Teen mental health champion to give talk on power of 'weird pets'
A teenager on the Isle of Man has been explaining how he's found companionship and support from what some would say are 'unusual' pets.
Seventeen-year-old mental health champion Jessie Quirk has ADHD, autism and severe social anxiety.
On 24 March he'll give a talk at the Erin Arts Centre about how his four pet snakes have been a positive influence on his life.
"Growing up I always felt out of place and I never really fit in. So I was always drawn towards any animal that wasn't classified as normal." - Jessie Quirk
Jessie says snakes are 'wonderful creatures' and have helped him through some difficult times:
Support from Manx Wildlife Trust
‘The depth of Jessie's knowledge and interest in wildlife is remarkable, and his wish to share both what he’s learned and how this journey has supported him is a generous and important thing to do for others.
‘Jessie standing up and offering that example carries real weight, and we’re pleased to help facilitate this in solidarity with him and others.’ - Dr Carmel Croukamp, Head of Engagement for Manx Wildlife Trust
Talk at Erin Arts Centre
‘The Secret Lives of Weird Pets: Snakes, Autism & Me’, will take place at 7pm on Tuesday, March 24 at Erin Arts Centre in Port Erin.
Tickets cost £5 for adults and £2 for under-18s and can be booked online or in person at the EAC.
Jessie’s talk is being supported by Manx Wildlife Trust, and alongside Jessie’s snakes and other creatures, it will also feature some snakes and geckos courtesy of Allan Campbell, who is setting up a new business Zoo2You IOM.
All animals involved in this event are cared for with their welfare as the first priority.
You can listen to the full interview with Jessie Quirk via the Manx Radio Newscast below:
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