spunout welcomes youth mental health investment in Budget 2026 

spunout has welcomed the proposed investment in youth mental health services, digital support solutions, and recruitment of additional mental health professionals outlined in Budget 2026.

As Ireland’s youth information and support platform, spunout is at the forefront in responding to the national crisis in youth mental health. ​​We reach more than 800,000 young people each year with our factual, non-judgemental information. So far in 2025, we have spoken to over 30,000 young people through spunout Text About It, our 24/7 crisis text line.

We know the enormous impact of well-resourced mental health services on young people’s lives, and we welcome the Government’s decision to again increase investment in this vital area. 

Ahead of Budget 2026, spunout consulted with young people from all over Ireland on their priorities for investment, and we shared these findings with TDs, Senators and Ministers throughout 2025. It is clear from these conversations that young people place increased support for mental health at the very top of their priorities, and it is very positive that the Government has chosen to listen to these calls in Budget 2026.  

In particular, spunout wishes to commend the work of Minister for Mental Health Mary Butler in securing funding for 300 new staff in mental health services, increased provision of CAMHS places, greater support for community and voluntary organisations dealing with suicide prevention, and significant funding for digital youth mental health services. 

During our pre-budget submission consultation, young people were clear about the rising crisis of youth isolation in Ireland, and highlighted the need for in-person youth hubs along with digital supports to tackle this challenge. We therefore welcome the resourcing of in-person, early interventions services such as the ‘Solace’ crisis cafés and Jigsaw services. We hope that the Government will continue to listen to the voices of young people relating to their call for youth hubs.

spunout also recognises the proposed annual increase of €8 million in funding for youth work services. While this additional resourcing is much needed for essential youth services, we again call on the Government to commit to re-instating the level of investment in youth services last seen in 2008. 

While the increase in youth mental health funding is hugely positive, the scale of the challenges facing young people remains enormous. We will continue to call on the Government to build on this great progress and continue to invest long-term in tackling the ongoing crisis of youth mental health, and the worsening impact of social isolation and loneliness among young people in Ireland.