From Care to the Keys: Meet Joney Faragher MHK

This week, we’re celebrating Joney Faragher, an MHK. Her route into politics wasn’t traditional and that’s exactly what makes her story so powerful. With a background in social care and education, Joney brings real lived experience into decision-making at the highest level. As she puts it, “What I love most about politics is that it’s an opportunity to turn empathy into action.” In her own words, she shares how that belief has shaped her journey and continues to guide her work today. 

If you’d told me years ago that I’d one day be standing in Tynwald, I’m not sure I’d have

believed you. 

My career started in a combination of social care and education, working in

care settings with looked after children, the young people’s Secure Unit and later with

adults with complex needs. 

Looking back, these were jobs that taught me patience, empathy, and how to see potential where others might see barriers. Later, I completed a teaching degree and then worked peripatetically across schools, supporting children who had been bereaved. Those experiences shaped so much of who I am and how I see the world. They gave me a deep understanding of the challenges families face and a real belief that we can do better by them.

After the 2016 General Election, I joined the Manx Labour Party. I wanted to be part of

something that stood for fairness, equality, and opportunity for everyone. I became Green

Issues Coordinator in 2017 and then, in 2020, was elected as Leader of the Party. A year

later, I stood in the general election, for Douglas East, and was elected with the most votes

in the constituency. That was a humbling and surreal moment, knowing that people had

trusted me to represent them and their community.

Since then, I’ve tried to bring that same sense of compassion and practicality from my

teaching background into everything I do in politics. One of the areas I’ve been especially

proud to work on is neurodiversity. During my time in the Department of Health and Social

Care, I oversaw the Autism Strategy, and later brought two motions to Tynwald - one to

improve all-age diagnosis and support pathways, and another to ensure teachers receive

proper training around neurodiversity. I want our systems - from schools to workplaces - to

be more understanding, inclusive, and flexible for everyone.

Another piece of work very close to my heart has been my Private Member’s Bill to make

period products freely available in all publicly coordinated facilities. Access to period

products is a basic need, and tackling period poverty is about dignity, equality, and ensuring

no one is held back because of something entirely natural. It’s been inspiring to see the level

of support and conversation it’s sparked, especially from younger women and girls who

finally feel seen and heard.

What I love most about politics is that it’s an opportunity to turn empathy into action.

Whether it’s supporting families, improving services, or making small changes that make

everyday life fairer: those are the things that keep me going.

If I could give one piece of advice to women thinking about getting involved, it would be:

don’t wait until you feel ready. None of us ever feel 100% ready. Say yes, take up space, and

back yourself, because your perspective and lived experience are valuable. And don’t be

afraid to ask questions or challenge the status quo. That’s how progress happens.

Looking ahead, my goal is to keep championing families, working people, and pensioners -

the people who have shaped our island and keep it running. And I want to help create a

more inclusive, compassionate Isle of Man, where women and girls see themselves reflected

in the decisions being made. Because the more diverse our leadership becomes, the

stronger our community will be.

That line stays with us: turning empathy into action. It captures exactly why Joney’s voice matters. As an MHK, she’s showing that compassion and practicality belong in leadership, and that progress often starts with listening properly and caring deeply. We’re proud to celebrate a woman who brings humanity into politics and helps make the Isle of Man fairer, more inclusive and stronger because of it.