Seventeen-year-old Jessie Quirk is challenging perceptions about 'unusual' pets and their remarkable impact on mental wellbeing. As a mental health champion living with ADHD, autism, and severe social anxiety, Jessie has discovered that his four pet snakes offer far more than companionship—they've become his pathway to understanding himself and connecting with others who feel like outsiders.

On Tuesday, 24 March, Jessie will take centre stage at the Erin Arts Centre in Port Erin to share his inspiring story in a talk titled 'The Secret Lives of Weird Pets: Snakes, Autism & Me'. The event promises a fascinating exploration of reptile care, neurodiversity, and the unexpected healing power of creatures that most people overlook. With support from Manx Wildlife Trust and guest snakes and geckos from Zoo2You IOM's Allan Campbell, this is a unique opportunity to discover why some of us find our greatest allies in the animal kingdom's most misunderstood members.

Visitors to the Isle of Man seeking authentic cultural experiences and meaningful local stories won't want to miss this engaging evening. Tickets are affordable at just £5 for adults and £2 for under-18s, available online or in person at the Erin Arts Centre. Whether you're a reptile enthusiast, a mental health advocate, or simply curious about the transformative power of human-animal bonds, Jessie's talk promises an evening that will change how you see both pets and people.

Source: Read full article on ManxRadio