Scottish music superstar Callum Beattie, treated fans and festival goers at this year’s Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival to an exclusive premiere of his new music video for upcoming charity single, ‘Something in my Eye’.

 Performing on Saturday’s Hot House Stage ahead of headline act Deacon Blue, Callum, who is set to launch his new single later this month, gave fans a big surprise when actors Sam Heughan and Richard Rankin from hit Scottish drama series, Outlander, made an appearance in the video. 

 Callum shared: “As men, we’re expected to be strong, showing no weakness and bottling up our feelings from others. In spite of this, I’ve always tried to be open about my mental health – even when it’s incredibly difficult to talk about, I always try to wear my heart on my sleeve in the hope that others will know that it’s ok not to be ok. 

 “‘Something in my Eye’ is about sharing that message and I’m incredibly proud to be able to do my bit to support the work of mental health charity, Mikeysline, by donating a share of the proceeds from this single to the organisation, helping them to continue their support across the Highlands, Islands and Moray.

 “Featuring the incredible Sam Heughan and Richard Rankin – who I am now honoured to call my friends – I feel very fortunate to have a career that allows me to use the power of music to enhance our human connections and share messages of support. My sincere hope is that this song will help even a tiny number of people to open up and talk.”

 The Highland mental health and suicide prevention charity, appointed Callum, alongside manager Dave Rogers, as an ambassador in March this year. As part of their support, the duo have generously offered to donate a percentage of the profits made from sales of ‘Something in my Eye’, to the charity’s continued work, which supports both adults and young people through their 1:1 face to face and online support from their Hives, in schools, communities and with businesses, in addition to their text-based support first launched in 2015.  All of the support provided by Mikeysline is on a confidential, non-jugemental basis for people of all ages and genders who need support  for their mental health, are in emotional distress or have thoughts of self-harm and/or suicide.

 “When I was asked to be an ambassador for Mikeysline, I was absolutely delighted to accept” continued Callum. “What keeps me going is the ability to talk to those around me about my feelings, and at Mikeysline, that is the goal –to encourage more men, women and young people throughout the Highlands, to speak up and share when they are feeling lost, alone and in emotional distress. 

 “Showing vulnerability is not a weakness. In fact, when we open up and talk about our emotions, we can take those vulnerabilities and turn them into a superpower. Love, compassion, and openness are the keys to my journey, and my hope is that I can help others on their journeys too – I want to help as many people as I can to achieve this.”

 Emily Stokes, CEO of Mikeysline, commented: “The video for ‘Something in my Eye’ is absolutely fantastic and we, as an organisation, couldn’t be more grateful to Callum, Dave, and all the band for what they have done with this, as well as Sam and Richard for giving their time and getting involved to make this video which is so fitting for the wonderful song.

 “I was truly moved by the video and the message it shares, Callum and Dave’s support for our ‘Bee the Change’ campaign – which is aimed at changing the dialogue about mental health and breaking down the stigma is so important to us and to Mikeysline’s work as a whole. From a small grassroots charity in the Highlands to the organisation we are today – with volunteers, ambassadors and partners from across the region and beyond – it feels almost surreal knowing that people from all over the world will be listening to and watching this video and hopefully hearing the key message that ‘its ok not to be ok and the importance of reaching out for support when needed. That means so much to all of us at Mikeysline.”

 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, Balintore, Portmahomack, Thurso and shortly also in Elgin.Here, service users can engage in one-to-one support, or at some venues  join in group sessions for adults, men, families and young people.

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

Stagecoach gets on board with Mikeysline to support mental health in seniors

Stagecoach has shown its support to Highland mental health and suicide prevention charity, Mikeysline, with two new advertisements to be displayed across the back of its buses.

Alongside a design championing the charity’s Bee the Change campaign, Stagecoach has also taken the opportunity to remind its senior travellers that support is always available.

CEO of Mikeysline, Emily Stokes, said: “Stagecoach has long been a big supporter of Mikeysline, and we’re incredibly proud to have them join us in raising awareness to those in our community that can often be forgotten. 

“The World Health Organisation shared that approximately 14% of adults aged 60 and over live with a mental disorder, and that loneliness and social isolation are key factors in causing this.

“At Mikeysline, we strive to support all ages, young and old, but it is often those in the older age bracket that are left unaware of the services and support available to them. In this digital age where much of what we do is online, those who are unable to access this type of content are often at a disadvantage. That’s why it is important to find alternative ways to share our message more widely.” 

Stagecoach’s daily journeys throughout the north of Scotland will be instrumental in extending Mikeysline’s reach and delivering its message of hope to more communities and individuals in need.

David Beaton, managing director of Stagecoach North Scotland, commented: “Our business is centred on connecting people to places, and our latest partnership with Mikeysline is no different – we’re connecting people to the support and services they may need.

“We’ve worked with Mikeysline from the very beginning of its journey and we’re delighted to continue doing so. It’s fantastic to see how the charity has grown and flourished in its years and we look forward to supporting the team more in the future. “

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 and via its website; and live chat and Messenger via its website.  A call back service is also provided, for those who cannot access our Hives, but would like to talk with us rather than use text-based or face to face support.

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, Balintore,  Portmahomack and Thurso.. Here, people 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 about the charity, visit www.mikeysline.co.uk – or find Mikeysline on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Chart-topper Callum Beattie and manager Dave Rogers team up with highland charity Mikeysline

Scottish musical sensation Callum Beattie and manager Dave Rogers have been appointed as the newest ambassadors of Highland mental health charity Mikeysline.

Having both lost loved ones to suicide, Callum and Dave are championing Mikeysline’s ‘Bee the Change’ campaign aimed at challenging the current dialogue and stigmas surrounding mental health and suicide. In honour of this new role, Callum will also be releasing a special charity single for Mikeysline this summer.

Callum said: “We both share such a strong connection with the Highlands and becoming Mikeysline ambassadors allows us to deepen those roots.

“A lot of the lyrics I write are about mental health and I find the process of songwriting very therapeutic – essentially it’s about taking your thoughts and feelings, putting it on paper and transforming it with a melody.

“I work in an industry where mental health is discussed, but action is rarely taken. That’s why I’m passionate about getting to the root cause of why people struggle in silence with mental health issues, and do my part to help make a change. Our mental health is all we have – the ability to have clear and positive thoughts is the foundation of everything we do.”

Having recently paid a visit to local businesses and schools that are supporting Mikeysline’s ‘Bee the Change’ campaign in their communities, Callum and Dave both shared their admiration for the work happening across the Highlands and their enthusiasm to play their part. 

Dave commented: “When I first met Callum I asked him, “What do you want to be known for?” And he replied, “I want to be known for someone who did some good.” So here we are.

“So much of what Callum and I do is to help others – that’s where the real rewards come from. For the past three years we’ve been offering support to charities and causes close to our hearts and we are delighted to join Mikeysline as ambassadors.

“Music is a wonderful thing that allows us to connect with people around the world. It can inspire, it can change lives, and it can heal – we hope this is something we can bring to those in need of all three.”

Mikeysline’s ‘Bee the Change’ campaign, launched on World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10, 2023, incorporates the charity’s former community champion and youth champion programmes, bringing all community outreach under the same umbrella. It’s mission is to make mental health and suicide prevention services more accessible across the Highlands and Islands, whilst challenging the dialogue around mental health.

Mikeysline’s chief executive Emily Stokes commented: “We are absolutely thrilled to have Callum and Dave joining our team as ambassadors. 

“Both passionate advocates for mental health, it was wonderful to have them come along and meet with the teams and individuals at the heart of their communities working to ‘Bee the Change’ for those in their areas. 

“All of us can ‘Bee the Change’ by challenging the stigma and barriers that prevent people from being able to reach out for support when they most need it, as well as changing the ways in which we talk about and respond to these issues.

“We are incredibly grateful for all that our wonderful ambassadors do and we’re excited to see what Callum and Dave bring to the organisation.”

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, Balintore and Portmahomack. 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.

Mikeysline takes mental health services on the road to support remote areas

Highland mental health and suicide prevention charity, Mikeysline, is driving Scottish mental health services forward with the launch of its mobile support hive – the first of its kind in Scotland.

Offering mobile support to areas that have limited access to the charity’s face-to-face mental health and suicide prevention services, Mikeysline’s ‘Hive on the Road’ will provide a safe and comfortable space for Highland and Island residents to receive one-to-one support.

CEO of Mikeysline, Emily Stokes, said: “It is with huge thanks to the Wolfson Foundation and Anderson Strath, who helped fund this project, that we have been able to set the wheels in motion on our new mobile support service.

”The Scottish Highlands has the second highest suicide rate in Scotland, with higher rates affecting remote rural areas, where access and availability to mental health support is limited.

“The introduction of our mobile Hive, therefore, really is a testament to the innovation and determination of our team to make mental health and suicide prevention services more accessible to all those living in the north of Scotland.”

While it’s not uncommon for vans and buses to be converted into mobile information hubs, Mikeysline’s new Ford Transit L2 H2 is going one step further by offering one-to-one mental health support alongside providing useful resources and information.

Brogan Bowie, operations manager at Mikeysline, added: “The launch of our Hive on the Road has been an incredibly huge step forward for Mikeysline, allowing us to reach more people across the Highlands and Islands, including Fort William, Orkney, Caithness and Skye.

“Taking our services on the road will help us spread our message further, with our van doubling up as a mobile billboard, spreading our message far and wide wherever our team goes.”

Having received significant funding from the Wolfson Foundation to purchase the van, Mikeysline was able to enlist the help of local business Vulcan Van Conversions to bring its vision to life. With a nature-themed aesthetic that brings together greens, creams and whites – alongside a signature Mikeysline feature wall, carpeted floors, and comfortable seating area – the space is designed to invite you in. It also includes a disability access ramp for those who need it.

Speaking about the project, Paul Ramsbottom, chief executive of the Wolfson Foundation, commented: “Mikeysline is playing a vital role in providing timely, high quality mental health support in Inverness.

“However, it was clear from their application for funding, that there is a need to trial new ways of reaching people in rural areas; areas with high rates of mental health distress, that are considered remote and hard to reach. Therefore, we are delighted to help them launch this new mobile service.”

An evening of music and memories: Celebrating eight years of Mikeysline at The Victorian Market.

Under the sparkle of its fairy lights, over 100 people went along to The Victorian Market on Inverness’s Academy Street, to celebrate the 8th anniversary of local mental health charity, Mikeysline, on Wednesday, December 6.

Since 2015, Mikeysline has provided confidential, non-judgemental support to people of all ages dealing with mental health issues, emotional distress or thoughts of suicide in the Highlands and Moray. 

Commemorating its eight years of service to the region, the organisation put together an event filled with music, heartwarming conversations and the chance to get your picture taken with two very special donkeys, Leo and Geordie! 

Following the announcement of the charity’s Bee the Change Campaign on World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10, the evening’s proceedings sought to inspire those in attendance to be the change in their own communities – a goal that was certainly achieved on the night. 

With the opportunity to hear from those who have made their own contributions through work, school and local organisations, including community champion Niamh from North Kessock, – who is responsible for cleaning the Mikeysline shelter as well as always flying the flag for the charity when competing at martial arts events around the world – there was a shared feeling of pride amongst all.

Alongside Niamh, guests also heard from corporate supporter William Caithness from SSE Renewables who spoke of his experience in managing mental health in the workplace and supporting his staff.

Those in attendance also had the opportunity to hear from Bee the Change manager Allana Stables who shared insights into the campaign and the fantastic work of local businesses, including Ness Soaps who plans to release a new self care package dedicated to Mikeysline in 2024. 

Speaking on the night, she said: “From all the team at Mikeysline, we want to thank those who have helped make this event what it is and to all of you for coming along. It’s incredible to see so many of you here to celebrate the 8th anniversary of Mikeysline – we are all very humbled. 

“The Bee the Change campaign has already come such a long way since it was first launched in September, and we’re thrilled to be able to share some of the fantastic work of our champions here tonight. 

“Bee the Change shows that everyone can make a difference, no matter how big or how small the act may be. For someone who is at their lowest point, just knowing that someone is looking out for them and asking how they are can be a huge help.”

Allana also shared more about the work of Mikeysline’s ambassadors Steven Ferguson and John Robertson, and guests had the chance to hear from newest ambassador, fashion designer Siobhan Mackenzie, who will be unveiling an exciting new design in the new year for Mikeysline.

Throughout the evening, guests were treated to musical performances from local band, Black Isle Peas, as well as carols by the Christmas tree, sung by Central Primary School choir. Those in attendance were also given the chance to speak with The Hairy Piper about his connection to Bee the Change, before the evening came to an end with a special message from Scottish chart topper Callum Beattie and a rendition of his song, ‘Don’t Walk Alone’.

As guests wandered the magical setting of The Victorian Market, they were treated to face painting by Louise from Happy Faces and Katy the elf who showed off her talent for bee balloon art! 

With plenty of food and refreshments to go around, including The Redshank serving up its delicious canapes and The Auld Smokey handing out hot pizza slices to be enjoyed, everyone was in high spirits. Bad Girl Bakery was also open on the night, offering 50% off all hot drinks alongside free mini cake tasters, while Moonshine had 20% off all its beverages.

Elsewhere across the city, a number of guests made sure to visit Inverness Town House at 6pm to watch as it was lit up in blue, yellow and orange – the colours of Mikeysline – to mark the organisation’s 8th anniversary. In a poignant act of solidarity, the Ness Bridge also displayed the same colourful tribute, making it clearer than ever that the evening’s events were not only a celebration of Mikeysline but of a community coming together.

Mikeysline over the years

Mikeysline started humbly in 2015 with the passion of 300 people illuminating Inverness’s High Street, symbolically launching a movement to support mental health in the Highlands. The introduction of the first text helpline in the UK revolutionised accessibility to mental health support, evolving into a service that operates every evening today.

In the following two years, Mikeysline evolved rapidly, registering as a charity and expanding its reach, thanks to support from numerous individuals and organisations. Awards, including Community Group of the Year, validated Mikeysline’s impact in Scotland.

In 2017, the establishment of the Hive Project at 19 Academy Street, Inverness marked a significant milestone, offering vital face-to-face support in the Highland community. As support continued to grow, Mikeysline extended its outreach, engaging students to produce mental health films and encouraging community dialogue to dismantle stigma.

Amidst the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, Mikeysline persisted, providing unwavering support through lockdowns. With the appointment of ambassadors like Karen Gillan and the introduction of the ‘You Are Not Alone’ callback service, the organisation adapted, broadening its accessibility via multiple communication platforms including Messenger, Twitter and webchat.

The journey continued with a strong focus on diversity in support, launching a WhatsApp text line, providing face to face support in secondary schools and expanding workshops to primary schools, and opening new Hive locations across the north of Scotland. Mikeysline further engaged in partnerships, launched the ‘Bee the Change’ campaign, and appointed more ambassadors from the worlds of sport, business and fashion to champion its cause.  During these years, Mikeysline was awarded an array of awards in recognition of its contribution to supporting some of Highland’s most vulnerable people.

After eight impactful years of Mikeysline, the charity is now calling for you to Bee the Change by becoming a champion for mental health in your community, school or workplace. Stand with Mikeysline as they continue to break down the  barriers and stigma attached to suicide and mental health conversations, supporting families, and empowering individuals in their mental health journey.