Mikeysline launches pop-up shop at Eastgate Centre to raise awareness of mental health and suicide prevention

Inverness-based mental health and suicide prevention charity Mikeysline has opened a pop-up shop in the heart of the city centre.

Local people and visitors will have the chance to support a vital cause while helping spark important conversations around mental wellbeing by purchasing items from their new unit in the Eastgate Centre.

The temporary retail space, previously occupied by One of a Kind, will offer a range of the charity’s own branded merchandise and provide a new opportunity to increase visibility, connection and awareness.

From clothing and accessories to luxury items and everyday gifts, will showcase Mikeysline’s own-brand merchandise, with every purchase helping to support the charity’s ongoing mental health and suicide prevention work across the Highlands, Islands and Moray. The store will be open Mondays to Thursdays 10am – 4pm until the end of August.

The store will also serve as a drop of point for the charity’s upcoming swishing event held in collaboration Openarts and is being held at WASPS Creative Academy on St Stephen’s Street, on 21 August between 11am – 3pm.

Local talent Órla Ní Eadhra, a 2025 finalist of the BBC’s Great British Sewing Bee, will run a customisation station on the day, giving old garments a new twist.

Members of the public are encouraged to drop off items of good quality, pre-loved adult clothing, shoes or accessories in advance to the Mikeysline shop, and come along to the Creative Academy for the fundraiser in August for a summer wardrobe refresh, where people will be encouraged to bring up to 8 items on the day.

Jon Carter, Manager of the Eastgate Centre, said:
“Mikeysline has become a trusted source of support for people experiencing emotional distress, poor mental health, loneliness or thoughts of suicide throughout the locality, and we’re delighted to welcome them to Eastgate Centre and help amplify their message. This pop-up offers a meaningful way for our visitors to engage with and support an important local charity, while helping raise awareness of issues that affect so many people.”

Emily Stokes, CEO of Mikeysline, said:
“We’re incredibly grateful to the Eastgate Centre for giving us this opportunity to bring Mikeysline right into the heart of the community. Having a presence in such a busy and accessible space allows us to reach more people, helping to raise awareness of mental health and suicide prevention while encouraging open, honest conversations. This store is not just about our merchandise – it’s about connection, visibility and reminding everyone that support is always available and it’s ok not be ok.”