Following on from last year when Mikeysline’s very own Ross and Callum Kinnaird won HTSI’s Youth Volunteer of the Year Award, we are absolutely delighted to announce that Mikeysline Community Volunteer, Darrel Patterson, has been awarded the HTSI Volunteer of the Year Award 2024.

We are so proud of Darrel and his achievements as a member of our wee team.

Darrel said “Volunteering with Mikeysline is so rewarding, I am very passionate about driving forward the message of Mikeysline, everyone has Mental Health and the more we do to talk about it, defeats the stigma associated with it. Mikeysline is a grassroots charity and is totally reliant on the fundraising efforts from volunteers and the support of people across Highlands and Moray. When I first started volunteering as a Fundraiser for Mikeysline I was shocked and continue to be so, that there is no statutory funding provided, The work Mikeysline do is so important, every suicide is heartbreaking and here in the Highlands it is still more prolific than anywhere else in the UK in Men, so continuing to be a fundraising volunteer so that Mikeysline message and services can be reached far and wide is so important. I believe in what Mikeysline continue to do to help people, and being part of the wider team and supporting them with fundraising is so rewarding, anything I can do to help the charity I will do.”

This award doesn’t take into account length of service but instead focusses on proving the impact that his volunteering role has had on Darrel’s personal growth and development.

For those of you who may not know Darrel, he joined the Mikeysline team during lockdown and has worked tirelessly networking with the business community to secure funding to help keep our services operational which is super important for a grass roots charity like ours that receives no statutory funding and is reliant on the generosity and kindness of the public and businesses. Darrel also helps with our events and promotions securing sponsorship and ticket sales to cover the costs of our events and he also takes part in our own fundraisers such as Miles for Mikeysline as well as helping with stalls.

On behalf of everyone at Mikeysline – Congratulations Darrel!

By Rachel Smart, The Inverness Courier

A two-night dancing extravaganza raised more than £50,000 for a Highland mental health charity.

Mikeysline’s Glitterball saw 18 dancers take centre stage at Inverness’ Drumossie Hotel.

Leann Hunter and Dale MacLennan were crowned the winners last Friday night while Michelle Newell and Craig Taylor were the Saturday night winners.

Emily Stokes, chief executive of Mikeysline said “Like the judges, two of whom each night were technical judges, we were blown away by the standard of the dancing each evening and the entertainment this offered to our audience.

We are so grateful to all of the dancers for their incredible commitment and support they have provided to Mikeysline, for putting on such a show over the weekend and for helping to highlight and raise funds for our charity over these past six months”

The format was a Toe2Toe trained dancer dancing with a non-dancer.

Each contestant found a corporate sponsor and this helped pay for their costumes.  They were trained for both a Latin and ballroom dance by Tristan Hill and Jennifer Hill, who own and run Toe2Toe Dance in Inverness.  “We are unbelievably proud of every single one of our competitors”, said the trainers.  “Not only did they work so hard on perfecting their dance routines, but they raised a phenomenal amount of vital funds for Mikeysline with every penny raised going towards helping them to continue their vital work. Heartfelt thanks to our corporate sponsors and everyone who has donated to their journey along the way”

Ms Stokes added “With regards to our partnership with Toe2Toe Dance we could not be happier that Tris and Jen chose to partner with Mikeysline.  We have loved the whole process.

A couple of us at Mikeysline already attend their dance lessons and we would strongly encourage anyone who was at one of our fundraisers to either consider signing up for next year’s event or to check out what Toe2Toe Dance can offer you from beginners Latin and ballroom classes to a range of dance fitness classes.  Dancing can be so joyous and beneficial for your mental wellbeing.

From the start of our friends at Stagecoach were there with us and have given us enormous and invaluable support to run this event.

Our friends at HIS, they came on board as our entertainment sponsor, enabling us to have the wonderful Dancing with Sharks as our live band.

Each of our 18 dancers had a separate corporate sponsor.

We were supported by our judges, our photographer, Sb Photography and by the wonderful James Cook our MC on both nights.  The Drumossie Hotel was a fantastic venue with its amazing dance floor.  We are so grateful and still absolutely buzzing.”

Get ready for an incredible evening of live music and community spirit, all in support of a vital
local cause! On 12th of October 2024, a special charity concert will be held at the Osprey
Arena, Macdonald Aviemore Resort, bringing together some of the most talented artists from
the area to raise much-needed funds for Mikeysline, a local mental health charity making a
huge impact in the Highlands.

Lineup & Entertainment: Headlining the night is none other than the internationally
acclaimed Mànran, known for their vibrant blend of traditional Scottish music with a
contemporary twist. Their high-energy performances and unique sound will have the
audience captivated from start to finish.

Also joining the stage are local talents Calum Macphail and Dylan James Tyrnie. Calum
Macphail, a household name in the Highland music scene, will deliver his signature
accordion-driven tunes, perfect for getting the crowd moving. Dylan James Tyrnie, another
rising star, will bring his soulful voice and heartfelt songwriting to the stage, adding a special
touch to an already electric lineup.

With a combination of internationally recognized talent and beloved local performers, this
promises to be a night of music and celebration like no other.

Supporting a Crucial Cause: All profits raised from the concert will be donated to
Mikeysline, a local charity that provides vital mental health support across the Highlands.
Mikeysline is dedicated to offering a lifeline to those experiencing mental health struggles
through their crisis text line, 1-1 support, and their Hives in Inverness, Alness, and Tain.
These safe spaces allow individuals to seek help, speak openly about their feelings, and
receive guidance from compassionate professionals.

Since 2015, Mikeysline has been a beacon of hope for many, and the proceeds from this gig
will enable them to continue their life-changing work, expanding their services and reaching
even more people in need.

Get Involved: Not only will attendees enjoy a fantastic evening of live performances, but
they will also have the opportunity to travel with ease, thanks to Stagecoach, who is
generously donating buses for the event. For just £30, concertgoers can purchase a ticket
that includes both entry to the gig and a return journey between Inverness and Aviemore. If
you prefer to arrange your own travel, concert-only tickets are available for £25.

With Stagecoach’s support, this event offers an accessible, stress-free way to enjoy great
music while supporting a fantastic cause.

Event Details:
● Date: 12th of October 2024
● Venue: Osprey Arena Macdonald Aviemore Resort
● Ticket Prices: £25 (Concert Only), £30 (Concert + Return Journey from Inverness
via Stagecoach)
● Tickets Available At:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/manran-live-in-aviemore-tickets-877831155617

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this memorable night and support Mikeysline in their
mission to make a difference in the Highlands. Book your tickets today and join us for an
evening filled with music, community, and hope!

For media inquiries, please contact:
Darrel Paterson
Fundraising Volunteer
darrelpaterson@mikeysline.co.uk
www.mikeysline.co.uk

Dylan James                                                        Calum Macphail

“Something in my Eye” is my new single and is all about mental health and the
overwhelming feelings we sometimes experience. I’m really happy to be donating a share
of the proceeds from the record to Mikeysline to support as many people as possible.

The video for the new song features two wonderful actors, Sam Heughan and Richard
Rankin, who I am now honoured to call my friends. Their participation is a true testament
to the power of human connection.

I feel very fortunate to have a career that allows me to use the power of music to enhance
our human connections. My sincere hope is that this song will help even a tiny number of
people to open up and talk.

I’ve always strived to be open about my mental health and my vulnerabilities, even when
it’s incredibly difficult to talk about these things. I believe that being able to express how we
feel is challenging but immensely important. I always try to wear my heart on my sleeve
and help as many people as I possibly can.

Men are expected to be strong all the time, which means we bottle up our feelings. This
creates a paradox for me because my emotions are a huge source of my songwriting
creativity, yet these same feelings can be so overwhelming that I struggle to cope with the
pressures of everyday life. I know I’m not alone in feeling this way.

What keeps me going is my ability to talk to those around me about those feelings. When I
was asked to be an ambassador for the mental health charity Mikeysline, I was absolutely
delighted to accept. It means I can use my songs to help make a difference to people who
have similar experiences and raise awareness that “it’s okay not to be okay.”

When we realise that it’s good to be open and talk about our emotions, we can be brave
and turn our vulnerability into a superpower. I want to help as many people as I can to
achieve this.

Feeling bad or vulnerable is not a weakness. I know that these feelings are not permanent
and can change. This experience can make you stronger.
Love, compassion, and openness are the keys to my journey, and my hope is that I can help others on their journey too.

With heart,
Callum Beattie
Summer 2024
“It’s Okay Not To Be Okay”

NEW SINGLE: SOMETHING IN MY EYE
PRESALE AND VIDEO AVAILABLE FROM 6 SEPTEMBER 2024
RELEASE DATE – 27 SEPTEMBER 2024

CONTACT: DAVE ROGERS dcr@hanoicreative.com
07595893931

www.mikeysline.co.uk

enquiries@mikeysline.co.uk

The local mental health and suicide prevention charity will be holding an open day event on Tuesday 10^th September in Inverness. Earlier in the year, Mikeysline relocated from the original Hive at Academy Street to Strothers Lane. The new Inverness Hive has been a positive move, with volunteers, staff and service users acknowledging the welcoming and comforting environment.

World Suicide Prevention Day is an awareness day held annually on the 10^th September, raising the importance of suicide awareness being everyone’s business and the worldwide commitment to prevent suicide. Alongside Mikeysline’s core services of providing support for mental health, wellbeing and suicidal thoughts, campaigning and raising awareness is key. Mikeysline’s “Bee The Change” campaign, originally launched in October 2023, centres on this message and focuses on changing the dialogue around mental health and is based on the premise that all of us can make a difference in this.

Holding an Inverness Hive open event marks both the national awareness day and Mikeysline’s message of’ it’s ok not to be ok’.

The event acts as a reminder that Mikeysline is here for everyone, no matter the issue, big or small. The importance of tackling mental health stigma, raising awareness of suicide prevention and an opportunity to thank the community for their ongoing support.

Support from Mikeysline is available for everyone in Highland, Islands and Moray, of all ages and all genders and support includes outreach Hives, including our Hive on the Road, textline, telephone and online support. The day aims to provide an opportunity to visit the Inverness Hive for organisations, individuals, staff and volunteers.

Mikeysline Open Day will be held on Tuesday 10^th September at 4 Strothers Lane, Inverness, IV1 1LR.

10:00 – 11:30: Agencies

12:00 -14:00: Public

16:30 – 17:30: Staff & Volunteers

For more information on Mikeysline support services or Bee The Change: www.mikeysline.co.uk

For further support options

• Download the “Prevent Suicide App”, available as Highland or North East versions
• Visit www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/mental-wellbeing