Mental health charity Mikeysline hits the road thanks to Dicksons of Inverness

A Highland mental health charity can expand its reach across the north of Scotland thanks to a new set of wheels donated by a local car dealership.

The brand-new Kia Rio will allow Mikeysline greater access to the Highland and Moray communities it works with. The charity provides support and advice to those living with mental health issues and emotional distress, as well as reducing the stigma around mental health and suicide prevention. The car has been supplied by Dicksons of Inverness.

Emily Stokes, CEO of Mikeysline, said: “Since Mikeysline was founded in 2015, our reach has grown from Inverness to encompass the whole of the Highlands and Moray. We now operate three Hives across the north of Scotland, providing face-to-face mental health support to those who need it most, as well as working in rural schools to support young people who are struggling.

“Over the last year we have covered a lot of miles as we have grown, and having a dedicated car within the charity will go a long way to helping us expand even further. Now, more than ever, it’s important for people to know that it’s ok not to be ok, and that help is available for those who need it.

“As well as cutting costs associated with using staff’s personal vehicles, our new car is fully branded which will increase our visibility as we travel around the area. We’d like to thank the team at Dicksons of Inverness for their kind support, which will enable us to keep helping those in need in the Highlands and Moray.”

Dicksons of Inverness has supported Mikeysline since the charity’s inception, with sales director Jim Mackenzie being one of the first to man the text line that provides vital support to those living with mental health issues, emotional distress or suicidal thoughts. Since then, the business has continued to support the charity wherever possible.

Fraser Bryce, managing director of Dicksons of Inverness, said: “When we heard that Mikeysline required a vehicle to add to the response and support they give the Highland and Moray communities, we were in the fortunate position to be able to offer the exclusive use of a new Kia.

“The support Mikeysline offers is vital to the community, and hopefully having the car will go some way to allowing the team to offer even more support to those who need it. ON behalf of all staff, customers and friends of Dicksons, we would like to thank the team at Mikeysline for the great work they do.”

Since 2015, Mikeysline has offered confidential, non-judgemental support to people of all ages with mental health issues or in emotional distress in the Highlands and Moray via a text line service at 07786 207755, as well as via live chat, Twitter, Messenger and WhatsApp. The charity also offers face-to-face support from three Hives across the area – at its Inverness headquarters; at Tesco in Tain; and at Am Bothan Community Café by Skiach, Evanton.

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

Picture caption: Fraser Bryce, managing director of Dicksons of inverness with Emily Stokes, CEO of Mikeysline.

For more information, please contact Eoin Smith at Planit Scotland on eoin@planitscotland.com or call 07497 137876.

Kind words are like honey, sweet to the soul – Proverbs

Did you know that one in four people are affected by poor mental health in Scotland each year? And that, sadly, 45% of those people struggle through their problems without help, for fear of judgement?

That’s why we’re calling out to you to help fight back against mental health stigma and discrimination. As a volunteer or staff member with Mikeysline, you will support our community across many levels, including:

• Providing direct support to others through our messaging platforms
• Working on a one to one basis with individuals who need support in one of our  our local community Hives
• Supporting us to raise awareness about the charity and the support we provide
• Helping us fundraise so we can continue helping our local communities.

Here at Mikeysline we use the symbol of the bee for good reason. Apart from the strong link that Mikey had to the bee symbol and our original reason for adopting it, bees not only have  delicious honey, but they are also known for their strength, harmony and work ethic – all qualities that we look for and encourage in our staff and volunteers. 

It isn’t always easy for someone to speak up and ask for help, and judgement is an overpowering fear that prevents many people from seeking the support they need. Currently, in Scotland males remain three times more likely to die by suicide than females, but the female suicide rate has also increased significantly since 2017. Therefore, as a member of our team we want you to embrace the spirit of the bee and use your strength, kindness and understanding to help encourage more people to speak out and feel listened to.

Everyone needs a helping hand and a kind ear to help guide them through their struggles. Afterall, kind words are like honey, bringing a little sweetness to life and making all the difference to someone in need.

Why support Mikeysline?

Mikeysline is a grassroots organisation that grew from the strength of a community that was suffering the shared burden of tragedy caused by suicide. Since 2015, the people of the Highlands and Moray have worked together to provide hope and support those affected by feelings of loneliness and depression. 

As a member of our team you will:

• Get to use your existing skills and experience to have a positive impact on people’s lives
• Gain new skills, knowledge and experience that can be used in your own life
• Meet new people, make new friends and be a valued part of the team
• Get to know your local community and the wonderful people in it
• Get the rewarding feeling of helping those who need it most.

To find out more about joining our team, check out our volunteering opportunities or browse the latest job vacancies. At Mikeysline you can ‘bee’ part of the change.

Two awards for Mikeysline at 2021 Awards 

Mikeysline shone at the Highland Business Womens Awards 2021, scooping two prestigious awards –

Best Third Sector Organisation and Business Resilience.  

One of the judges in the Business Resilience Award said of the charity:

“A shining star in a world which appeared to be only darkness”

We are absolutely delighted to have the work and dedication of our volunteer and staff team recognised in this way.

ICTFC show their support on World Suicide Prevention day

The first team will also wear the Mikeysline t-shirts during the warm-up for the match against Partick Thistle tomorrow as we promote the brilliant, invaluable and life-saving Highland charity Mikeysline who field calls from their centres throughout the Region.

ICTFC Sporting Director and Mikeysline Ambassador John Robertson said “We as a football club are committed to supporting the awareness of Suicide Prevention Day as we know that the Highland Region has a very high suicide rate compared to other parts of the country, especially amongst our young people and we will do our level best to continue to get the message out there that if you feel in anyway low or down, then please contact Mikeysline as there are people there to help and listen to you and let you know that it is OK not to be OK.” 

Emily Stokes, CEO, Mikeysline said: “The theme for this year’s World Suicide Prevention day is ‘Creating Hope through Action’ and it is absolutely wonderful to see ICTFC first team players and the club as a whole raising wider awareness on this crucial day to their fan base and the wider local commuinty, as well as highlighting the support that Mikeysline can provide to anyone who is struggling with their mental wellbeing or in emotional distress.”

“Mikeysline is here for you if you need to talk, or just someone to listen, every evening of the week via SMS 07786 20 77 55 or via Messenger, Webchat of twitter – www.mikeysline.co.uk.  We also offer face to face support at our Hives.  It’s ok not to be ok. Please reach out if you need support.”