Manx Minds Conference 2025 

We’re excited to announce the return of the Manx Minds Conference in the Isle of Man!

This event is a great opportunity for anyone interested in promoting positive mental health - MHFAiders®, mental health advocates, anyone! 

It’s a chance to learn, connect, and share ideas with others who care about making a difference.

💡 Why Attend?

• Expand Your Network: Meet like-minded people, fellow MHFAiders® and mental health advocates.
• Discover Local Resources: Learn about the vital third-sector charities and organisations offering support across the Isle of Man.
• Interactive Exhibitions: Explore resources you might not even know exist—because too often, we hear: "I didn’t know that service was available!", "If only I’d known about this earlier!"

👥 Who Should Attend?

• Trained MHFAiders® from Manx Minds or other organisations
• Mental health professionals and advocates
• Anyone curious about Mental Health First Aid and mental healthsupport on the Isle of Man

🌟 What’s in Store?

• Engaging seminars
• Peer support and networking opportunities
• Interactive exhibition featuring local support organisations
• Inspiring talks to support your ongoing CPD as an MHFAider®/Mental Health Advocate

🎤 Meet Our Speakers:

Diana Parkes CBE – Co-founder of the Joanna Simpson Foundation, domestic abuse advocate. Diana, alongside Hetti Barkworth Nanton (Joanna Simpson’s close friend), co-founded the Joanna Simpson Foundation in 2014, following the brutal killing of Joanna Simpson, Dianna's daughter, by her estranged husband, Robert Brown in 2010. Joanna’s killing took place one week before the finalisation of their divorce. (ITV have made a compelling documentary about the murder of Joanna Simpson, which can be viewed via ITVX at the following link: "The British Airways Killer.")

Diana was awarded a CBE in the King’s New Year’s Honours list in 2024, for her work supporting vulnerable children affected by domestic violence. This was presented to her by the Princess Royal at Windsor Castle.  Recently, she was also very privileged to receive a, "Pride of Britain Award" for services to vulnerable children suffering from Domestic Abuse and Homicide. Diana is an inspiring, thought provoking and challenging speaker.

Sarah McIntosh – CEO of MHFA England® and the Association of Mental Health First Aiders®, is a leading voice in workplace wellbeing and mental health policy.  Sarah has been at the heart of designing MHFA England products and services for our community. During her five years at MHFA England she has built strong relationships with Instructor Members, clients, and learners. She has played a vital role in setting and delivering the organisation’s strategy to improve the mental health of the nation.

Prior to joining MHFA England, Sarah was Director of People and Membership at the National Union of Students and Head of Diversity and Wellbeing at the Co-Operative Banking Group. She has also served as a Non-Executive Director at Social Enterprise UK since May 2022.

Graham Makepeace-Warne – Deputy CEO & Head of Engagement at the Manx Wildlife Trust, exploring how nature can improve mental wellbeing and offering insights as an MHFAider® himself.

Graham moved to the Isle of Man to join MWT at the start of 2018 after a 20-year career in Manchester, culminating as Project Director for a prominent marketing agency. With a strong interest in wildlife and ecology, Graham has previously volunteered on conservation projects like the tracking and recording of wolves in Lower Saxony, Germany. He looks after our members and manages all our communications, marketing and PR. As one of the MHFAiders® at MWT, Graham has a clear understanding of how interaction with the natural world can benefit wellbeing and mental health.

Heather Melvin – is a Director of Rock2Recovery (R2R). Rock2Recovery works with serving members of the armed forces, veterans of the armed forces, 999 communities and their families. Their mission is to save and change the lives of those in our Armed Forces, our Veteran Community, the Emergency Services and their families who are affected by stress. R2R's purpose is to inspire and coach towards a more positive future.

💬 Exhibitors:

....watch this space for more additions!

🔍 Conference Focus – "PUT THE 'E' IN ALGEE"

As you may know, the central component of MHFAider® training is the ALGEE action plan, an acronym that stands for:

​Assess, Assist & Approach

Listen non-judgmentally

Give reassurance and information

Encourage appropriate professional help

Encourage other support strategies

The ALGEE action plan provides a memorable and practical framework for providing support, ensuring individuals are empowered to act with confidence and empathy.

This year our theme highlights the final ‘E’ in the MHFAider® action plan: Encourage other support strategies.

Our interactive exhibition will spotlight charities and organisations that provide essential support, helping us to signpost those in need toward the right resources.

This is your chance to discover new resources, get inspired, and help others with confidence. 

Keep an eye on Manx Minds’ social media for speaker updates and event details—you won’t want to miss what’s coming next!

Let’s come together to "PUT THE 'E' IN ALGEE" and make mental health support stronger than ever.

More comprehensive information about our speakers, exhibitors and all things 'Conference' can be found on our website via this link.