by Mikeysline Bee the Change Manager, Allana Stables
This month’s Street Scene in Inverness city centre offered a powerful reminder of why community‑led initiatives matter so deeply for young people’s wellbeing. As part of Operation Respect, this event brought together partner organisations, including Mikeysline, all united by our shared commitment to supporting our young people.
For Mikeysline, being involved in such an inspiring and innovative event is something we are truly proud of. Having our Hive on the Road on the High Street allowed us to connect with over 150 young people, with a little help from our friends at Highland Party Pals, with each conversation reinforcing the importance of creating safe, welcoming spaces where they feel valued and listened to. These moments of genuine human connection are often where stigma is challenged, resilience grows, and young people begin to feel more comfortable talking about their mental health.
What stood out most was the kindness and openness shown by the young people who stopped to chat. Their energy, honesty, and willingness to engage remind us why collaborative events like this are vital. When we come together as a community, we not only support young people but we also show them they matter.
Street Scene is a reminder to the wider business community that when we come together around young people’s mental health, the impact is powerful – working together across all sectors is essential to change.
It’s important to remember that Mikeysline provides text-based, callback and 1:1 peer support services, accessible to people of all ages and genders throughout the region – not just our young people – and you don’t have to be a crisis point to reach out to us. We’re here to listen, without judgement and in confidence, to whatever may be impacting your mental health. We believe early intervention can help people go through the different stages of life feeling able to talk openly with people they trust about their emotions, because it’s ok not to be ok.
For businesses across Highland, supporting our grassroots charity (which receives no statutory funding) is more than a gesture of goodwill – it’s an investment in a healthier, more connected future workforce. By championing the work of Mikeysline, local employers show their current staff and future employees that they are valued, heard, and surrounded by a network that genuinely wants to see them thrive.
Initiatives like Street Scene show that collective action can make a profound difference to the future, and Mikeysline is honoured to be part of that message.
Note: Mikeysline supports people of all ages and genders 365-days a year and are ready to listen whenever you need to talk.
Our support services:
Textline: 07786 207755
Webchat via www.mikeysline.co.uk
Whatsapp: 01463 729000
1:1 in-person/callback appointments available: https://oursupport.mikeysline.co.uk/appointments/
(Sun-Thu, 6pm-10pm Fri-Sat, 7pm-7am)