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.

Celebrating 8 Years of Mikeysline: Championing Mental Health and Breaking Stigma

In a world where mental health awareness is crucial, Mikeysline stands tall, celebrating eight remarkable years of dedication, growth and immense impact within Highland, Island and Moray communities.

Founded in December 2015 following the heartbreaking losses of Martin Shaw and Michael Williamson, Mikeysline emerged as a beacon of hope, lighting up paths for those in the darkness of mental health struggles, emotional distress, or experiencing thoughts of suicide.

Celebrating 8 Years | Mikeysline Timeline | #BeeTheChange

Celebrating 8 Years of Mikeysline Together

We’re having a party – and you’re invited!

Join us in the Market Hall of the Victorian Market on Inverness’s Academy Street, from 4-6pm on Wednesday, December 6, 2023.

The party is free to attend, however we ask that you please register your interest in attending.

During the event, you’ll be able to meet people who have committed to Bee the Change in the Highlands, Islands and Moray – effecting changes in their communities through commitments big and small, from putting up posters in local establishments to making and selling jewellery as a fundraiser.

• Meet the students of Millburn Academy’s NPA Jewellery class
• Take a photo with Leo and Geordie the donkeys
• Get your face painted by Happy Faces
• Pick up a bee balloon model from Trapeze Entertainment
• Enjoy live music from the Black Isle Peas
• Hear a special pre-recorded message and song from Scottish chart topper Callum Beattie.

To mark the Mikeysline’s 8th anniversary, the Inverness Townhouse will also be lit up in the charity’s signature yellow and blue colours.

Mikeysline Through the Years

Building a Foundation (2015-2016)

Mikeysline started humbly 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.

Recognition and Expansion (2016-2018)

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.

Establishing Support Centers (2017-2019)

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.

Navigating Challenges, Embracing Change (2020-2021)

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.

Promoting Diversity in Support (2022-2023)

The journey continued with a strong focus on diversity in support, launching a WhatsApp textline, 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.

#BeetheChange – Join the Movement

As we commemorate eight impactful years of Mikeysline, we invite you to Bee the Change by becoming a champion for mental health in your community, school or workplace. Stand with us in stamping out stigma and advocating for mental health awareness.

Join our community and embrace the power of making a difference, one step at a time. Together, we can amplify the message that it’s ok not to be ok.

Join Mikeysline, become a Bee the Change Champion, and let’s continue breaking barriers, supporting families, and empowering individuals in their mental health journey.

Allana Stables, Bee the Change manager at Mikeysline, says: “The conversation around mental health can be difficult for many, but it’s important to remember that it’s ok not to be ok. That’s why we’re spreading this message through our Bee the Change campaign – encouraging people to make a positive impact in their communities, schools and workplaces.

“Everyone can make a difference to others’ mental wellbeing through even the smallest of acts. 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.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming the community to the Victorian Market on December 6 to celebrate everything Mikeysline has achieved over the past eight years – and to look ahead at how we can all Bee the Change.”

In this celebration we ask you to take a moment and ask yourself how you can Bee the Change. Let’s continue to shine a light on mental health and suicide prevention support for a brighter, stigma-free future.

Fashion designer Siobhan Mackenzie teams up with mental health charity Mikeysline

One of Scotland’s most in-demand fashion designers has been named the latest ambassador of a leading mental health charity.

Mikeysline has teamed up with award-winning designer Siobhan Mackenzie to help spread its message of hope and support to an even wider community across the north of Scotland.

Siobhan joins Hollywood star Karen Gillan, football legends John Robertson and Stephen Ferguson, and businessman and former Olympian Ewan MacDonald in helping raise awareness of the vital work the charity does in the Scottish Highlands & Islands and Moray.

She said: “I’m thrilled to become an ambassador for Mikeysline. It’s a charitable organisation that I feel strongly about supporting and that does such vital work in the mental health sector in my home region of the Highlands.

“I’m looking forward to being able to support Mikeysline however I can, and helping to spread awareness for their amazing work and support services.”

One of Siobhan’s first outings with the charity will be at the Mikeysline Burns Supper on January 25, 2024. Featuring speeches, entertainment and live music, the evening will be a fantastic way to celebrate Scotland’s national bard – and all for a good cause. Tickets are available now.

Emily Stokes, CEO of Mikeysline, said: “We are so excited to welcome Siobhan to the team as an ambassador for Mikeysline. As one of the country’s leading designers, she has a unique platform to help us reach people who might be struggling in new ways.

“Siobhan’s work is rooted in the north of Scotland – and together we share a pride and passion for helping and supporting our local community.

“Since 2015 we have been providing guidance to those struggling with their mental health, emotional distress or thoughts of suicide – and we are always looking for ways to reach new corners of society who may feel unheard. Working with Siobhan will allow us to expand our reach even further, and help more people.

“We have lots of exciting plans with Siobhan over the coming months, starting with our Burns Supper in January which is sure to be a night to remember. She will also be supporting our Bee the Change campaign, which encourages Highland, Island and Moray residents to effect positive change in their communities, schools and workplaces.”

Born in the Black Isle, Siobhan draws on her Highland heritage and Clan Mackenzie roots throughout her work. Following a degree in Fashion Design & Production – during which she studied with kiltmakers Glenisla – she launched her self-named label in 2014, aged just 21.

Since then, Siobhan has designed exclusive items for Justin Bieber, Team Scotland at the Commonwealth Games, Caorunn Gin, LVMH Group and many others.

Photo by Daniel Wemyss.

A mental health and suicide prevention charity providing vital services to people living in the north of Scotland has launched a new campaign to engage the community in time for World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10).

Mikeysline – headquartered in Inverness, and providing services across the Highlands and Moray – is looking for individuals who want to ‘Bee the Change’ in their community and help destigmatise conversations around mental health and suicide.

The launch of the new initiative follows publication of statistics this week by the National Records of Scotland, indiciating that suicide rates in the Highlands remain above the national average and are amongst the highest in Scotland.

A total of 52 cases of probable suicide were recorded in the Highlands in 2022 – up from 49 in 2021. However, these figures must be looked at in context – as they are still lower than those of 2019.

Mikeysline CEO Emily Stokes said: “The sad news this week that suicide rates in the Highlands remain higher than the national average emphasises, once again, that although much is being done, there is still more that we can all do to reach those who need support in a time of great need.

“Although talking about how we feel has become a bigger part of many people’s lives, there’s still a perceived taboo around the topic for many people.

“The more we can change that collective mindset, the easier it will be for people to reach out when they are struggling – before a time of crisis.

“Suicides are not inevitable and we can all be part of a change in making a difference.”

The Bee the Change initiative will incorporate the charity’s former community champion and youth champion programmes, bringing all community outreach under the same umbrella, backed by new resources and support from the charity. Now Bee the Change Community, School and Workplace Champions will help spread the word about Mikeysline’s activity.

Emily added: “As a grassroots mental health charity, we receive no government funding, so we have always relied on the good will of the people in our community to help spread our message.

“That support keeps us going year on year, and now we’re formalising things through our Bee the Change Champions – giving our community advocates and supporters the tools they need to help let people know that it’s ok not to be ok, and that help is available to those who need it.

“We’re always on the lookout for people who want to help spread the word about looking after our mental health.

“Anyone interested in becoming a Bee the Change Champion to support their community can head click here to find out more.”

Mikeysline’s community outreach activities encourage adults and young people to get involved in their workplaces, schools and communities to signpost Mikeysline’s text-based and face-to-face support services, and encourage people to look after their mental health.

Twelve-year-old Niamh Ross is one of the charity’s newest Bee the Change School Champions. Already winning gold medals in international and world martial arts championships, she hopes to use her place in the community to help spread Mikeysline’s message.

She said: “As a Bee the Change School Champion for Mikeysline, I want to use my platform in martial arts to make a positive impact on the world and help others. I aim to inspire and support others, particularly young people in the Highlands.

“I want people to know that it’s ok not to be ok, and that it’s ok to ask for help. Nobody should suffer alone out of shame. I want to help remove the stigma that surrounds mental health, and spread kindness.”

Mikeysline duo awarded Highland youth volunteer of the year award

Callum and Ross Kinaird, volunteers with mental health charity Mikeysline, have been named as joint winners of the Highland Third Sector Interface Award’s youth volunteer of the year.

The award, which is commonly presented to one successful candidate from the Highlands, has this year been awarded to both Callum and Ross, after they received a joint nomination for their combined efforts as volunteers.

Callum said: “When I found out that I won this award, I was shocked and didn’t really think it was for me. It made me question what I had done so well to deserve it! I was truly humbled to receive the news that I had won this award and to be recognised for all my hard work at Mikeysline, which I am really proud to be a part of.”

Ross added: “I was so overwhelmed and surprised by the nomination for this award, it’s amazing that doing something that I am so passionate about can be so rewarding! I can’t wait to continue my progression with Mikeysline with the fantastic support that they provide.

“If you are thinking about volunteering for Mikeysline, then what are you waiting for? Click here for details on how to join.”

Emily Stokes, chief executive officer of Mikeysline said: “When it came to nominating Callum and Ross, it didn’t feel right to separate them.

“Having both joined us in the summer of 2021, the boys – then pupils at Nairn Academy – were instrumental in setting up our youth champion programme across local Highland schools.

“With a passion to raise awareness of mental health and suicide prevention, as well as contributing to developing a solution to support more young people in the region, the boys were integral to the design and implementation of our youth champion programme which today boasts 94 secondary youth champions and 19 primary youth champions.”

Despite having now left school, Callum and Ross are keen to continue their volunteer journey by becoming community volunteers in their hometown of Nairn. This would see them play a larger role in the local community where they are keen to improve the availability of mental health support services.

Mhairi Wylie, chief officer of Highland Third Sector Interface, said: “This is always a challenging category to judge as organisations benefit from such a high quality of volunteering commitment and impact from young people across Highland. Callum and Ross are exemplary young people in a field of truly committed individuals showing leadership and passion throughout all their activities.

“This award is about celebrating the exemplary contribution that recipients make as young volunteers and the judging panel was particularly interested in how Callum and Ross have been driven by their desire to make a change and build a more positive future.

“Their voluntary role with mental health charity, Mikeysline, has clearly made a difference to the organisation and their community. Their hard work and dedication are a credit to them and Mikeysline.”

An eye-catching mural of a Highland landscape featuring mountains, moorland and wildlife is stopping visitors to the Inverness Victorian Market in their tracks.

The city’s newest artwork was finished in the early hours of yesterday morning and is already captivating passers-by.

It has been created in a joint venture involving mental health charity, Mikeysline, the Victorian Market and Highland Council.

Located at the building’s Union Street entrance, it not only enables people to enjoy attractive artwork but part of its message is to encourage people to embrace the outdoors and nature which can improve wellbeing.

A quote by the ecological thinker and environmental advocate, John Muir, will also be incorporated: “In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.”.

Emily Stokes, Mikeysline chief executive, explained it came about after the mural outside the charity’s base, The Hive, in Academy Street was being freshened up.

“We know from our own experience how many people come to look at that wall and get a photograph of it,” she said

“We wanted to appeal to a wider representation.

“We hope this mural can encourage other businesses to raise awareness of Mikeysline by doing something visually attractive for staff and visitors.”

Mikeysline development manager Allana Stables hoped it would encourage other organisations to self-fund nature-based art in support of the charity.

She added: “When a person looks at a piece of art that they see as beautiful, there is an instantaneous release of dopamine – a chemical that is linked to feelings of love – into the brain.”

The mural’s creator is Marc Delaye, of Fresh Paint, based in North Kessock.

The French-born artist worked on it during the early hours, sometimes starting at 3.30am.

“It was getting very difficult to paint when people were coming in and out of the market,” he said.

“Everyone was very supportive but it can be distracting.”

He painted it freestyle using spray paint and working to an agreed design which includes the Mikeysline symbol of a bee as well as a stag.

“It isn’t perfect,” he maintained. “But I always say if you want perfect, get a sticker.”

Acting market manager Cameron MacFarlane is delighted with the end result which he said had brightened up a dark and gloomy entrance.

“The number of locals and tourists who walk in here and stop and smile is great,” he said.

“They look at it and stand back and say how phenomenal it is.

“It is lifting people’s moods.”