A programme of mental health lessons for primary school children on the Isle of Man has received a two-year funding boost to help equip students with practical coping strategies and build their self-esteem. Isle Listen, which operates in all 32 state-funded primary schools on the island, has been granted £74,664 to cover the cost of delivering lessons in around half of the schools, securing the programme for the next two academic years.
Wellbeing facilitator Holly Ramsay highlighted that students’ understanding of mental health continues to grow annually and that they are eager to engage with the lessons. She explained that the sessions help young people develop self-esteem, foster positive relationships, and learn practical strategies to manage challenges.
Isle Listen currently reaches 95% of schools on the island, including University College Isle of Man, and also provides one-to-one therapeutic sessions for young people up to 18 years old. Education lead Becks Macnair emphasized that school-based educational work is crucial, and the grant provides both security and the ability to expand and further invest in the organisation’s services.
While the preventative work aims to reduce the number of young people needing specialist support, Macnair acknowledged that some students will still require additional services. Manx Lottery Trust chairman Sarah Kelly noted that the grant reflects the importance of supporting young people’s wellbeing as a foundation for a resilient community.
