Students from Queen Elizabeth II High School have raised a fantastic ?482.00 for Praxis Care!

Praxis Care is a charity providing care for vulnerable children and adults affected by mental ill health, learning disabilities, acquired brain injuries and dementia. Services are provided in the Isle of Man and also across Northern Ireland, England and the Republic of Ireland.

Locally the service offers ‘The Star Club’ day centre based in Derby Square, Douglas which is for adults who have experienced mental ill health. The club offers various in-house activities, arranges outings and helps members to access training and education. Participation is voluntary and potential members can refer themselves. The service also offers the Isle of Man Supported Living Accommodation scheme and the Isle of Man Home Support Service, which provides face to face contact for people with mental health needs who live in their own homes.

Students took part in the ‘Praxis Care Sponsored Read It’ which ran from 1st to 31st October, in line with Children’s Book Week and World Mental Health Day on 10th October. The students had to be sponsored to read as many books as they could. The exercise was to encourage students to read books, increase literacy skills and raise awareness of the importance of looking after your mental health.

Lucie Tomkinson from Praxis Care spoke to students during an assembly on Monday, 3rd December where she also received a cheque from the students. Although the cheque only reads ?432.00, more money was received after the cheque was printed. In return she presented six students, who had raised ?50.00 or more, with a ‘care pack’ which consists of new books, pencils, pens, hairclips and so on. Those students were, Hannah Sweetman, Emil Jose, Greg Halliday, Dylan George, Lois Mooney and Kate Dowling. For raising the most money Lois Mooney also received a portable DVD player!

Photo - Dylan George, Lois Mooney, Kate Dowling, Lucie Tomkinson from Praxis Care, Greg Halliday, Hannah Sweetman (Emil Jose not pictured)