To tie in with his first art exhibition at Erin Arts Centre, 18-year-old mental health champion Jessie Quirk is giving a talk tonight about his mental health journey, neurodivergence, spotting signs, and coping strategies.
Jessie’s talk – A Mind That Wanders: Mental Health, Animals & My Life – stars at 7.30pm, October 15. But those who have been to other talks by Jessie are asked to note there will be no animals on this occasion.
The exhibition itself runs until November 21.
Jessie is neurodivergent and has experienced serious mental health issues during his life.
Last year he spent six months in hospital in the Isle of Man and Sheffield and now wants to help others by talking about his journey and how his animals help him deal with his emotions.
In March this year, he spoke to a sell-out crowd at Erin Arts Centre about how his animals have helped him, which gave the audience a chance to meet and hold some of Jessie’s snakes, leaf insects and mantises.
Important to Talk About Mental Health
Jessie said: ‘It’s important that society learns to talk openly about mental health and I want to use my experiences to help others and let them know they are not alone.
“There is support out there, from organisations such as Ed’s Man Club, Isle of Neurodiversity, and Isle Stand Up to Suicide. But more needs to be done, and Government needs to invest more resources to meet the increasing mental health needs of the Island.”
Tickets for the talk are £5 and available from: https://www.ticketsource.com/erinartscentre/a-mind-that-wanders-a-talk-by-jessie-quirk/e-zppdxr
Exhibition
Jessie’s love of art has been another major coping strategy, and the exhibition – A Mind That Wanders: Shadows, Paranoia & Creepy Crawlies – is the culmination of several years’ work, some created for his art GCSE and some during and since his time in hospital.
The exhibition at the Erin Arts Centre in Port Erin is free and opens 10am-4.30pm Tuesday to Friday. However, the exhibition can also be viewed during all shows/events taking place at the EAC. The exhibition will close on Saturday, November 21.
There is the opportunity to meet and talk to Jessie at the exhibition between midday and 4pm on Saturday, October 24.