Mikeysline Marks 10 Years of Hope, Connection and Life-Saving Support.

On Saturday December 6^th, local charity Mikeysline marked a meaningful milestone: 10 years of providing vital lifeline mental health and suicide support services throughout the Highlands, Islands and Moray.

Founded in 2015 after the tragic loss of close friends, Martin Shaw and Michael Williamson, within 48-hours of each other, Mikeysline emerged with an urgent mission to make sure those in emotional distress would never feel alone.

Starting off as the world’s first ‘text-for-help’ hotline operated via a single mobile phone passed between volunteers, Mikeysline has grown into a multi-service organisation, offering text based and 1:1 in-person peer led support; expansion into schools and tailored workplace talks alongside the launch of two Hive on the Road mobile support vehicles, serving the areas more rural and remote communities.

To honour the charity’s origins, Mikeysline proudly recreated the torchlight parade that marked its official launch. The original procession saw hundreds of people line Inverness High Street, shining their mobile phone torches skyward in a poignant and powerful display of finding hope and light in the darkness.

Speaking after the event, Mikeysline CEO, Emily Stokes, said: “We were absolutely thrilled with the support of our community on Saturday, turning out to join us in fantastic numbers and shine a light into the darkness to mark our 10^th anniversary the same way that Mikeysline was launched 10 years ago.”

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Picture: Image recent procession on Inverness High Street

Mikeysline: 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.

The Mikeysline mobile app: Along with their latest news, events and ways to get involved, the app makes it even easier for those in need of help to reach out for support.

Links to download our App: Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.thecafeapp.mikeysline&pcampaignid=web_share iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/mikeysline/id6736364818

The charity also produces a popular podcast, Speaking of Suicide; provides support for businesses; works closely with teachers and pupils in schools across the North of Scotland.

For more information, visit www.mikeysline.co.uk or find Mikeysline on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok

Hive on the Road: Launched in 2024, Mikeysline’s Hive on the Road enables support staff to provide accessible 1:1 support sessions in the more rural areas of the Highlands, Islands and Moray. The initiative was made possible by a generous grant from The Wolfsen Foundation which allowed Mikeysline to purchase its first transit van and enlist Vulcan Van Conversations to make modifications. Additional grants from McDonalds in the Community and West Fraser also supported

the development and ongoing costs of the project. In 2025, West Fraser remain our key sponsor partner for our original Hive on the Road. Our second Hive on the Road, launched in 2025 is funded by the Royal Foundation.