By Val Sweeney, Inverness Courier

A Highland mental health charity has relocated to a new base in Inverness city centre as its work continues to expand.

Mikeysline set up its Hive drop-in centre in Academy Street seven years ago

It has now moved the short distance to 4 Strothers Lane where it will continue to provide services in premises more suitable to its needs.

The suicide prevention charity, which was founded in 2015 following the tragic deaths of good friends, Martin Shaw and Michael Williamson within 48 hours of each other, was the first text support line in the UK.

It originally used just one mobile phone which was passed around volunteers in Inverness.

As well as providing a lifeline for those experiencing thoughts of depression, anxiety, stress and suicide, its work has expanded to include awareness-raising campaigns such as Bee the Change, which aims to break down the stigma surrounding mental health.

Local businesses and volunteers helped the grassroots charity make the move to its new premises by providing labour as well as materials such as carpet tiles, shelving and paint.

It has also included the relocation of a mural from the previous centre plus the creation of a brand new one.

Mikeysline chief executive Emily Stokes said the new base will provide a welcoming environment for all those who have cause to use the service.

“We are absolutely delighted after seven years at our original Hive in Academy Street to be able to move to a new Hive and office base more suitable to our current needs, whilst also ensuring improved visibility, which ties in with our Bee the Change campaign and challenging stigma,” she said.

“Our fundamental aim has been to create a calm, relaxing and welcoming environment within our new Hive for the wellbeing of our service users, volunteers and staff as well as other visitors to our Hive.

“Our aim at Mikeysline is never to forget where we came from, our story and our grass roots are still as relevant today as they were back in 2015 and always will be as they continually remind us why we are here, what our focus needs to be and why we need to keep on finding new and additional ways to reach and support people.”

In line with this, they had brought a bit of the old Hive with them in the form of the charity’s well known mural while also ensuring a new mural which would help to make their new surroundings even brighter and more positive feeling was also.

“Our move to our new Hive has only been possible due to the tremendous ongoing support that we receive from our Highland community, which we are so grateful for and for all the generosity from a huge range of businesses who helped us to get the new building up and running this week,” Ms Stokes said.

Speaking more widely she also took the chance to urge people to remember that it was always okay not to be okay and to not be afraid of reaching out for help at any time it is needed.

“Mikeysline is here for everyone, no matter what the issue, no matter how big or small,” she said.

“Please reach out if you need any support.”

Mikeysline can be contacted by texting 07786207755. Further information can also be found at Mikeysline.

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 CEO reflects on mobile Hive’s first month on the road: “It really does take a community”

Emily Stokes, CEO of Highland mental health and suicide prevention charity, Mikeysline, has shared her gratitude to all those who have helped launch the charity’s mobile support Hive – marking 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, the launch of Mikeysline’s ‘Hive on the Road’ has been described by CEO Emily Stokes as “a significant achievement made possible by our communities, for our communities.”

Emily said: “The launch of Mikeysline’s mobile Hive is a real testament to the support and work of those in our local communities.

Having received significant funding from both the Wolfson Foundation and McDonald’s in the Community through support of Craig Duncan, who has ownership, as a Franchisee, of a number of Highland McDonald’s restaurants, we have been able to take our services to more remote rural areas, where access and availability to mental health support is limited.

“However, it is worth acknowledging that the money received from McDonald’s in the Community, is in fact funds generated from the Scottish Government bag tax – money that contrary to what its name would suggest, doesn’t go to the government but instead is held by businesses.”

The bag tax is a Government levy which binds any business using bags, paper or plastic, to charge customers 10p/bag taken. It was first introduced in Scotland in 2014 and was amended on April 1, 2021.

Craig Duncan – who operates six McDonald’s branches including, Inverness High St, Inverness Inshes Retail Park and Fort William – commented: “McDonald’s in the Community was set up to allow local franchisees to donate the monies collected from customers in our restaurants to support charities in the areas that they operate.

“Having received significant funding from both the Wolfson Foundation and McDonald’s in the Community through support of Craig Duncan, who has the franchise for a number of Highland McDonald’s restaurants,operated by Craig Duncan, we have been able to take our services to more remote rural areas, where access and availability to mental health support is limited.

“However, it is worth acknowledging that the money received from McDonald’s in the Community, is in fact funds generated from the UK bag tax – money that contrary to what its name would suggest, doesn’t go to the government but instead is held by businesses.”

The bag tax is a Government levy which binds any business using bags, paper or plastic, to charge customers 10p/bag taken. It was first introduced in Scotland in 2014 and was amended on April 1, 2021.

McDonald’s franchise owner Craig Duncan – who operates six McDonald’s branches including, Inverness Inshes Retail Park and Fort William – commented: “McDonald’s in the Community was set up to allow local franchises such as Fort William and Inshes to donate the monies collected from customers in our restaurants to support not only McDonald’s initiatives such as the Ronald McDonald House charity, but also those in the local community.

“Mikeysline has had an incredible impact on many people living throughout our region. Their message is an important one and we wanted to help ensure it reaches as many people as possible.

“Mental health support  and suicide prevention is not just present in the larger towns and cities, it is everywhere and we must all come together to ensure no one gets left behind because of geographical barriers.”

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 Mikeysline’s mobile Hive, has already seen residents of Fort William, Drumnadrochit and the Black Isle receive much-needed advice and face-to-face support.

Emily Stokes, continued: “Seeing the van on the road and the attention it has received so far in its journey has been incredible, but it couldn’t have been achieved without the support of our local community. We owe all this to them and promise to continue sharing the message that it’s ok to not be ok!”

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, Twitter and Messenger via its website.

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.

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

Life of Ron Williamson marked

The life of the man who founded Highland mental health charity Mikeysline has been celebrated at a memorial event in Inverness.

Ron Williamson died aged 74 in December after a long illness.

He helped set up the charity following the death of his nephew Michael “Mikey” Williamson (23) who died at his Inverness home in 2015 – two days after this friend Martin Shaw, had also been found dead.

Tribute was paid to Ron at an event, Light up the Night, at the Glen Mhor Hotel. The Ness Bridge was also lit up in the Mikeysline colours to shine a light in his memory.

The memorial lead by Halde Pottinger, was attended by family, friends, Mikeysline volunteers and staff, past and present and many others who knew Ron.

It featured Highland Voices Gospel Choir whose performances included Shadow Falls and their final song, Leave the Light on.

Everyone was invited to follow Spud the Pipe, who helped launch MIkeysine in 2015, along the river to the Ness Bridge.

Describing Ron as “an absolute legend” he said “It is an honour to be asked and I wouldn’t have missed if for anything.”

Mikeysline chief executive Emily Stokes said: “Light up the Night celebrated a special family man who made a lasting impression not only on those who held him dear, but also on all who knew and met him”.

“Ron Williamson was, everyone agreed, one of a kind, just like the legacy he leaves behind him in the charity he founded.”

Mikeysline was born in December 2015 to provide a text-for-help hotline service for people experiencing thoughts of depression, anxiety, worry of stress and those in crisis.

As well as providing the first crisis text line in the country, it also introduced the first crisis self-help app in Scotland the the first out-of-hours crisis drop-in centre in the Highlands.  The Hive Project in Inverness.

It gained support from people across the Highlands as well as endorsement from Inverness-born Hollywood star Karen Gillan and strongman Luke Stoltman.

Ron’s own commitment meant a regular 600-mile drive from Southampton until he handed over the reigns four years ago although he kept up-to-date with developments as it continued to grow and flourish and welcomed its expansion of work in schools and with local businesses.

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.”