Celebrating 8 Years of Mikeysline: Championing Mental Health and Breaking Stigma

In a world where mental health awareness is crucial, Mikeysline stands tall, celebrating eight remarkable years of dedication, growth and immense impact within Highland, Island and Moray communities.

Founded in December 2015 following the heartbreaking losses of Martin Shaw and Michael Williamson, Mikeysline emerged as a beacon of hope, lighting up paths for those in the darkness of mental health struggles, emotional distress, or experiencing thoughts of suicide.

Celebrating 8 Years | Mikeysline Timeline | #BeeTheChange

Celebrating 8 Years of Mikeysline Together

We’re having a party – and you’re invited!

Join us in the Market Hall of the Victorian Market on Inverness’s Academy Street, from 4-6pm on Wednesday, December 6, 2023.

The party is free to attend, however we ask that you please register your interest in attending.

During the event, you’ll be able to meet people who have committed to Bee the Change in the Highlands, Islands and Moray – effecting changes in their communities through commitments big and small, from putting up posters in local establishments to making and selling jewellery as a fundraiser.

• Meet the students of Millburn Academy’s NPA Jewellery class
• Take a photo with Leo and Geordie the donkeys
• Get your face painted by Happy Faces
• Pick up a bee balloon model from Trapeze Entertainment
• Enjoy live music from the Black Isle Peas
• Hear a special pre-recorded message and song from Scottish chart topper Callum Beattie.

To mark the Mikeysline’s 8th anniversary, the Inverness Townhouse will also be lit up in the charity’s signature yellow and blue colours.

Mikeysline Through the Years

Building a Foundation (2015-2016)

Mikeysline started humbly with the passion of 300 people illuminating Inverness’s High Street, symbolically launching a movement to support mental health in the Highlands. The introduction of the first text helpline in the UK revolutionised accessibility to mental health support, evolving into a service that operates every evening today.

Recognition and Expansion (2016-2018)

Mikeysline evolved rapidly, registering as a charity and expanding its reach, thanks to support from numerous individuals and organisations. Awards, including Community Group of the Year, validated Mikeysline’s impact in Scotland.

Establishing Support Centers (2017-2019)

The establishment of the Hive Project at 19 Academy Street, Inverness marked a significant milestone, offering vital face-to-face support in the Highland community. As support continued to grow, Mikeysline extended its outreach, engaging students to produce mental health films and encouraging community dialogue to dismantle stigma.

Navigating Challenges, Embracing Change (2020-2021)

Amidst the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, Mikeysline persisted, providing unwavering support through lockdowns. With the appointment of ambassadors like Karen Gillan and the introduction of the ‘You Are Not Alone’ callback service, the organisation adapted, broadening its accessibility via multiple communication platforms including Messenger, Twitter and webchat.

Promoting Diversity in Support (2022-2023)

The journey continued with a strong focus on diversity in support, launching a WhatsApp textline, expanding workshops to primary schools, and opening new Hive locations across the north of Scotland. Mikeysline further engaged in partnerships, launched the ‘Bee the Change’ campaign, and appointed more ambassadors from the worlds of sport, business and fashion to champion its cause.

#BeetheChange – Join the Movement

As we commemorate eight impactful years of Mikeysline, we invite you to Bee the Change by becoming a champion for mental health in your community, school or workplace. Stand with us in stamping out stigma and advocating for mental health awareness.

Join our community and embrace the power of making a difference, one step at a time. Together, we can amplify the message that it’s ok not to be ok.

Join Mikeysline, become a Bee the Change Champion, and let’s continue breaking barriers, supporting families, and empowering individuals in their mental health journey.

Allana Stables, Bee the Change manager at Mikeysline, says: “The conversation around mental health can be difficult for many, but it’s important to remember that it’s ok not to be ok. That’s why we’re spreading this message through our Bee the Change campaign – encouraging people to make a positive impact in their communities, schools and workplaces.

“Everyone can make a difference to others’ mental wellbeing through even the smallest of acts. For someone who is at their lowest point, just knowing that someone is looking out for them and asking how they are can be a huge help.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming the community to the Victorian Market on December 6 to celebrate everything Mikeysline has achieved over the past eight years – and to look ahead at how we can all Bee the Change.”

In this celebration we ask you to take a moment and ask yourself how you can Bee the Change. Let’s continue to shine a light on mental health and suicide prevention support for a brighter, stigma-free future.