Highland mental health charity Mikeysline calls for memories from launch to mark 10th anniversary celebrations
An Inverness-based mental health charity is calling for people’s memories of its launch to commemorate its 10th anniversary this year.
Mikeysline was founded in December 2015 by Ron Williamson following the tragic deaths his nephew, Michael “Mickey” Williamson and his good friend Martin Shaw, within only 48-hours.
Back then, to mark the launch, hundreds of people illuminated Inverness’s High Street on a cold winter night in support for more accessible suicide prevention and mental health provision in the Highlands.
Now the charity, who was just named Emergency Service or Crisis Support Service of the Year at the Highland Heroes Awards — which recognised the outstanding contributions their staff and volunteers have made to those in need of crucial support — is keen to hear from anyone who took part in the launch a decade ago.
Mikeysline CEO, Emily Stokes said: “The image from that night is a powerful one: people lining the streets united by their desire to highlight the need for change.
“It showed the strength of community spirit and just how much of an impact the loss of both Martin and Michael had on the people of Inverness and beyond and their support for the idea of Mikeysline to help make that change happen.
“We would really love to hear from anyone who was in attendance that night, to have them share their memories of that evening and what it meant to them. What were your hopes for Mikeysline at the time and how do you see it now.”
Mikeysline created the first ever text helpline in the UK, revolutionising accessibility to mental health and crisis support.
The local mental health charity’s tenth anniversary year has got off to a flying start, having picked up silver in the Impact in the Community category at the Mental Health & Wellbeing Awards in Edinburgh earlier this year before being recognised at the Highland Heroes Awards earlier this month.
Collecting the award, Ms Stokes said: “It’s an honour to take such an important award back to the Hive, especially in such a tough category alongside the RNLI and NHS Highland Tissue and Organ Donation Team whose lifeline services are so important.
“This award is for our incredible volunteers and staff members, whose patience, compassion and empathy are a great support to those who access our lifeline services in their darkest moments. They are the backbone of Mikeysline, and this is an incredible testament to the important work they do.”
Today, Mikeysline provides text-based, face-to-face and callback support, as well as outreach services throughout the Highlands, Islands and Moray to all ages and genders 365-days a year.
Anyone who would like to share their memories can get in tough by contacting enquiries@mikeysline.co.uk.
