Murals for Mikeysline

Murals for Mikeysline

It’s hoped a new city centre based mental health mural will encourage more people to open up about their struggles.

Inspired by the music of Scots singer and Mikeysline ambassador Callum Beattie, the fan-funded piece of artwork will take pride of place within the Inverness Victorian Market.

The creation is the brainchild of Callum Beattie fan, Ruthie Cumming, who after a trip to the Highland Capital on holiday from Eaglesham, was inspired by the current Mikeysline nature mural situated inside the shopping centre.

Mikeysline was established in 2015 following the tragic deaths of good friends Martin Shaw and Michael Williamson in a 48-hour period. The local mental health charity, currently in its tenth anniversary year, provides 365-day a year support to those struggling with their mental health and/or suicidal thoughts throughout the Highlands, Islands and Moray via number of outreach services including 1:1 peer-support, textline and webchat, as well as some group support options.

Ruthie said: “The sight of the Mikeysline nature inspired mural in the Victorian Market served as a powerful reminder to me of the connection between nature, art, and mental well-being. Seeing it brought a so much joy to my holiday.

As a Callum Beattie fan, I know that  both he and his manager Dave are passionate advocates for breaking the stigma around mental health as well as patrons of the charity.”

After hearing Callum’s deeply emotive single ‘Something in My Eye’ – a song about mental health – it gave Ruthie the idea of funding another mural to embody the message that it’s ok not to be ok.

“I presented the idea to the fan page and it gained momentum, so I spearheaded the campaign, with supporters donating and spreading the word. 

The hope is that the mural will be a symbol of community, of music’s ability to heal, and of the importance of speaking up about mental health.”

Mikeysline CEO, Emily Stokes, said: “These projects are life changing to so many and really help signpost our services in a creative and colourful way. Prominent visual pieces of art like this will help us to challenge the stigma and change the dialogue around mental health. We are so grateful to Ruthie and all the wonderful Callum Beattie fans who so generously donated towards this amazing artwork, Marc from Fresh Paint who has brought this incredible idea to life, and the Victorian Market for their support in this partnership.” 

It’s the latest addition to the Murals for Mikeysline initiative as part of the charity’s Bee the Change campaign – a strategy designed to encourage communities, businesses and schools throughout the regions to join forces and advocate for better mental wellbeing.

Bee the Change Manager Allana Stables said: “As we’ve learned from Ruthie, powerful artwork can have a real positive impact on someone’s day. A recent study has shown the links between beautiful art and dopamine release, the hormone that transmits signals of joy to the brain.”

“We’re really keen to have more artwork like this commissioned all over the Highlands, Island and Moray, so if your workplace or organisation would like more information on funding a piece in partnership with Mikeysline, please email beethechange@mikeysline.co.uk.”

Callum Beattie’s manager and fellow Mikeysline ambassador, Dave Rogers, added: “Both Callum and I are overwhelmed not just by the generosity of Ruthie and the fan base for making this happen, but by the mural itself which has so brilliantly encapsulated the positive power of music, art and nature.”

“As passionate mental health advocates with strong links to the Highlands, we are so proud to be affiliated with Mikeysline and champion the narrative that it’s ok not to be ok. We can’t wait to be back up in Inverness to see the mural in person.”

Victorian Market Manger, Cameron MacFarlane said: “We are so proud of our ongoing relationship with Mikeysline and the mural takes us to a new level of understanding the importance of what the charity are doing in support of ITS OK TO BE OK. Countless members of the public have said how they loved the original mural and what it represents about the people of Inverness, we were honoured to be asked to have another in the Victorian Market.”

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Pictured: The mural within the Victorian Market, Dave Rogers (L) & Callum Beattie (R) in the Siobhan Mackenzie designed Mikeysline tartan scarves, Callum with Mikeysline Bee the Change Manager, Allana Stables, at the Victorian Market

Mikeysline operates 365 days a year, accessible through their text line at 07786207755; WhatsApp at 01463 729000, messenger and via its website and live chat. They offer face-to-face support in Hives across the region – at their Inverness headquarters, and in their Alness, Nairn, Tain & District, Thurso and Elgin hubs. Here, people can engage in one-to-one support, or at some venues join in group sessions for adults, men, families and young people.

The Mikeysline mobile app: Along with their latest news, events and ways to get involved, the app makes it even easier for those in need of help to reach out for support.

Links to download our App:

Android:  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.thecafeapp.mikeysline&pcampaignid=web_share

iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/mikeysline/id6736364818

The charity also produces a popular podcast, Speaking of Suicide; provides support for businesses; works closely with teachers and pupils in schools across the North of Scotland.

For more information, visit www.mikeysline.co.uk or find Mikeysline on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok