Mikeysline continues to Bee the Change surrounding mental health and suicide prevention as it marks a decade of service across the Highlands, Islands and Moray.

10 for 10: Challenge Yourself for Mikeysline

This year Mikeysline marks a major milestone: 10 years of offering confidential and non-judgmental support to those struggling with their mental health and/or suicidal thoughts throughout the Highlands, Islands and Moray.

To help honour their anniversary this December, supporters are being invited to step out of their comfort zone and embrace 10 for 10 for Mikeysline! A series of self-appointed challenges tailored to your own personal goals and capabilities, open to all individuals, businesses and schools in the area.

It could be anything from ten acts of kindness in your community or ten cold water dooks, to scaling ten mighty Munros or running ten 5ks – it’s entirely up to you! There are plenty of inspiring suggestions to get you going on their website and social media pages:

https://mikeyslineold.vhostevents.com/get-involved/10-challenges-for-10-years/

The grassroots charity, born from the tragic passing of good friends Michael Williamson and Martin Shaw in a 48-hour period, was established in 2015 by its late founder, Ron Williamson, to provide accessible support for those experiencing emotional distress, depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts.

It’s grown from a single mobile phone passed between volunteers, to a hive of lifeline services available to all ages and genders helping break down the stigma surrounding mental health.

Emily Stokes, CEO for Mikeysline, said: “After a momentous 2024, our tenth year gives us a fantastic opportunity to shine the light even brighter on mental health and suicide prevention, and continue to make an important difference throughout the Highlands, Islands and Moray. The support of our local communities has been instrumental in the success of Mikeysline and we cannot thank them enough for being on this journey with us. By continuing to work together, we can all play a part and ‘bee the change’ and breakdown the stigma and any barriers that make it harder for people to reach out for support when they most need it.”.

Picture: Martin Shaw (middle-top) and Michael Williamson (middle-bottom)   

ADDITIONAL INFORMTATION: 

Mikeysline operates 365 days a year, accessible through their text line at 07786 207755; WhatsApp at 01463 729000, messenger and via its website and live chat. We support all genders and ages.

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; and offers face-to-face support in Hives across the region – at its Inverness headquarters, and in Alness, Nairn, Tain & District, Thurso and Elgin, Here, people can engage in one-to-one support, or at some venues join in group sessions for adults, men, families and young people.

Adding to the services this year, the charity has launched the brand new 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

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

By Andrew Henderson, Inverness Courier, 13 December 2024

Mikeysline marks 9th anniversary

MIKEYSLINE hosted a busy weekend of activities to mark the mental health charity’s ninth year of operations.

Aiming to provide accessible support and break down barriers and stigma around mental health, Mikeysline’s Bee The Change campaign focuses on the power of human connection and changing the dialogue areound mental health.

That was on show in abundance with a range of events that also helped to raise vital funds for the charity.

Kicking off the weekend was a breakfast with Santa and his elves at Balblair’s Newhall Mains, cooked by head chef Alex Henderson and his partner Rebecca.

Following that was the installation of the Mikeysline Tree of Love at the Botanic Gardens in Inverness, where High Life Highland have agreed it will have permanent residency.  This will allow Mikeysline to add messages of love, hope and remembrance to the tree, which was also at Belladrum earlier this year.  Helping to unveil the tree were Mikeysline ambassadors Callum Beattie and Dave Roger, Emily Stokes CEO along with Emma Beavis, Nick Urquhart and his daughter Georgie.  Callum Beattie then gave a performance of his charity single “Something in my eye” with the first ever Mikeysline school choir, made up of Charleston Academy pupils.

“The power of human connection is so important to us as part of our Bee The Change Campaign and music really soothes the soul” campaign manager Allana Stables commented.

Rounding off the weekend was the Clava Mains Market in conjunction with Moray Markets.  Each stall holder provided a donation to Mikeysline, with over 1000 people in attendance to browse through the stalls, listen to live music and seeing Santa, his donkeys and singing elves.

“We are super grateful to everyone that supported and attended, we were absolutely blown away by the efforts of everyone and the grotto was just spectacular” Allana added.  “We hope this can be an annual Chritmas event for us”

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

By Val Sweeney, Inverness Courier 19 November 2024

Inverness barber backs new campaign launched by mental health charity Mikeysline

An Inverness barber is urging men not to be embarrassed about talking about their feelings as part of a new mental health campaign.

Sean Macleod (21), who has his own business in King Street, is backing the new campaign #MikeyslineMirrorMission being run by Highland mental health charity, Mikeysline.

The charity is putting a call out to local barbers and ultimately hopes to roll out it out other places such as hairdressers, beauty salons, tattooists and gyms.

The campaign aims to encourage men to talk and not to wait until they are at a crisis point to reach out.

It has been launched as part of Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month which runs throughout November to raise awareness of men’s health issues and encourage men to seek help if needed.

“You don’t have to feel embarrassed about opening up about your emotions and feelings,” Sean said.

Sean, who has been a barber for the last three-and-a-half years, has put up campaign stickers on the mirror in his shop and is also donating £1 from every haircut to Mikeysline up until March when he will do the Inverness Half Marathon for the charity.

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

Mikeysline win Inverness Bid City Centre Charity of the Year

On 14th November, we were absolutely delighted to receive the ‘City Centre Charity of the Year’ Award at the Inverness City Centre BID  2024 Awards.

It was a fantastically organised evening with a great atmosphere in the room and we sincerely congratulate all the other winners and runners up who won highly commended awards and everyone who was shortlisted and present on the evening.

This award is especially important to us as we were nominated, shortlisted and chosen as the winner of this award via public vote, demonstrating the amazing support for our charity across the Inverness community.  We really appreciate people taking the time to vote for our charity and for the thought and kindness this demonstrates.

At Mikeysline, we care deeply about making a real difference and being that confidential, non judgmental listening ear for local people in our  community.  So, on behalf of everyone at Mikeysline, we would like to express our gratitude and say thank you for this acknowledgement of the hard work and efforts carried out by our amazing volunteer and staff team 365 days a year.

 #BeeTheChange #ItsOkNotToBeOk

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

Siobhan encourages Sir Jim Walker to try the new Mikeysline scarf

Fashion with purpose: Mikeysline to sell new tartan scarves to support mental health

Highland mental health and suicide prevention charity Mikeysline is weaving Scotland’s heritage into mental health advocacy with the launch of its new tartan scarf collection.

Created in collaboration with acclaimed Black Isle designer and Mikeysline ambassador Siobhan Mackenzie, the limited-edition collection combines the timeless appeal of Scottish tartan with a powerful message: to support those struggling with mental health across the Highlands.

Centred around Mikeysline’s key messages of “it’s ok not to be ok” and urging us all to  “bee the change” to change the dialogue around mental health in Highland,  the scarf features black and yellow bumblebee stripes woven into the traditional tartan pattern and is finished with a bumblebee pin.

Designer Siobhan Mackenzie recently debuted the new scarf alongside Sir Jim Walker of Walker’s Shortbread during a visit to New York City, where she received the prestigious Young Scot Wallace Award from the American Scottish Foundation. The Young Scot Wallace Award recognises young Scottish individuals making remarkable contributions in their field, with Siobhan honoured for her distinctive impact in fashion.

During her time in New York, Siobhan showcased the Mikeysline tartan against iconic city backdrops, bringing global attention to the tartan and its mission.

CEO of Mikeysline, Emily Stokes, said: “We can’t thank Siobhan enough for the hard work and skill she has put into these products. Seeing the Mikeysline tartan worn on the streets of New York really is quite something. 

“To us, the new collection is more than just a fashion statement; it’s a heartfelt tribute to our rich Highland heritage and a tangible symbol of our commitment to mental health and suicide prevention support in Highland. By integrating the bumblebee stripes into the design, we hope it can be a reminder to all that it’s ok not to be ok and that support is all around, as well as igniting conversations around that.”

With every scarf sold, Mikeysline’s supporters are helping to fund mental health services for those in need across the Highlands.

Crafted from premium Scottish wool and priced at £40, the scarves are available online, with all proceeds directly supporting Mikeysline’s essential work.

To purchase a limited-edition Mikeysline scarf, please visit https://shop.mikeysline.co.uk.

Since 2015, Mikeysline has offered confidential, non-judgemental support to people of all ages dealing with mental health issues, emotional distress or thoughts of suicide in the Highlands, Islands and Moray. It does this via a text line service at 07786 207755; WhatsApp at 01463 729000, messenger and via its website and live chat.

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; and offers face-to-face support in Hives across the region – at its Inverness headquarters and in Alness, Nairn, Tain, Portmahomack, Thurso and Elgin. Here, service users can engage in one-to-one support or, at some venues,  join in group sessions for adults, men, families and school communities.

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