Mental Health and Learning Disabilities

**Supporting People Across the Generations**
Our community includes young families, working people, carers, and a significant older population. Good representation means standing up for people at every stage of life.

**Children’s Mental Health**

Children’s mental health must be treated as a priority, not an afterthought. Too many families are left waiting far too long for help. Mental health support is an Island-wide concern that affects families every day.

I will push for:

Training teachers and classroom assistants to spot early signs of anxiety, trauma, or neurodiversity.
A small team of Island-wide school mental health practitioners who rotate between schools weekly.
Mandatory mental health training for teachers and support staff, achievable because the teaching workforce is relatively small.
Implement evidence-based programmes like Zones of Regulation, Thrive, or Nurture Groups and quiet sensory spaces/ rooms (already in a number of schools).
Publishing a simple, public facing “mental health map” showing who to contact at each stage.
Ensure CAMHS provides clear criteria for referrals and expected timelines.
Offer parent training programmes (e.g., Incredible Years, Triple P).
Provide sibling support groups to reduce isolation and resentment.
Fund family therapy sessions for complex cases.
A 24/7 youth crisis phone line staffed by trained clinicians feasible due to island scale.
A single youth crisis hub in Douglas, accessible from all parts of the Island
Mental health liaison staff in Noble’s Hospital specifically trained for young people.
Joint training for police, paramedics, and social careworkers
Recognising that the traditional education system does not work for every young person, I will champion practical, alternative learning pathways on the Island, including more hands-on opportunities and earlier, better-targeted support for those who are struggling.

**Adult Mental Health and Suicide Prevention**

We are losing too many people to suicide. Adult mental health is a serious Island-wide concern that reaches into every community, including Rushen. People in distress need on time, accessible support – not long waits, fragmented services, or the sense that they have nowhere to turn.

I will push for:

Better and faster access to adult mental health services, including clear pathways for those in crisis.
Stronger suicide prevention, practical, joined-up action that reaches people before they reach crisis point, working with local charities such as Isle Stand Up To Suicide and Ed Space.
Support that is available when people need it, including out-of-hours options.
Services that work together, primary care, secondary mental health services, community organisations, and emergency response, so people are not left navigating a complex system alone.
Recognition that mental health affects whole families and communities, and that practical bereavement support for those left behind after a loss is also essential.

**Adults with Learning Disabilities**

Adults with learning disabilities and their families deserve high-quality, person-centred support that maximises independence, choice and inclusion. Services need real improvement from mismatched placements and restrictive practices to limited housing options and staffing pressures. Charities are having to fill in the gaps left with little support.

A constituent has contacted me regarding her situation. She lives with multiple physical disabilities and is finding it increasingly difficult to maintain regular contact with her children due to the limited support available to her.
Other constituents struggle to cope with the care needs of there now adult children.

I will push for:
A clear strategy and proper investment so that residential and supported living options match individual needs rather than simply what is available.
Reduced reliance on restrictive practices and a stronger focus on positive, enabling support that promotes independence.
Better day opportunities supported employment and community activities so people can lead fuller lives.
Stronger specialist support, including psychology, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy, for adults with learning disabilities.
Genuine partnership with families, carers, and organisations such as Manx Mencap so that people with learning disabilities and those who support them are properly heard.