Mikeysline urges people to reach out early and talk openly this World Suicide Prevention Day

This World Suicide Prevention Day, Inverness-based mental health and suicide prevention charity Mikeysline is encouraging people across the Highlands, Islands and Moray to speak openly about mental health and seek support before worries, distress or suicidal thoughts reach crisis point.

World Suicide Prevention Day is marked globally each year on 10 September calling on individuals, communities and organisations to move away from silence and stigma towards openness, understanding and support.

For Mikeysline, that message is at the heart of its work every day. The charity provides free, confidential, non-judgemental peer support for anyone aged 11 and over who is struggling with their mental health, experiencing emotional distress, or having suicidal thoughts through its text-based services, including SMS, WhatsApp, webchat and Messenger, as well as face-to-face and callback appointments.

Support workers and volunteers are there to listen, guide and help people identify coping strategies and next steps. The charity also works with schools and community partners, and supports workplaces to build awareness, reduce stigma and help people feel more confident talking about mental health.

The charity’s Bee The Change campaign builds on this work by encouraging people to play an active role in changing the dialogue around mental health and suicide prevention in their communities, workplaces and schools. Through community, school and workplace champions, Mikeysline supports local people to challenge stigma, promote kindness and understanding, and help spread the message that it’s ok not to be ok, so that more people feel able to talk openly and reach out for support earlier.

Mikeysline’s CEO Emily Stokes said: “Too often, people wait until they feel they have nowhere else to turn before asking for help. This World Suicide Prevention Day, we want to remind everyone that you do not have to be in crisis to reach out to Mikesyline. If something is weighing heavily, if you feel overwhelmed, or if you are worried about someone else, talking early can make a real difference.”

“Opening up can feel difficult, but it can also be the first step towards feeling less alone. Whether you choose to text, message, speak face to face, or ask someone you trust to sit with you while you make contact, support is available. Reaching out is not a sign of weakness – it’s a positive, brave and potentially life-saving step.”

“We encourage family members, friends, colleagues and neighbours to check in with those around them, listen without judgement, and take concerns seriously. Simple questions such as “How are you really?” or “Would it help to talk?” can open the door to a conversation that someone may have been struggling to start and remind them that it’s ok not to be ok.”

How to contact Mikeysline: Text 07786 207755, WhatsApp 01463 729000, use webchat or Messenger during support hours which run Sun-Thu, 6pm-10pm and Fri-Sat, 7pm-7am. Alternatively visit www.mikeysline.co.uk to find out more about text-based support, Hives, groups, callbacks and local appointments.

ENDS

Additional Information

Mikeysline is an Inverness-based mental health and suicide prevention charity providing compassionate, confidential peer support to people across the Highlands, Islands and Moray. Its services include text-based support, face-to-face support through local Hives, callbacks, groups, young people’s support and workforce support.

World Suicide Prevention Day takes place every year on 10 September. The 2024–2026 theme, “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”, encourages open and honest conversations, increased understanding, reduced stigma and better access to support.