Policy
Mental Health & Wellbeing
No one in our communities should feel alone in their darkest moments, and every effort must be made to ensure support is there when it is needed.
Having been lucky enough to have worked in children’s mental health for four years, I
know how critical early intervention is. Partnering with third-sector providers like Isle Listen
and The Children’s Centre provides essential care before crises occur. To reduce CAMHS
and adult mental health waiting lists, I will push for structured local training and
professional development pathways for Manx healthcare workers.
Alongside safeguarding the mental well-being of our young people requires us to tackle the
impact of social media and online platforms. The Isle of Man must actively consider how
we protect our children while ensuring they can still navigate the modern digital world
safely.
However, I feel banning or restricting access to certain apps does not automatically
eliminate online risk, and without proper local frameworks, young people can simply end
up moving to less regulated online spaces. While we monitor surrounding jurisdictions and
consider formal age restriction guidelines, we must take a proactive, community-led
approach focused on practical family safeguarding, education, and public health
awareness.
If elected, I will push for a comprehensive digital health strategy that supports families
rather than leaving them to navigate these challenges alone. With the introduction of clear
public health guidance on digital well-being. Alongside this, government must work directly
with schools, youth services, and third-sector partners like The Childrens Centre and Isle
Listen to provide parents with accessible, practical resources about online safety.
Community Spaces & Outdoor Wellbeing
Supporting physical and mental well-being means ensuring everyone has safe, accessible places to stay active outdoors. We must require private developers to fully complete functional children’s play equipment and green spaces before homes are sold, rather than leaving community infrastructure as an afterthought. Working alongside local commissioners, I will support community recreational spaces, from completed projects like the Ballakilley cycle track to safe coastal areas for sports and outdoor recreation, giving families and residents of all ages healthy spaces right on their doorstep.
Video on Mental Health and Wellbeing