Launched on 19 June 2025, navigator is a collaborative initiative by youth charity spunout, the Department of Health and the HSE. Developed in line with a Programme for Government commitment, the web-based, mobile-first platform aims to remove barriers—such as stigma, low mental health literacy and fragmented service information—that often stop young people from seeking support.
With just three quick questions, users receive tailored results ranging from expert-approved articles and lived-experience videos to grounding exercises, book and podcast recommendations, and direct links to local or national services. Built-in features include:
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24/7 connection to spunout’s free Text About It messaging service for immediate support.
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A privacy-first design requiring no login, ensuring completely anonymous use.
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Bookmark functionality so users can save favourite resources for later.
The project was steered by an HSE multidisciplinary committee to align with the National Child and Youth Mental Health Action Plan, with Budget 2024 funding from the Department of Health. Crucially, it was co-designed with young people: an advisory group of 15 youth contributors shaped every stage, and nearly 900 young people completed a development survey, ensuring the tool meets real-world needs.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Butler highlighted navigator as “a national digital gateway that empowers young people to take the first step toward support in a way that is simple, private and tailored to their needs,” adding that its early delivery demonstrates firm governmental commitment to youth mental health priorities.
Donan Kelly, National Lead for the HSE’s Child and Youth Mental Health Office, expects navigator to become “a key first point of contact for young people and families,” while spunout’s Director of Digital Content, Kiki Martire, emphasised how the tool “cuts through the noise” of online information and delivers localised, relevant results.
Explore the tool: spunout.ie/navigator
About spunout: spunout.ie