Check out the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival link below for details on upcoming screenings, exhibitions and evaluation.

The Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival continues online throughout the summer, with weekly film screenings and conversations, livestreamed theatre, artist commissions, and a new exhibition. We have also launched our audience evaluation and need your help to better understand the impact that our on... ... See more

Myth: Most suicides happen in the winter months.

Fact: Suicide is complex, and it's not just related to the seasons and the climate being hotter or colder, and having more or less light. In general, suicide is more common in the spring, and there's a noticeable peak in risk on New Year's Day.

[Source: Samaritans website]

As we keep hearing, we are living in 'unprecedented times'. Many people have been socially isolated for months, many have concerns over their livelihood and income.

We need, more than ever, to look out for each other.

If you are struggling with difficult feelings please seek support. If you know someone who is struggling with difficult feelings please check in with them.

And you can text us at Mikeysline on 07779 303 303.
Or request a call back service at Mikeysline: You Are Not Alone
We are open every evening and offer non judgemental peer support. ... See more

Fashion Week Online is working with Mikeysline to raise awareness of mental health in advance of World Suicide Prevention Day and they are looking for non professional #student #fashion #designers to enter their competition. ... See more

In advance of World Suicide Prevention Day 2020 (which takes place on September 10, 2020), Fashion Week Online is working with Mikeysline and Flying Solo in NYC to raise awareness about the topic of chronic loneliness, depression, and the importance of getting help. Fashion Week Online is running a Fashion Design Competition - so if there are any budding fashion designers out there - click on the images below and check it out. There is also a Fashion Week Online Just Giving page if anyone is able to donate - all donations go directly to Mikeysline. ... See more

Our heartfelt thanks goes out to teclan Ltd and to the other teams taking part Dicksons of Inverness Brook Street Royal Bank of Scotland Business Inverness Chamber of Commerce Changeworks Handelsbanken Cru HQ and 3 Steps in their Million Steps Challenge in July in order to raise awareness of mental health while supporting Mikeysline. ... See more

The team at teclan have been counting our steps as we aim to walk a Million Steps for Mikey's during the month of July. We care about our mental health and the mental health of others which is why we've stepped up to create this fundraising challenge for Mikeysline & The Hive Project.

Thank you to the other teams taking part: Dicksons of Inverness, Brook Street, Royal Bank of Scotland Business, Inverness Chamber of Commerce, Changeworks, Handelsbanken, Cru HQ and 3 Steps. There has been a great effort so far!

Check out more about our challenge and keep up to date with the number of steps each team manages to complete each day: http://ow.ly/LiZT50Aqzga

If you'd like to support us during our challenge and donate to Mikeysline, please follow this link: http://ow.ly/BQqP50Aqzg9 ... See more

This is a chance for you to meet others living with mental illness in Highland to talk about issues affecting us

REMOVING THE STIGMA AROUND SUICIDE

Changing the way that mental health and particularly suicide is discussed will help to remove the stigma and stop people having to cope with the issue alone.

The many myths associated with suicide contribute to the perseverance of stigma.

Notions that people who kill themselves are “cowards” and “selfish” still exist in our society, although thankful less so. Some still view those who attempt suicide as “attention seekers” who are not to be taken seriously.

These notions are damaging and keep people who are suffering silent. It's a well know fact that men are the most at risk of death by suicide.

Each of us needs have the courage to change this conversation.

The majority of people who feel suicidal do not actually want to die; they do not want to live the life they have. The distinction may seem small but is very important. It's why talking through other options at the right time is so vital.

Let's all look out for those around us. Let's ask the people we are worried about if they are okay.

If you are struggling - talk to others. Seek help from your GP or another health professional.

And text us at Mikeysline on 07779 303 303.

Or request a call back service at Mikeysline: You Are Not Alone

We are open every evening and offer non judgemental peer support. ... See more

The advice ‘WAIT’ is one good way to remember how you can support another person who may be suicidal.

It stands for:

Watch out for signs of distress and uncharacteristic behaviour.

e.g. social withdrawal, excessive quietness, irritability, uncharacteristic outburst, talking about death or suicide
Ask “are you having suicidal thoughts?”

Asking about suicide does not encourage it, nor does it lead a person to start thinking about it; in fact it may help prevent it, and can start a potentially life-saving conversation.

It will pass – assure your loved one that, with help, their suicidal feelings will pass with time.

Talk to others – encourage your loved one to seek help from a GP or health professional.

And we are here at Mikeysline.

We have a free textline 07779 303 303 and a call back service Mikeysline: You Are Not Alone

We are open every evening and offer non judgemental peer support.

(From https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/). ... See more

THEY DID IT! Highland Rugby Club reached 3,093 miles. The team at Mikeysline sends warmest thanks to Highland Rugby Club.🐝❤️🙏

“WE DID IT!! 3093 Miles ☑️ Please keep donating to @Mikeysline1 https://t.co/npO9kdh4o8”

Hope everyone is well.
We're working hard in the background to ensure that when it's possible to open The Hive drop in centre again, we can do so in an environment that's as safe for everyone as possible, and within the government guidelines.

We don't have an opening date as of yet, but in the meantime, among other things, we are continuing to offer our text service every evening of the year - 07779 303 303.

We also have a public project Mikeysline: You Are Not Alone which operates a callback service for those in need of support. Head over to the page to see how we can support you.

On the topic of making preparations, thank you very much to Sara Sews for the wonderful bespoke face-masks for the team. They're wonderful and they shape to your nose! We've got the bees design, as homage to Mikey, but there's plenty other designs if you'd like to have a peek at the page.

We are also being kindly supported by Katriona Beaton who is asking for donations for her face masks via her just giving page.
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/katriona-facecoverings

#shoplocal #youarenotalone #inthistogether #mikeysline ... See more

“It’s your road, and yours alone. Others may walk it with you, but no one can walk it for you.” (Rumi)

This is the final update on behalf an anonymous Mikeysline service user.

They have virtually walked from Inverness to Ullapool and back to raise funds to supporting Mikeysline and Clarity Walk.

Despite their own struggles this last while, they have completed the challenge. The walking and the support provided by everyone really helped them during a tough time.

Yesterday, 1st July, they finally made it to the end of the return journey, covering a total of 116 miles.

Thank you to everyone for their support throughout this challenge and a huge thanks also from Mikeysline.

**If you'd like to give them a boost you can show your support through this link below. No donation is too small or nor goes unnoticed. ***

Showing further determination this person is now going to take part in the Teclan Challenge of being part of a team taking One Million Steps for Mikey’s in the month of July.

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/walkandsupport?fbclid=IwAR2eJHJPQj6r78IANrjKdEY56PAc-yurX-VkTgY3eVHRllwRVM8P_HIat00 ... See more