“Something in my Eye” is my new single and is all about mental health and the overwhelming feelings we sometimes experience. I’m really happy to be donating a share of the proceeds from the record to Mikeysline to support as many people as possible,” says Callum Beattie, Mikeysline Ambassador, Scottish singer and songwriter.
“The video for the new song features two wonderful actors, Sam Heughan and Richard Rankin, who I am now honoured to call my friends. Their participation is a true testament to the power of human connection.
“I feel very fortunate to have a career that allows me to use the power of music to enhance our human connections. My sincere hope is that this song will help even a tiny number of people to open up and talk.
Callum continues, “I’ve always strived to be open about my mental health and my vulnerabilities, even when it’s incredibly difficult to talk about these things. I believe that being able to express how we feel is challenging but immensely important. I always try to wear my heart on my sleeve and help as many people as I possibly can.
“Men are expected to be strong all the time, which means we bottle up our feelings. This creates a paradox for me because my emotions are a huge source of my songwriting creativity, yet these same feelings can be so overwhelming that I struggle to cope with the pressures of everyday life. I know I’m not alone in feeling this way.
“What keeps me going is my ability to talk to those around me about those feelings. When I was asked to be an ambassador for the mental health charity Mikeysline, I was absolutely delighted to accept. It means I can use my songs to help make a difference to people who have similar experiences and raise awareness that “it’s okay not to be okay.”
“When we realise that it’s good to be open and talk about our emotions, we can be brave and turn our vulnerability into a superpower. I want to help as many people as I can to achieve this.
“Feeling bad or vulnerable is not a weakness. I know that these feelings are not permanent and can change. This experience can make you stronger.
“Love, compassion, and openness are the keys to my journey, and my hope is that I can help others on their journeys too,” with heart, Callum Beattie.
Emily Stokes, CEO of Mikeysline, commented: “The video for ‘Something in my Eye’ is absolutely fantastic and we, as an organisation, couldn’t be more grateful to Callum, Dave, and all the band for what they have done with this, as well as Sam and Richard for giving their time and getting involved to make this video which is so fitting for the wonderful song.
“I was truly moved by the video and the message it shares, Callum and Dave’s support for our ‘Bee the Change’ campaign – which is aimed at changing the dialogue about mental health and breaking down the stigma is so important to us and to Mikeysline’s work as a whole.
“From a small grassroots charity in the Highlands to the organisation we are today – with volunteers, ambassadors and partners from across the region and beyond – it feels almost surreal knowing that people from all over the world will be listening to and watching this video and hopefully hearing the key message that ‘its ok not to be ok and the importance of reaching out for support when needed.
“That means so much to all of us at Mikeysline.”
Since 2015, Mikeysline has offered confidential, non-judgemental support to people of all ages dealing with mental health issues, emotional distress or thoughts of suicide in the Highlands, Islands and Moray.
It does this via a text line service at 07786 207755; WhatsApp at 01463 729000, messenger and via its website and live chat.
The charity also produces a popular podcast, Speaking of Suicide; provides support for businesses; works closely with teachers and pupils in schools across the north of Scotland; and offers face-to-face support in Hives across the region – at its Inverness headquarters, and in Alness, Nairn, Tain, Balintore, Portmahomack, Thurso and shortly also in Elgin.
Here, service users can engage in one-to-one support, or at some venues join in group sessions for adults, men, families and young people.
For more information, visit www.mikeysline.co.uk – or find Mikeysline on Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok
“It’s Okay Not To Be Okay” – presale and video available from 6 September 2024
Release Date – 27 September 2024
Sam Heughan and Richard Rankin, in the midst of filming for Outlander, very generously gave up their time completely free of charge to support the charity and the single.