Campaigners call for more mental health support

Suicide prevention protest takes place outside Tynwald

Campaigners who took part in a suicide prevention protest yesterday (20 October) are calling for more help and support from government. 

People gathered outside Legislative Buildings, on Prospect Hill in Douglas, campaigning for better mental health services. 

Organised by the group ManxPACT the gathering was a chance for campaigners to voice their concerns with Tynwald members.

Government introduced a strategy to prevent suicide in 2023, with an updated version due next year.

A report published earlier this year by a Tynwald committee found the strategy took longer to reach the implementation phase that it should have done, but is now making progress.

The Isle of Man Mortality Report published in July 2025 shows the Isle of Man had a suicide rate of 13.9 deaths per 100,000 between 2021 and 2023; in England it was 10.7 per 100,000.

ManxPACT says it organised the protest to call for greater action from government. Juan Moore is the group's founder:

Lisa and Janette were among those attending the protest:

Manx Care has been invited to respond to the issues raised by the protestors.

You can find details of the support services available on Island HERE.