Latest news with #Manx
BBC News
2 hours ago
- Health
- BBC News
Manx firefighter takes on Parish Walk in full kit challenge
A Douglas firefighter is attempting an epic walking challenge on the Isle of Man, in his full emergency Hays is taking on the 85 mile (136km) Parish Walk to raise money for the Fire Fighters Charity and the Great North Air Ambulance full uniform, breathing apparatus, and helmet, added about 15kg (33 lbs) of weight to the challenge, which gave participants 24 hours to complete the would be the 37-year-old's first attempt at the event and he said: "I've definitely gone in at the deep end with this." While many do complete the walk that visits all 17 island parishes, the majority of those taking part set a target to reach the halfway point of Hays said: "I'm looking to ideally travel between hopefully Peel and maybe Ballaugh at the furthest, which will be about 30 to 40 miles." About 1,100 walkers are expected to take to Manx roads as part of the annual challenge. 'Mental resilience' It follows a similar challenge last year, when two of his colleagues took on the walk wearing firefighting helmets. But this year they wanted to "elevate it" and Mr Hays said he "voted myself in to do it" for the two it would be a big physical challenge, he said it would also test him mentally. He said: "Mental resilience is something that's quite big in the firefighting profession, just being able to kind of dig into what reserves you might have and just carry on with what's in front of you."Hopefully this proves that to the nth degree," he added. To train Mr Hays said as well as going for walks of about 15 miles at a time wearing weight belts, he had also been walking on an inclined treadmill with sand in his cylinder for added off at the National Sports Centre at 08:00 BST, competitors will cross the finish line in the gruelling challenge on Douglas Promenade on Saturday. Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
BBC News
5 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
Sight Matters: Charity to open special therapeutic space
A sight loss charity has been awarded a grant for a new therapeutic garden to help people move on from the challenges they project, called Life Grows On, will see six alotments and a water feature installed in a former dog pen at the Sight Matters headquarters in Corrin Court, Onchan. Created in partnership with the Manx Deaf Society, Cruse Bereavement and the Alzheimers' Society, the project was awarded a grant of £21,385 from Manx Lottery spokesman Peter Marshall said the garden was for people to meet others and "grow things which symbolises moving on from whatever challenges they face". The garden would include features such as raised planters, tactile signage, and guided gardening sessions to make the space accessible for all. 'Much-needed' The funding would allow the charities to "create a much-needed therapeutic space where members of our community can come together, reflect, and experience the healing power of nature", Mr Marshall said. "Gardening offers so many benefits, and we're excited to provide an inclusive, accessible environment where people can nurture both plants and their own emotional wellbeing," he executive Cathryn Bradley said the project would provide a space for the various charities to grow what they wanted in their for the project, which it is hoped will be completed by the end of summer, was being undertaken by prison work parties. Unlike Sight Matters' Freedom Field, which required a fob to access, the space would be openly available for members of the charities at all times. Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
BBC News
14-06-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Isle of Man learning disability services 'in need of overhaul'
A campaigner has said residential care for adults with learning disabilities needs an "overhaul" after a review that identified failings in the current Tinkler of Manx Mencap said a recent review highlighting a number of issues in the services "completely validates" concerns raised by the charity and family members over several by Manx Care, the independent report found that restrictive practices had been normalised and accommodation placements were mismatched. Manx Care said it would now produce an implementation plan to tackle the "significant areas for improvement" identified in the report. Ms Tinkler said the review had not come as "any surprise to parents really" as it "highlights all the things we have been saying for years".She said the service had gone into "crisis" prior to the review due to cuts in staffing, leaving existing employees "disenfranchised" with morale that was "very low".She said remaining staff had come under "a lot of pressure", and training would be the "backbone of how we move forward".There was a need for a dedicated psychologist, occupational therapist and a speech therapy service for adults with learning disabilities, she continued. 'Real opportunity' The review identified that restrictive practices were used in some cases, such as lack of access to the kitchen because a residents risked hurting themselves by drinking from the Tinkler said staff should find out "why those behaviours were happening" and put the kettle away instead, as locking the kitchen meant residents could not even get a cold drink without going to staff which was "not conducive to independent living".She also said there were people who wanted to move into residential care homes but Manx Care "just don't have room for them", and some of the accommodation provided was in old townhouses, which were "not fit for purpose"."We have people in incorrect placements which hinders everybody," she she said the review and recommendations represented a "real opportunity" to create services that were "really inclusive and have a high quality".She said: "I think the way forward is to overhaul the service, to look at what we are doing and how we are doing it.""We owe it to people who use residential care."In response to the review, Manx Care chief executive Teresa Cope said it was clear that there was "learning for the whole system on the island"."Service managers have already begun work to introduce new ways of working and address some of the findings in the report," she was also underway "to find a wider range of housing and accommodation options" and a broader commissioning plan was being developed, she added. Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
BBC News
13-06-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Isle of Man school leaders asked to vote on industrial action
School leaders on the Isle of Man are being asked if they want to consider taking industrial action due to the alleged "further misuse of disciplinary proceedings" by the education department. The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) has held an emergency meeting to initiate a formal ballot for its members on the island.A formal dispute with the education department was raised by the union last month, citing a "toxic" culture and alleging an abuse of BBC has asked the education department for a response to the NAHT's concerns. The NAHT has opened an electronic ballot which asks members whether they would support a ballot for industrial union said it was determined to "protect its members from further misuse of disciplinary proceedings by the island's education department".It claimed there had been a "disregard of agreed policies and procedures, and the victimisation of [union] officials". 'Months of inaction' The formal complaint was raised by NAHT assistant general secretary Rob Kelsall, who wrote to the island's interim chief executive Mark Lewin. Mr Kelsall said the ballot was "unavoidable" due to "months of inaction, repeated policy breaches, and a failure to uphold basic employment rights".He added: "The integrity of our profession and the dignity of our members is on the line."We will not stand by and see school leaders being treated with contempt and their union representatives subjected to a witch-hunt and victimised."The NAHT alleged there had been breaches of the Fairness at Work Policy and the Code of Conduct for Public Servants. It claimed the education department had been misusing disciplinary procedures by imposing "punitive sanctions" rather than supporting professional union said concerns went "far beyond the experiences of any one or two individuals" and included "multiple breaches of employment policies and professional standards".It said: "We remain committed to finding a constructive resolution and believe these steps are necessary to rebuild trust and ensure fairness for all."The ballot will close on 18 June. Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
BBC News
13-06-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Health of Isle of Man carers continues to suffer, survey finds
Manx carers are continuing to feel the "far-reaching" pressures of caring responsibilities despite the creation a 10-year plan to improve support, a survey has report by the charity Crossroads in conjunction with the health department found 85% of the 370 carers who responded said their health had suffered since becoming a carer, a 3% rise on the previous figure from said the responsibility had at times made them feel "lonely and isolated" or "quite hopeless", while the costs of extra care were "terrifying".Health Minister Claire Christian said the findings would inform the department's strategy, which aimed to provide a "more inclusive and supportive framework" for carers. Carers are classed as those who look after family, neighbours, friends or partners for a number of reasons, including illness, disability, mental health or 2021 census showed there were more than 4,869 people over the age of 10 providing care or support for latest consultation was carried out between September and November State of Caring report 2024-25 also highlights how people's finances, employment, and social lives were affected, with 38% of carers providing more than 100 hours of care each echoing the the previous survey, 76% of respondents said they worried about constant fatigue, and 59% had not taken a break from caring in the past data found 63% had experienced financial struggles, with some cutting back on essentials like food and heating. 'Recognition and support' A carers strategy aimed at improving recognition and support was backed by the Manx parliament in June 2024, and subsequently a steering group was formed to coordinate its Minister Claire Christian said the group, which included government and third sector representatives, would continue to "work towards our goal of a more inclusive and supportive framework" for findings would "support us to continue that work" she chief executive Jackie Betteridge said the finding showed the "far-reaching the effects of caring" and gave a "clear picture of the challenges carers face"."With an ageing population and the number of carers expected to rise, we must act now," she said. Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
