A Highland mental health charity is looking forward to supporting more people in Nairn after moving to a new hub.

Mikeysline’s Hive has relocated from a base at Highland Yoga Collective – where the cause had been operating on Saturday evenings for around a year – to a new home in the Nairn United Reform Church, in Crescent Road, which will be open on Wednesday evenings to provide confidential face-to-face support.

Mikeysline’s CEO Emily Stokes said the move aims to make it accessible to more people by offering a more popular timeslot.

This move comes after a successful partnership with Nairn’s McDonald’s franchise, which donated £4000 to the charity and provides mental health sessions for staff.

Franchisee Iain Fyfe said: “Working in Nairn in the past year, it soon became obvious that mental health was such a prevalent issue in the community – especially among young people.

“At the store we have a very young workforce – the majority is aged between 16 and 24 – so it became a really obvious partnership to strike up.”

He said having Mikeysline’s representatives coming into the restaurant to deliver mental health awareness sessions with all staff members was really helpful and that this will be a long-term partnership for the years to come.

“It was really well received and it really addressed everyday issues,” he said.

“We talked about social anxiety, working on self-esteem and coping mechanisms, really relevant topics to all of our staff.

“We have many people who are coming through adolescence and going into adulthood among our staff so they are a key demographics to focus on. They seem to be much more affected, with social media and online activity they need to deal with every day.”

Ms Stokes added: “It has been wonderful working with the team at McDonald’s. Partnering with businesses really helps us reach more people who might be in need of our help – so we are very open to every partnership with local businesses.

“We are very grateful for the donation which is helping us fund our text-based support.”

Support from Mikeysline is also available via text at 07786 207755, through WhatsApp at 01463 729000, or contact it via Messenger, webchat or Twitter.

Mikeysline recruits former Olympian as corporate ambassador for mental health

A Highland mental health and suicide prevention charity has begun working with an influential Highland businessman and former Olympian to help reach people who may need its services.

Mikeysline has teamed up with Ewan MacDonald – managing partner of insurance firm MacDonald Group/Partners& Scotland, and three-time Olympic curler – to look for new opportunities for growth, awareness-building and fundraising, especially within the business sector.

Ewan said: “Mikeysline is a great charity that supports people in some of the remotest parts of the country, and I’m delighted to join the team as a corporate ambassador. Unlike bigger charities with higher profiles, Mikeysline is a grassroots organisation – and anything that can spread its message further is a good thing.

“So many people have been touched by mental health or suicide, and the work Mikeysline does is extremely important. We face many mental health challenges in the world we live in now, so the fact that Mikeysline works with people across the spectrum, from adults to children in schools, is really important to start the conversation at all levels.

“It’s vital that people are aware of the great work the charity is doing – that it’s ok not to be ok, and that someone is here to listen and help.”

Having started working in MacDonald Group – the family business – in his early teens, Ewan has forged a name for himself as one of the Highlands’ leading insurance specialists. A well-respected businessman, he has guided the firm to be part of Partners& and is now responsible for a wide portfolio of insurance services across Scotland.

Ewan is also well known in the curling world, having represented Scotland and the UK at a number of prestigious international competitions. Competing in the Olympics in 2002, 2006 and 2010, he has also appeared 10 times for Scotland in the World Championships – as well as scoring a host of accolades across Scottish, UK and European competitions.

Throughout both of his careers, a focus on people has been at the core of his success – something which he carries forward into his new role at Mikeysline.

Ewan said: “A lot of my success in business is thanks to lessons I learned in my sporting career. Having a fantastic team around you, and working with the right people, is important for success – and it’s the same when looking after your own mental health.

“In elite level sport, we work with psychologists to help us through the challenges we face. But many sportspeople feel there’s a hole in their life when they leave their sporting careers, and find themselves in a dark place without that same level of support.

“The same goes for anyone facing a change in their lives. There is never any shame in reaching out for help, no matter what is bothering you. By contacting an organisation like Mikeysline you are building that supportive team around yourself, so you have someone to lean on when times are tough.”

As corporate ambassador, Ewan will help raise the profile of Mikeysline’s work, both locally and nationally. Working with contacts in the business and sporting worlds, he will help increase the charity’s network, open up new opportunities, and act as a role model to business leaders in supporting mental health initiatives in the workplace and the community.

Mikeysline CEO Emily Stokes said: “We are thrilled to welcome Ewan MacDonald as Mikeysline’s first corporate ambassador. It’s well known that sport and exercise can have a positive effect on your mental health, and Ewan’s sporting influence will help us communicate that message across the north of Scotland.

“Not only that, but his wealth of business connections will help open up Mikeysline to new opportunities across the region, and allow us to continue to provide lifesaving mental health and suicide prevention services in person and remotely.”

Chart-topper Callum Beattie to perform at Mikeysline’s Royal Ascot Ladies Day event

Scottish musical sensation Callum Beattie has lent his support to a Highland mental health charity which aims to reduce the stigma around mental health and suicide prevention.

Callum, whose latest album Vandals topped the official Scottish Albums Charts in March, will perform at Mikeysline’s Royal Ascot Ladies Day at Inverness’ Kingsmills Hotel on June 22, 2023.

He said: “I work in an industry where mental health is discussed, but action is rarely taken. The creative industries are full of mental health issues, as so many of us suffer from conditions like ADHD and the knock on effect from these things can be colossal.

“I’m passionate about getting to the root cause of why people suffer from mental health problems. It’s not about sticking a band aid over an open heart surgery – it’s about getting to the cause and trying to fix it.

“Everyone should support charities like Mikeysline. Our mental health is all we have – the ability to have clear and positive thoughts is the foundation of everything we do.”

A limited number of individual tickets for the event (£90) and tables of 10 (£900) are still available by emailing katiemelville@mikeysline.co.uk – and are expected to sell out in the coming weeks.

As well as Callum Beattie’s showstopping performance and a big-screen broadcast of Royal Ascot races throughout the day, guests can enjoy a Pimms drinks reception, delicious three-course lunch, afternoon tea, live and silent auctions, and other attractions. Prizes will also be offered for best dressed and most spectacular hat – encouraging all who attend to get into the spirit of the day.

All funds raised throughout the event will go towards supporting Mikeysline’s grassroots provision of mental health services in the Highlands and Moray, ensuring people in emotional distress have access to the assistance and support they need.

Organiser Katie Melville, fundraising manager at Mikeysline, said: “We are thrilled to have Callum Beattie performing at our Royal Ascot Ladies Day in June. As a passionate advocate for mental health, we can’t think of anyone better to entertain us throughout the race day festivities.

“It’s a sad fact that the Highlands has a higher suicide rate than almost anywhere else in the country. Our mission at Mikeysline is to remind people that it’s ok not to be ok, and that help is always available for anyone that needs it.

“We are grateful to all the businesses and individuals that support us in our efforts, at this event and through other fundraising activities throughout the year.

“Whether people prefer to communicate by message or face-to-face, individually or in groups, we are committed to providing support to those who need it in communities across the Highlands and Moray. By sharing the burden, together we can work towards a brighter future.”

Mikeysline’s Royal Ascot Ladies Day is supported by businesses and individuals from across the region, including main sponsor Caley Timber & Building Supplies Ltd.

Donald Morrison, managing director of Caley Timber & Building Supplies Ltd (picture second from left above), added: “We are very happy to support Mikeysline, a charity who are much-needed in filling a gap in services for people across the Highlands. They are doing fantastic work, and with our sponsorship of their Royal Ascot Ladies Day at the Kingsmills in June, we hope that the funds raised will see them expand their services across the Highlands and Islands.”

Primary 5-7 pupils at Balnain Primary School, Glen Urquhart – including the school’s two youth champions.

Mental health support needed from younger age than ever before, says charity Mikeysline this Children’s Mental Health Week

A mental health charity in the north of Scotland is celebrating a year of collaboration and partnership with local primary school pupils, teaching staff and parents to mark Children’s Mental Health Week (February 6-12).

Building on this year’s theme – ‘let’s connect’ – Highland charity Mikeysline is reflecting on a year of building stronger connections with youth groups and improved mental health services in 21 primary schools in the north of Scotland, in addition to its existing work with secondary schools in the region.

Emily Stokes, CEO of Mikeysline, said:

“One in six children aged 5-16 years struggles with their mental health, but unfortunately 75% of these young people won’t receive the help they need. That’s why it’s incredibly important to Mikeysline that we give young people in our communities the support they need from an early age.

“Over the past year, in our work with primary schools, we’ve spoken with 1,920 pupils, 168 staff and 154 parents through workshops, 1:1 meetings, training sessions and interactive activities  – each promoting positive messages about managing emotions and mental health.” 

Youth champions from Millburn Academy, Inverness showing their support for Mikeysline.

Staff and volunteers from the charity have also worked with schools to develop resources to be used in the classroom and the wider school community, including topics like social anxiety, emotions, self-esteem and coping strategies. In addition, the charity has seen great success in the recruitment of 19 youth champions from P7. 

Emily continued:

“Our P7 youth champions have been fantastic in their new roles and have really made a difference to their school communities by spreading our message and encouraging other young people to seek the help and advice they need if they are struggling with their mental health.”

Mikeysline’s work with primary schools follows on from its existing partnerships with 32 secondary schools across the Highlands and Moray, with four additional secondary schools linking up with the charity in the last few months for weekly one-to-one support sessions for pupils. Through these partnerships, Mikeysline is able to provide support on a weekly basis, working with student councils, staff and individual pupils, as well as supporting 94 secondary youth champions across its network.

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, WhatsApp on 01463 729000, as well as via live chat, Twitter and Messenger. The charity also offers face-to-face support from four Hives across the area – at its Inverness headquarters;  in Tain, Alness and Nairn. 

If your school is not yet working with Mikeysline and would like further information on its youth services, please contact the team at enquiries@mikeysline.co.uk.

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

Mikeysline seeks new chair for next phase of mental health charity’s development

A Scottish mental health support and suicide prevention charity is on the lookout for a new chair of its board of trustees to guide it through the next stage of its service development.

Mikeysline, headquartered in Inverness and supporting communities across the Highlands and Moray, has begun the search after current chair Donna Smith announced her intention to step down at the charity’s next AGM in June 2023.

Donna said: “My three years as chair of Mikeysline have been incredible, and I am so proud of what everyone has achieved during that time. We have faced enormous challenges during that time, and seen demand for services grow by 80%, so there is clearly still much to be done.

“As Mikeysline continues to grow and expand, I feel the charity would benefit from a chair with a different set of skills and expertise to help enable this transition. And although I am stepping down as chair, I look forward to still being closely involved with Mikeysline in the future.”

Interested parties should apply by February 13 – with handover in April and official appointment in June. Full role details are available at www.mikeysline.co.uk/get-involved/careers/.

Mikeysline CEO Emily Stokes commented: “Donna’s contribution to Mikeysline has been immeasurable, helping us navigate unprecedented times during the pandemic, cost of living crisis and other major events. Her dedication and commitment to our core values have proven incredibly valuable as we significantly increased our service offering over the last three years.

“Although we’re sad to see her step down as chair, she will always be part of the Mikeysline family – and we are excited to see what her successor will bring to the role.”

Mikeysline’s board of trustees is looking for a new chair with experience at senior leadership level in mental health or suicide prevention. Previous experience of working at a strategic level for the benefit of a charity or organisation will allow the ideal candidate to make their mark in this voluntary role for a charity that has grown significantly over its seven years.

In recent months, Mikeysline has introduced WhatsApp to its text-based mental health support services; offered new group peer-to-peer support sessions; partnered with secondary and primary schools to support young people in the community; launched corporate support packages; and increased capacity for one-to-one support by opening new Hive locations across the north of Scotland.

Speaking of the role, Donna said: “What Mikeysline has achieved in the last three years has been truly remarkable, and I am pleased to have been able to play a part in that along with our incredible staff and volunteers.”

During her time as chair, Donna’s focus was on providing support in schools to allow the charity to reach people in need at a young age. She also worked hard to expand the board, bringing in new outlooks and expertise, and using her skills as a business consultant to develop a management structure to take Mikeysline forward.

Donna continued: “Covid hit not long after I took up the role of chair, so many of the board’s plans to expand services and make the charity more robust were put on hold while we addressed the immediate need for support in our community.

“Seeing the work in schools take off over the past 18 months – and even be discussed in Holyrood – will have a major impact on young people in the north of Scotland for the rest of their lives. For that, I am incredibly proud.

“And I am now happy to report that the charity is stronger than ever – with visibility and awareness of our services at an all-time high. While it is sad to see a need for service use increase, the fact that more people are reaching out to get the support they need is definitely a positive.”

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 and Moray. It does this via a text line service at 07786 207755; WhatsApp at 01463 729000 and via its website; and live chat, Twitter and Messenger via its website.

The charity also produces a popular podcast, Speaking of Suicide; works closely with teachers and pupils in schools across the north of Scotland; and offers face-to-face support in four Hives across the region – at its Inverness headquarters, Tesco in Tain, The Place in Alness, and the Highland Yoga Collective in Nairn. Here, service users can engage in one-to-one support or join in group sessions.

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