Highland mental health charity Mikeysline launches new service for young people
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A new mental health support service has been launched for young people in the Highlands.
The charity Mikeysline has recruited five team members to help deliver the service which offers one-to-one appointments for those requiring a confidential, non-judgemental place to talk and be listened to.
It will offer face-to-face meetings in the charity’s headquarters, The Hive, in Inverness as well as over Google Meet, and via text, Messenger, Twitter and web chat.
Two new development officers, Natalie Sutherland and Yvette Kershaw, will oversee the ongoing development and expansion of the service.
Beth Simco and Chris Grant have joined the Mikeysline’s volunteer board while Joe Carson has joined the team as communications and social media assistant under the UK government’s kickstart scheme.
Ms Sutherland said: "Our sessions allow young people an outlet to express their thoughts, to share their difficulties and stresses, and talk through anything that may be causing distress or impacting their mental health,” she said.
"Normalising this open discussion of mental health at a young age will have great benefits later in life, letting young people know that it’s OK not to be OK and that support is always available."
The service offers 45-minute appointments face-to-face, or over Google Meet from 4pm-5.40pm Monday to Thursday and 2pm-5.30pm Friday to Saturday.
The charity is joining forces with the Highland Youth Parliament on its #mindus campaign which empowers young people to take action to improve mental health support at a critical time during pandemic recovery.
It has also partnered with Youth Highland and the Clay Studio on an arts project including a free, week-long creative arts course from July 12-17.
Applicants should contact yp@mikeysline.co.uk
Mikeysline offers a text line help service at 07786 207755.
More information can also be found on www.mikeysline.co.uk
Related story: Mikeysline set for expansion
