Mikeysline’s Inverness mental health support centre to reopen from Tuesday with the further easing of coronavirus lockdown restrictions
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A Highland mental health charity is to reopen its Inverness drop-in centre following the latest guidance from the Scottish Government.
Mikeysline will reopen The Hive, in Academy Street from Tuesday following temporary closure due to Covid-19.
The Hive is the Highlands’ first out-of-hours mental health support centre, which provides free and impartial support for all those who need it.
Emily Stokes, service manager at Mikeysline, said: “The last 12 months have been difficult for so many people, highlighting the need for easily accessible mental health services.
"We’re delighted to be able to reopen The Hive this month, to provide face-to-face support, listening and guidance to those who need it in our community.
“There are a great many reasons why people may be feeling anxious or depressed, and it’s important to remember that it’s okay not to be okay.
"In the same way that we need to look after our physical fitness, our mental health also takes work – and we are proud to be here to provide the help and support people need to address any issues they may be facing.
“With The Hive reopening, we’re looking forward to the full rollout of our new young person’s service on a one-to-one basis in the afternoons. We’re also looking forward to meeting in person some of the people who have benefitted from the callback service that we operated throughout lockdown.”
She said they were incredibly grateful for the support they had received from individuals, groups and businesses over what have been a very challenging few months and added: "Their fundraising, promotion and participation in our recent fundraiser – Miles for Mikeysline – has been amazing.
“We’re coming out of lockdown in a very strong position, giving us the ability to plan ahead and to look at developing additional support services outwith Inverness.
"Coupled with our involvement in co-ordinating the Highland arm of the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival alongside the Clay Studio and Mental Health Awareness Week in May, we have a busy – and rewarding – few months ahead.”
The Hive is open seven days a week and the charity offers drop-in sessions from 7.45pm to 9.45pm, Sunday to Thursday – and until 10.45pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Appointments are also available from 6.15pm to 7.30pm every day and can be booked by emailing enquiries@mikeysline.co.uk or phoning The Hive on (01463) 729 000.
Visits to The Hive will follow all current Covid-19 guidelines to ensure staff, volunteers and the public remain safe at all times. Masks are required to be worn – unless medically exempt – and social distancing measures will be in place throughout the building.
Although unable to provide its full range of face-to-face services during lockdown, Mikeysline offered a nightly callback service allowing people the chance to talk to someone about anything troubling them. The charity has also supported Highlanders with access to crucial appointments and organised one-to-one walks during the winter months.
Since 2015, Mikeysline has offered confidential, non-judgemental support for those with mental health issues or in emotional distress in the Highlands from its Inverness headquarters, The Hive. Alongside face-to-face support, Mikeysline also offers live chat, Twitter and Messenger support – as well as a text line service at 07786 207755. The charity also now provides an additional support service for young people.
For more information either visit here or find Mikeysline on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
