Mikeysline voted Highland Heroes Charity 2022

Mikeysline was named the Highland Heroes Charity of the Year 2022 at the Highland News and Media’s prestigious awards ceremony at the Kingsmills Hotel on 24 March 2022. The award was made even more special by being won by the most public votes in the charitable category.

Emily Stokes, CEO of Mikeysline, said:

“We’re absolutely thrilled to have been voted as Highland Heroes in the Charitable Organisation category. The last two years have been extremely difficult for so many people in the Highlands and Moray, and we are so pleased to be able to offer support to those who need it most.

“Sadly, the suicide rate in the Highlands is significantly higher than elsewhere in Scotland so it’s clear that more needs to be done to destigmatise the conversation surrounding mental health and suicide.

“In the last year, we have invested in new Hives across the Highlands to offer increased face-to-face support; launched new services specifically aimed at young people and men; and added four more options to our text-based listening service, with WhatsApp being the most recent additional option.

“We’d like to thank the judges who initially shortlisted Mikeysline as one of the finalists in our category, and especially the Highland public who got behind us and recognised the work we do and for giving us their vote of confidence and supporting us as we continue to expand our services across the region. We want everyone that may be struggling to know that it’s ok not to be ok, and that help and support is available.”

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 via a text line service at 07786 207755, WhatsApp at 01463 729000, and live chat, Twitter and Messenger via its website. The charity also produces a popular podcast, Speaking of Suicide, and offers face-to-face support from three Hives across the area.