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Jay: Building a Career and Community in the Isle of Man

For Jay, the Isle of Man has always been home. Born and raised in the Island, where he completed his full-time education, Jay began his career in Mental Health Nursing before venturing off-island to gain further experience in the UK. After working in London and the Midlands within Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, he returned to the Isle of Man in 2020 to work as a therapist. A brief move to Scotland followed, where he completed a Master’s degree and worked in a Substance Use Psychology Service, but in early 2025, Jay made the decision to return home for good.

“The Isle of Man is such a wonderful place to grow up,” Jay reflects. “I always knew I’d come back eventually. After living in bigger towns and cities, the sea, hills, and close-knit community became increasingly appealing.”

Now working as a Psychotherapist within Manx Care, Jay works with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, and PTSD. “It’s a role with real purpose,” he says. “It can be challenging, but there’s a genuine sense of helping others that makes it incredibly rewarding.”

Jay’s journey into mental health began unexpectedly. “I hadn’t considered healthcare until a Scout leader suggested I work as a health care assistant in a local nursing home. That experience opened the door to nursing, and I’m so grateful for the development opportunities I had as a result of the on-island training course I undertook.” Over time, Jay trained in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), a trauma-focused therapy.

The Isle of Man is a dream destination for all things outdoorsy. With coastlines, hills, glens, forests, and beaches all within easy reach, you don’t have to travel far to find your next adventure - and for Jay, that’s exactly what makes island life so fulfilling!

Outside of work, Jay doesn’t have to go far to pursue his passion for the outdoors. “Sea kayaking is a huge part of my life. The Isle of Man is a world-class location with incredible cliffs, tidal races, and beaches. I don’t think I’d have taken it up if I didn’t live here.”

Jay also helped establish Manx Adventure & Expo, a social club for adults interested in outdoor activities. “We’re a friendly, inclusive bunch. Our most popular events are kayaking, climbing, hikes, and socials, but we also run community projects like beach cleans and tree planting.” The club has over 100 members and offers everything from beginner sessions to more adventurous challenges. It’s open for any adults on the island to join.

In addition, Jay volunteers with a local Scout group, helping young people to develop valuable life skills through outdoor experiences. “It’s great fun and a valuable way to give back to the community. Volunteering can be a fun and rewarding way to make new friends as see a different side to the Island. Scouts are always looking for volunteers, there are many different ways you can get involved."

When it comes to work-life balance, Jay believes the Island offers something truly special. “You can finish work and be on a beach or in the hills within 30 minutes. I used to complain about traffic until I remembered what it was like in Coventry in the UK… endless ring roads compared with a 5-minute traffic delay in the Isle of Man.”

Relocating back to the Island was smooth, and Jay encourages others to explore and consider it as a career and lifestyle opportunity.

“Get involved. Whether it’s a charity, sports club or community initiative. You might feel awkward and anxious at first, but the benefits are absolutely worth pushing through for."

Looking ahead, Jay is focused on further developing his clinical skills and continuing to grow within the Island’s Mental Health Service at Manx Care. “It’s an exciting time to be part of the team. There have been some important changes in our department recently, and it’s great to be a part of such a professional, motivated and growing team of professionals.”

If he had to sum up the Isle of Man in three words?

“Coastal. Quirky. Community-driven.”

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