Murals for Mikeysline in Caithness

Mental health charity, Mikeysline, has unveiled two new Caithness murals championing the power of community, art and wellbeing.

The seaside artworks at Grizzly Park in Wick and Victoria Walk in Thurso are the latest in a growing series of art projects involving Mikeysline designed to spark conversation, foster connection and bring hope to those who may be experiencing emotional distress.

The partnership, brought to life by street artist Marc Delaye of Fresh Paint and backed by local fundraising, gave young volunteers from both Wick Highlife Highland Young Leaders and Thurso Youth Development the chance to showcase their own creative flair and get involved in the painting process.

 Mikeysline CEO, Emily Stokes, said: “Art and nature have an incredible mutual ability to bring people together and create a shared sense of belonging.

By placing these murals in the heart of Wick and Thurso, we hope to not only bring joy to passersby but to open the door for those who need us to reach for support.

Mikeysline is here for everyone and projects like this give us an opportunity to be visible and highlight our lifeline services in a creative way.”

Mikeysline Bee The Change Manager, Allana Stables, said: “Our ‘Bee The Change’ campaign is closely linked to the positive strengths of both art and nature.

Fundraising is essential to not just our service provision, but in providing creative community-based platforms that highlight our presence in an engaging and encouraging way.

Everything raised local, stays local and it’s through the generosity of local people that Marc from Fresh Paint has been able to produce two more stunning pieces of emotive artwork in beautiful Caithness.”

The grassroots mental health and suicide prevention charity, currently marking its tenth anniversary year, has already attached its symbolic bee and ethos to several eye-catching murals in Inverness and Lossiemouth.

 Set up in 2015 following the tragic loss of two close friends within 48-hours of each other, Mikeysline provides textline, face-to-face and multi-media support to those struggling with their mental health and/or suicidal thoughts throughout the Highlands, Islands and Moray.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Pictured: Supplied images of murals from Thurso and Wick

 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 Alness, Nairn, Tain & District, 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