The Founding Story of Mikeysline
Mikeysline was founded in 2015 following the tragic deaths of good friends, Martin Shaw (top, centre) and Michael (Mikey) Williamson (bottom, centre) within 48 hours of each other.
This heart-breaking loss of life only added to the growing number of suicides throughout the Highlands.
Speaking to Martin and Michael’s peers at their wake Mikey’s uncle, Ron Williamson, realised that young people felt they had nowhere to go when struggling with their mental health.
Determined to make a difference Ron, along with other key individuals, founded Mikeysline so others could access the kind of help and support that Mikey had needed.
Striking an immediate chord with many, support for the grassroots charity quickly gathered momentum, a candlelit parade attended by hundreds of people in Inverness indicated a clear desire for accessible support locally to help prevent further tragic loss.
At Mikeysline our suicide prevention and mental health awareness work is at the core of what we do to break down the stigma associated with seeking support for emotional distress.
It’s ok not to be ok.
No one should suffer in silence.
Mikeysline’s Greatest Champion: Ron Williamson
In December 2015 after the devastating loss of friends Martin Shaw and Michael ‘Mikey’ Williamson to suicide, Ron Williamson – Mikey’s uncle – made a change. A change that would alter the entire framework, conversation and support available to those struggling with mental health in the north of Scotland.
By setting up the very first text support line in the UK from just one mobile phone, that was passed around volunteers in Inverness, Mikeysline became a lifeline for those experiencing thoughts of depression, anxiety, stress and suicide.
In those first few years as Mikeysline grew and transformed into the organisation it is today, Ron’s dedication and focus never faltered, even when it meant making the long 600-mile drive from his home in Southampton to Inverness, before handing over the reins on his 70th birthday. Sadly, in December 2023 following a long illness, Ron Williamson passed away.
Ron was immensely proud of Mikeysline and the support of its staff, volunteers and the entire local community.
He was our greatest champion and loudest ambassador, although we miss our friend, we are comforted by the knowledge that his legacy lives on and together we’ll continue to share the message that it’s ok not to be ok.
