell-bent on tearing itself apart, this year’s National Compliment Day is a small opportunity for us all to come together and do something positive for our young people,” he said.

McDermott emphasized that Ireland’s youth deserve more recognition, kindness, and support, stating, “They deserve better—much better. Today is your opportunity to use the power of compliments for action and to help ensure no young person in Ireland feels alone, fearful, or forgotten.”

Coffee and Compliments: A Nationwide Effort

As part of its efforts to raise awareness and funds, Jigsaw has partnered with Starbucks and will be holding compliment-themed events throughout the country. In Starbucks’ 82 participating locations nationwide, customers will have the opportunity to support Jigsaw through donations and words of kindness. Additionally, throughout the months of September and October, Jigsaw is hosting 250 coffee and compliment mornings across the country, encouraging people to gather, share compliments, and donate to the cause.

These coffee mornings, hosted by volunteers, aim to spread positivity while raising critical funds for Jigsaw’s mental health services. The initiative has garnered wide support, with participants eager to contribute to a cause that directly impacts the well-being of Ireland’s youth.

Rising Demand for Mental Health Services

Jigsaw’s Annual Report for 2023, released last month, highlighted the increasing demand for the charity’s services. “We have seen a 7 per cent increase in presentations this year, each with ever-increasing levels of mental health complexity,” McDermott shared. He stressed the importance of continued donations, as the charity faces an urgent need for resources to meet this growing demand.

Jigsaw’s services play a crucial role in supporting young people who are struggling with mental health challenges. By addressing these issues early on, the charity helps prevent more severe problems from developing in the future. However, the increasing complexity of cases has stretched the charity’s resources, making fundraising initiatives like National Compliment Day essential to maintaining its impact.

A Youth Volunteer’s Perspective

Speaking at the launch of National Compliment Day, Aoibhe Smyth, a youth volunteer with Jigsaw, highlighted the importance of compassion and kindness in today’s world. “The world is an increasingly scary place for young people,” she said. “Now more than ever, we need to bring more kindness and compassion into our lives. Jigsaw’s National Compliment Day is that opportunity; an opportunity to reach out a hand and say, ‘I’m with you, I’m here, and I care.'”

Smyth’s words resonate deeply with the mission of Jigsaw, which seeks to ensure that no young person in Ireland feels abandoned or alone. Her call to action serves as a reminder that even small gestures, like offering a compliment, can have a profound impact on someone’s mental well-being.

Conclusion: The Urgent Need for Kindness

In a time when young people are facing unprecedented challenges, the importance of fostering an environment of support and kindness cannot be overstated. Jigsaw’s National Compliment Day is a unique initiative that not only raises critical funds for mental health services but also reminds us all of the power of positive words.

As more people participate in National Compliment Day, whether through donations or by simply offering a kind word, Jigsaw hopes to create a ripple effect of positivity across the country. With growing demand for its services and an ever-pressing need for compassion in today’s world, the charity’s work has never been more essential.

By supporting National Compliment Day, we can all contribute to ensuring that young people in Ireland feel valued, supported, and cared for—because every young person deserves to be heard, seen, and appreciated.