Highland mental health charity Mikeysline receives royal backing on World Mental Health Day
Charity Mikeysline is driving hope into even more communities after launching its second Hive on the Road vehicle - thanks to royal support.
The mental health and suicide prevention charity’s new mobile hub support vehicle has been made possible through a new multi-agency partnership with The Royal Foundation of the Prince and Princess of Wales - the National Suicide Prevention Network.
Spanning all four home nations, four leading charities have joined as founding partners to transform suicide prevention in the UK, with Mikeysline selected to represent Scotland.
Over an initial three-year period, the Network aims to create a single, universal and evidence-based pathway for suicide prevention which is effective and accessible to all.
More than a dozen other charities and organisations have joined the Network which is backed by more than £1million in funding from The Royal Foundation.
For Mikeysline, the new addition to their fleet will enable the charity to reach even more rural and remote locations throughout the Highlands, Islands and Moray, where awareness raising and access to mental health and suicide prevention services can be limited.
The new mobile hub, which was launched to coincide with the recent World Mental Health Day, aims to build on the success of Mikeysline’s first support van, which launched last year,
The charity hopes the vehicles will provide another safe, welcoming, and confidential space for people of all age and genders who are struggling with their mental health and/or at risk of suicide.
Mikeysline CEO Emily Stokes said: “The complex geography of our area can increase the sense of isolation felt by those struggling with their mental health. By bringing our services directly into these communities, we can make sure that support is accessible, immediate, and without stigma.
“By launching on World Mental Health Day we’re underlining Mikeysline’s commitment to ensuring that no one feels alone or without help, no matter where they live.
“Our partnership with The Royal Foundation has enabled us to buy and staff this much needed second van and extend our reach significantly, while our position within the NSPN gives opportunity for connection and sharing of knowledge, expertise and best practise with our colleagues across the UK.”
Mikeysline was established in 2015 following the tragic loss of two young friends.
Since then, it has become a lifeline for people throughout the North of Scotland, offering text-based peer support, one-to-one in person sessions, mobile outreach and support sessions in 17 local high schools.
The charity works to break down the stigma around mental health through open conversation with anyone experiencing emotional distress.
For more information about Mikeysline visit www.mikeysline.co.uk or find Mikeysline on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
Mikeysline operates 365 days a year, accessible through their text line at 07786207755; WhatsApp at 01463 729000, messenger and via its website and live chat.
They offer face-to-face support in Hives across the region – at their Inverness headquarters, and in their Dingwall Alness, Nairn, Tain, Wick, Thurso and Elgin hubs. Here, people can engage in one-to-one support, or at some venues join in group sessions for adults, men, families and young people.