Who we are
Mikeysline was founded in 2015 following the tragic deaths of good friends, Martin Shaw and Michael Williamson within 48 hours of each other
This heart breaking loss of life only added to the growing number of suicides in the Highland area. Speaking to Martin and Michael’s peers at their wake, Ron Williamson, Mikey’s uncle, heard that young people felt that they had nowhere to go when they were at a loss when struggling with mental health issues.
So Ron, along with other key individuals, founded Mikeysline with the aim of changing this so that others might receive the help and support that Mikey needed. An aim that struck an immediate chord at the hearts of many.
Support for Mikeysline quickly gathered momentum and a grassroots charity was formed. A candlelit parade was an early indication of the level of support from those in the Highlands for everything that Mikeysline was being set up to achieve, but most of all to help prevent the tragic loss of further lives due to the lack of accessible support when it was most needed.
People can struggle daily with a multitude of mental health and emotional issues, which impact their life and health, yet only a fraction of people feel able to talk about it. At Mikeysline, our suicide prevention and mental health awareness work is at the core of what we do to break down the stigma associated with seeking support for emotional distress. That it is ok not to be ok and that no one should suffer in silence.
Mikeysline’s Greatest Champion: Ron Williamson
In December 2015, after the devastating loss of local men Martin Shaw and Michael ‘Mikey’ Williamson to suicide, Ron Williamson – Mikey’s uncle – made a change. A change that would alter the entire framework, conversation, and support available to those struggling with mental health in the north of Scotland.
By setting up the very first text support line in the UK from just one mobile phone that was passed around volunteers in Inverness, Mikeysline became a lifeline for those experiencing thoughts of depression, anxiety, stress and suicide.
In those first few years as Mikeysline grew and transformed into the organisation it is today, Ron’s dedication and focus never faltered, even when it meant making the long 600-mile drive from his home in Southampton to Inverness before handing over the reins on his 70th birthday. Sadly, in December 2023 following a long illness, Ron Williamson passed away.
Ron was immensely proud of Mikeysline and the support of its staff, volunteers and the entire local community.
He was our greatest champion and loudest ambassador. And although we miss our friend, we are comforted by the knowledge that his legacy lives on and together we’ll continue to share the message that it’s ok not to be ok.
We’re here for you
Every day, every step of the way.
Our team of staff and volunteers are there for you each and every day. They are there to…
- listen without judgement
- support you when you need it most
- where appropriate, to help to signpost you on to other organisations for support
- where appropriate, teach you or support you through some skills based CBT coping strategies
No matter your level of need, even if it’s just someone to talk to, you can always contact Mikeysline for support.
If you need someone to talk to, please text 07786 20 77 55, or contact us via messenger, webchat or Twitter.
Or come and visit us at one of our Hives:
“The Hives serve as a light in the dark for those suffering emotional difficulty. We offer a confidential space where our staff and volunteers are there to listen and be a source of help for those who need it most.”
The Hive - 4 Strothers Lane, Inverness (Every Evening except Public Holidays)
Sun-Thurs 6pm – 10pm
Fri & Sat 6pm – 11pm
The Hive - The Place, 61 Alness High Street, Alness (Weekly)
Wed 4.30pm – 8pm.
The Hive - Tain Glamping, Shore Road, Tain, IV19 1EH (Weekly)
Tues 4.45pm -8.15pm
Portmahomack
Please contact enquiries@mikeysline.co.uk
The Hive - Morven Building North Highland College UHI, Ormlie Road, Thurso KW14 7EE (Weekly)
On Wednesdays
The Hive - Office 2, Caledonian House Business Centre, 164 High Street, Elgin IV30 1BD (Weekly)
Thurs 2.45pm – 7pm
Isle of Skye, Kyle of Lochalsh and surrounding area
Please contact enquiries@mikeysline.co.uk
The Hive - Nairn - Rear Entrance Hall, URC Church, Crescent Rd, Nairn (Weekly)
Wed 6pm-10pm
Looking to volunteer with us? volunteering@mikeysline.co.uk
Fundraising/donations and events? enquiries@mikeysline.co.uk
Press enquiries: enquiries@mikeysline.co.uk
General enquiries / Anything else: enquiries@mikeysline.co.uk