The first week of September can bring feelings of apprehension, excitement and promise for the new school year ahead. Alongside important lessons such as literacy, numeracy, sciences and arts, the majority of our Island’s school pupils also benefit from lessons in mental health and wellbeing, thanks to local mental health charity Isle Listen.

In line with the new academic year, Isle Listen has launched its ‘Back to School’ campaign as it announces its new curriculum for 2026/27. The charity recently revealed that its Mental Health Education Programme costs £250,000 per year to deliver, which is funded entirely by charitable donations.

The programme, which was delivered to 8,735 children and young people in the 2025/26 academic year, is costed at just £28.62 per pupil. Isle Listen is asking the Manx public to consider supporting one or two children through their education programme this year by donating to their special campaign here: https://fundraising.islelisten.im/donation/back-to-school

Isle Listen’s programme is updated regularly, including an overhaul this year, to ensure topics and sessions tie in with social pressures, clinical advice and feedback from schools. Isle Listen has always held early intervention and prevention at its core, and its programmes support children and young people across the Island to develop core skills from an early age. This in turn helps them understand themselves, develop a strong sense of identity and self-worth, build positive relationships and feel connected to the wider community around them.

Speaking of the campaign and new curriculum for 2026/27, Rebecca Macnair, Education Team Lead at Isle Listen said: “Just as we nurture literacy and numeracy, teaching children about mental health and wellbeing helps create confident, compassionate learners who are better prepared for life both inside and outside the classroom. From September 2026 we are introducing an updated framework, centred around the core principles of resilience, respect, empathy and relationships. Each Key Stage’s curriculum is based on this framework, incorporating our own blend of fun and learning, with a range of activities to engage every learning style.”

Rebecca continued, “Our updated framework is centred around a holistic approach, recognising that mental health and wellbeing are closely connected to the development of strong character, positive relationships and the skills young people need to thrive. Rather than focusing on mental health only when difficulties arise, our experienced and passionate Facilitators aim to equip and empower the next generation with knowledge, confidence and practical skills they need to build resilience, develop positive wellbeing and navigate life with greater confidence.

We deliver this programme completely free of charge to our Island’s school pupils, but at a cost to the charity of £250,000 per year, your support is required to ensure the future of this valuable programme.”