Mikeysline photo competition focuses on mental health benefits of nature

A NORTH-BASED mental health charity is to launch an amateur nature photography competition to encourage people to spend time outdoors this spring.

Mikeysline will launch its competition on Monday, May 10, to coincide with the start of Mental Health Awareness Week.

All proceeds from the competition, which features a grand prize of original artwork by Highland artist Reina Edmiston, will support Mikeysline in the delivery of peer-to-peer support and crisis prevention to those in need across the Highlands and Moray.

To enter, participants will be asked to make a donation of £5 per submission on the Mikeysline competition JustGiving page. Participants can then submit photos either by using the hashtag #MikeyslinePhotoComp when sharing their picture on Instagram and Twitter, or by including their picture in a comment on the Mikeysline Facebook page.

Clare Gordon, a support worker at Mikeysline, said: "This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is all about the benefits of connecting with nature.

"Exploring the outdoors can help us all to relax and reflect, which is why Mikeysline is inviting everyone to head outside with friends and family and capture its beauty on camera.

"Whether you’re taking photos in a forest, at the park, or in your garden, it’s our hope that you’ll feel the positive impact of being surrounded by nature."

The competition, which is open to all non-professional photographers, will run for two weeks before closing on Monday, May 24. Staff will then select one winner to receive the prize – Reina's painting "Tidelines".

The artist is a supporter of Mikeysline and its Mental Health Awareness Week message. Reina said: "Getting outside to sketch and paint in nature helps me mentally recharge.

"Even 20 minutes spent outdoors can make all the difference to mental wellbeing."

Since 2015, Mikeysline has offered confidential, non-judgemental support for those with mental health issues or in emotional distress from its Inverness headquarters, The Hive. Alongside face-to-face support, Mikeysline also offers live chat, Twitter and Messenger support, as well as a text line service at 07786 207755.

The charity also now provides an additional support service for young people.

For more information, visit www.mikeysline.co.uk.

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