Teenage mental health advocate Jessie Quirk has returned to the island after speaking at the first Eastbourne Invertebrates Convention, where he shared how caring for unusual animals has supported his recovery and wellbeing.
The 17‑year‑old was invited to the East Sussex event following his sellout March talk at Erin Arts Centre, The Secret Lives of Weird Pets: Snakes, Autism & Me, which raised £275 for Manx Wildlife Trust.
Jessie, who has ADHD, autism and severe social anxiety, gave the EAC talk just months after being discharged from a four‑month stay in an adolescent mental health hospital in Sheffield.
While his four snakes stayed home this time, several of his other pets, giant African millipede Rambo, leaf insects Rocket and Groot, and mantises Wanda and Vision, travelled with him and featured in the presentation.
A Real Honour
Jessie said it was “a real honour” to be invited to speak in Eastbourne. “I want to educate as many people as possible about the benefits of caring for animals and the positive impact they’ve had on my mental health,” he said. “I’m so grateful to Ramsey Crookall for helping make this possible.”
Joanna Crookall, CEO of Ramsey Crookall, said the firm was proud to support Jessie’s message. She described his story as “incredibly inspiring”, adding that his honesty and courage align with the values behind the company’s upcoming Pilates World Record attempt and Wellness Festival & Charity Village at Knockaloe on July 19.
Jessie has now been invited to serve as a World Record Ambassador, helping promote the event and encouraging public participation.
He and his animals will be at Knockaloe to speak with visitors about his journey and the role “weird pets” have played in building confidence, managing anxiety and finding purpose.
