Highland mental health charity Mikeysline on the move in Inverness city centre
A Highland mental health charity has relocated to a new base in Inverness city centre as its work continues to expand.
Mikeysline, which set up its Hive drop-in centre in Academy Street seven years ago, has moved the short distance to 4 Strothers Lane where it will continue to provide services in premises more suitable to its needs.
The suicide prevention charity, which was founded in 2015 following the tragic deaths of good friends, Martin Shaw and Michael Williamson within 48 hours of each other, was first text support line in the UK and used just one mobile phone which was passed around volunteers in Inverness,
As well as providing a lifeline for those experiencing thoughts of depression, anxiety, stress and suicide, its work has expanded to include awareness-raising campaigns such as Bee the Change, which aims to break down the stigma surrounding mental health, plus introduction of mobile Hives in other areas in the Highlands.
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Local businesses and volunteers helped the grassroots charity make the move to its new premises by providing labour as well as materials such as carpet tiles, shelving and paint.
It has also included the relocation of a mural from the previous centre plus the creation of a new one.
Mikeysline chief executive Emily Stokes said the new base will provide a welcoming environment.
“We are absolutely delighted after seven years at our original Hive in Academy Street to be able to move to a new Hive and office base more suitable to our current needs, whilst also ensuring improved visibility, which ties in with our Bee the Change campaign and challenging stigma,” she said.
“Our fundamental aim has been to create a calm, relaxing and welcoming environment within our new Hive for the wellbeing of our service users, volunteers and staff as well as other visitors to our Hive.
“Our aim at Mikeysline is never to forget where we came from, our story and our grass roots are still as relevant today as they were back in 2015 and always will be as they continually remind us why we are here, what our focus needs to be and why we need to keep on finding new and additional ways to reach and support people.”
In line with this, they had brought a bit of the old Hive with them in the form of the charity’s well known mural while also ensuring a new mural to brighten up the environment.
“Our move to our new Hive has only been possible due to the tremendous ongoing support that we receive from our Highland community, which we are so grateful for and for all the generosity from a huge range of businesses who helped us to get the new building up and running this week,” Ms Stokes said.
She urged people to remember that it was okay not to be okay.
“Mikeysline is here for everyone, no matter what the issue, no matter how big or small,” she said.
“Please reach out if you need any support.”
Mikeysline can be contacted by texting 07786207755. Further information can also be found at Mikeysline.
