Mikeysline can expand its reach across the north of Scotland thanks to a new set of wheels donated by a local car dealership.
The brand-new Kia Rio will allow Mikeysline greater access to the Highland and Moray communities it works with.
The charity provides support and advice to those living with mental health issues and emotional distress, as well as reducing the stigma around mental health and suicide prevention.
The car has been supplied by Dicksons of Inverness.
Emily Stokes, CEO of Mikeysline, said:
“Since Mikeysline was founded in 2015, our reach has grown from Inverness to encompass the whole of the Highlands and Moray.
“We now operate three Hives across the north of Scotland, providing face-to-face mental health support to those who need it most, as well as working in rural schools to support young people who are struggling.
“Over the last year we have covered a lot of miles as we have grown, and having a dedicated car within the charity will go a long way to helping us expand even further.
“Now, more than ever, it’s important for people to know that it’s ok not to be ok, and that help is available for those who need it.
“As well as cutting costs associated with using staff’s personal vehicles, our new car is fully branded which will increase our visibility as we travel around the area.
“We’d like to thank the team at Dicksons of Inverness for their kind support, which will enable us to keep helping those in need in the Highlands and Moray.”
Dicksons of Inverness has supported Mikeysline since the charity’s inception, with sales director Jim Mackenzie being one of the first to man the text line that provides vital support to those living with mental health issues, emotional distress or suicidal thoughts.
Since then, the business has continued to support the charity wherever possible.
Fraser Bryce, managing director of Dicksons of Inverness, said:
“When we heard that Mikeysline required a vehicle to add to the response and support they give the Highland and Moray communities, we were in the fortunate position to be able to offer the exclusive use of a new Kia.
“The support Mikeysline offers is vital to the community, and hopefully having the car will go some way to allowing the team to offer even more support to those who need it.
On behalf of all staff, customers and friends of Dicksons, we would like to thank the team at Mikeysline for the great work they do.”
Since 2015, Mikeysline has offered confidential, non-judgemental support to people of all ages with mental health issues or in emotional distress in the Highlands and Moray via a text line service at 07786 207755, as well as via live chat, Twitter, Messenger and WhatsApp.
The charity also offers face-to-face support from three Hives across the area – at its Inverness headquarters; at Tesco in Tain; and at Am Bothan Community Café by Skiach, Evanton.
