Jane Kelly is the Emergency Planning Officer for the Isle of Man Government and leads the Civil Defence team. We’ve probably all relied on her team’s expertise during storm and weather events, and though we might not know it we are all a lot safer because of the plans she and her team have created for the unlikely but possible emergency events we could face. Find out more about her work on Perspective. Are we becoming too reliant on government to solve all our problems and could we perhaps do a bit more to help our selves?

On Perspective this week we hear from local historian John Manley about his research into the history of Ballamona Hospital. Prior to Ballamona life in the Isle of Man for people with mental illness was pretty bleak so the opening of a dedicated hospital to provide care was a major step forward. The hospital closed in the 1990s as it was deemed to be better to support people in the community.

It’s probably not unreasonable to say that over the past year Perspective has delivered a fair proportion of political angst and reflected the increasing polarisation of political debate. As it’s Christmas and we reflect on Christian messages of hope and peace I thought for the last Perspective of 2025 we should give you a more positive and encouraging program. Michael Manning, the eighth Manx Bard has recently published a collection of his poetry titled Graih. Michael Manning want’s to sing some new songs of hope and positivity. Will anyone listen? Let’s hope so.