As another school year comes to an end, it’s a good time to reflect on the conversations, learning and connections that have taken place in classrooms across the Isle of Man. Through education, we have the opportunity to help young people make safer, more informed choices around alcohol, drugs, gambling and gaming.
At Motiv8, education plays a key role in reducing harm and raising awareness about dependency behaviours. Leading this work is our dedicated Education Officer, Colleen McDaid, who has been delivering preventative education to pupils and students across the Island since taking up the role three years ago.
During that time, Motiv8 has had more than 15,000 points of contact with island pupils and students. Every workshop, discussion and classroom visit is an opportunity to challenge misconceptions, answer questions and ensure young people know where they can turn for information and support.
Colleen explains, ‘Early intervention and education within the school environment is very important. When I first meet a group in Year 7, I will see them every year until they finish school and the aim is to build on their knowledge so that they can make safer, more informed choices as they transition into adulthood.’
This ongoing relationship is one of the real strengths of Motiv8’s education programme. Rather than delivering a one off session, the learning journey develops alongside the young people themselves, ensuring that conversations remain relevant, age appropriate and meaningful at every stage.
Our work begins as early as Year 6, where pupils explore topics such as staying safe while gaming. As they move through secondary school sessions evolve to cover issues including peer pressure, exploitation, understanding risk, myth busting common misconceptions and recognising when and where to seek help and support.
Many of these workshops take place during school drop-down days, giving pupils dedicated time to engage with important life topics outside of the traditional curriculum. All content is shared with schools in advance to ensure it aligns with their ethos and educational priorities.
Colleen says that ‘Year 7 sessions focus on ‘new beginnings’, recognising the significant transition from primary to secondary school. Pupils are encouraged to think about social connections, the role gaming plays in their lives and how certain gaming experiences can link to gambling related behaviours.’
Importantly, she emphasises that Motiv8’s approach is never about fear or judgement. “I believe education matters because every conversation has the potential to make a difference to someone, now or in the future.”
At Motiv8, we aim to create safe, open and honest conversations, equipping young people with the knowledge and confidence they need to navigate an increasingly complex world.
The feedback we receive from schools tells us that our sessions are engaging, enjoyable and informative. An encouraging reminder that education works best when it is interactive, relatable and rooted in understanding.
Colleen shared that she has a true passion for education and that ‘If a young person recognises a risk earlier, supports a friend, or seeks help themselves whether now or in the future simply because they know who Motiv8 is and what support is available, then this programme has achieved something truly positive.’
As this academic year draws to a close, we would like to thank the schools, staff and pupils who continue to welcome us into their education settings. Through partnership, education and early intervention, we can help ensure that young people across the Isle of Man are empowered to make safer, more informed choices as they move into adulthood.
Motiv8 Addiction Services provides free and confidential support, information and education across the Isle of Man. To find out more about our education programme, you can contact us by calling Freephone 0808 1624 627, sending a WhatsApp message to 07624 388750, or by emailing Colleen directly at colleen.mcdaid@motiv8.im.
