Inverness crisis line service looks to the future
A volunteer-run crisis hotline set up in memory of two Inverness friends who took their own lives has revealed future ambitions to expand its hours of service.
Mikeysline provides a weekend text-for-support helpline between 7pm and 7am for young people who have been bullied, are self-harming, have personal issues, or are depressed. But the charity hopes ultimately to roll out the service to cover seven nights a week as more volunteers become trained and it is also pursuing plans to create a drop-in "safe house".
The charity revealed its vision as it received official recognition from Prime Minister David Cameron.
Mikeysline co-founder Ron Williamson and volunteer Charlotte Macleod were named by Mr Cameron as the latest recipients of the Point of Light awards which recognise outstanding individual volunteers.
"Offering a text-for-help service is an innovative way to reach out to people who feel more comfortable with a message service than traditional phone helplines," Mr Cameron said.
"Through Mikeysline, Ron and Charlotte have shown tremendous dedication and have already helped dozens of young people, offering them understanding and peer support in their darkest hours.
"I am pleased to be able to recognise them both as UK Points of Light."
The pair were delighted by the award but insisted the real credit should go to all who had wholeheartedly supported the project.
It was set up after Mr Williamson’s nephew, Michael "Mikey" Williamson, was found dead in his home in Hilton October. Days earlier, his close friend, Martin Shaw, a construction worker, had been found dead at his home in South Kessock.
Both men were 23 years old and had struggled with their mental health, and are feared to have taken their own lives.
Mr Williamson (67), a retired businessman, regularly travels to Inverness from his home in Southampton to work on the project.
"While it is great to have this recognition, it really isn’t about me – it is about Mikeysline and getting the message out," said Mr Williamson who also paid tribute to co-founder Jamie-Lyn McBride who is no longer involved in the charity.
There are currently about 10 volunteers who are available to receive texts from those seeking help.
"We take texts every night of every weekend," Mr Williamson said.
"Clearly, there is a need there. In one way it has amazed me the way it has caught people’s imagination but in another respect it has saddened me."
Mrs Macleod, a community early years practitioner at the Merkinch family centre, became a volunteer for Mikeysline after talking to one of her three daughters who was friends with Mr Williamson and Mr Shaw.
"I suffered depression and anxiety on and off for 20 years," said the 49-year-old, of Raigmore. "I know the stigma attached to it and what it’s like not wanting to tell people, family members, or people at work, how you are feeling. If that is me at my age, imagine what it is like for young men. It is so difficult for them."
She soon found herself getting more involved and now runs the day-to-day management of volunteers and promotion of Mikeysline.
She described herself as feeling "quite bashful" about the Point of Light of Award.
"I am just a small part in a big picture," she said. "The volunteers are fantastic – it would not be happening if it wasn’t for the volunteers out there."
Drew Hendry, SNP MP for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey, was delighted the pair had been recognised.
"That they have created such a positive project from their own personal loss is quite remarkable and it is great to see their commitment and dedication being recognised in this way," he said.
