Mikeysline is looking for your memories to commemorate a decade of service to our local communities.
The local mental health charity has got its tenth anniversary year off to a flying start having picked up silver in the Impact in the Community category at the Mental Health & Wellbeing Awards in Edinburgh earlier this year, and more recently, being named a winner at the Highland Hero Awards.
The team collected the accolade for Emergency Services and Crisis Hero at the annual ceremony hosted by the Drumossie Hotel.
Voted for by the public, it recognised the outstanding contributions their staff and volunteers have made to those in need of crucial support.
Speaking at the time, Mikeysline CEO, Emily Stokes, said: “It’s an honour to take such an important award back to the Hive, especially in such a tough category alongside the RNLI and NHS Highland Tissue and Organ Donation Team whose lifeline services are so important.
This award is for our incredible volunteers and staff members, whose patience, compassion and empathy are a great support to those who access our lifeline services in their darkest moments. They are the backbone of Mikeysline, and this is an incredible testament to the important work they do.”
The charity was set up in 2015 following the tragic deaths of two good friends within 48-hours. It provides text-based, face-to-face and callback support, as well as outreach services throughout the Highlands, Islands and Moray to all ages and genders 365-days a year.
As it prepares for its important milestone, the team are keen to hear from anyone who took part in the launch a decade ago.
On a cold December night, hundreds of people illuminated Inverness’s High Street united in their support for more accessible suicide prevention and mental health provision in the Highlands. Mikeysline created the first ever text helpline in the UK and revolutionised accessibility to mental health and crisis support.
Emily says: “The image from that night is a powerful one: people lining the streets united by their desire to highlight the need for change. It showed the strength of community spirit and just how much of an impact the loss of both Martin and Michael had on the people of Inverness and beyond and their support for the idea of Mikeysline to help make that change happen.
We would really love to hear from anyone who was in attendance that night, to have them share their memories of that evening and what it meant to them. What were your hopes for Mikeysline at the time and how do you see it now.”
If you were there and would like to share your memories, please email: enquiries@mikeysline.co.uk.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
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.
Looking to volunteer with us? volunteering@mikeysline.co.uk
Fundraising/donations and events? enquiries@mikeysline.co.uk
Press enquiries: enquiries@mikeysline.co.uk
General enquiries / Anything else: enquiries@mikeysline.co.uk