![\"Mikey](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/0_Screenshot-2026-02-13-at-173015.png\")
<\/p>\nMikey and Jason will be hosting the special event this November (Image: Supplied)<\/p>\n
Two Aberdeen<\/a> men looking to raise vital funds and awareness for suicide prevention and mental health<\/a> are set to host an inaugural black-tie charity event later this year after overcoming their own personal battles.<\/p>\n The event<\/a> has been founded by Mikey Banks and Jason Beattie, whose shared experiences of mental health struggles and personal loss inspired them to turn a conversation into meaningful action.<\/p>\n Conversations of holding the event first came about while the pair were climbing Ben Nevis in June last year during a fundraising challenge for Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH).<\/p>\n What began as an idea during that walk has since grown into a fully realised charity event, with a clear aim \u2013 to bring people together, raise funds, and encourage open conversations around mental health and suicide.<\/p>\n Mikey Banks said the motivation behind the event is deeply personal. “I lived with addiction for many years and on 5 March 2022, I made the decision to end my life,” he said.<\/p>\n “I was not angry or emotional \u2013 it was something I had thought about for a long time. I felt I had no one to talk to who truly understood.<\/p>\n “By the grace of God, the police found me and treated me with compassion and kindness. That moment changed everything.”<\/p>\n Mikey has since found recovery and has been free from alcohol and drugs since 2022.<\/p>\n Jason Beattie\u2019s motivation is shaped by the loss of his brother, Blaine, who died by suicide in December 2025, after experiencing his own mental health struggles.<\/p>\n “Blaine\u2019s death had a devastating impact on our family and on everyone who loved him,” Mikey said. “Jason and I became even closer during that time, and we both knew we had to do something that could help others.”<\/p>\n Together, Mikey and Jason raised over \u00a310,000 for SAMH through their Ben Nevis climb.<\/p>\n The Better Together Ball represents the next step in their fundraising efforts, with a focus not only on raising money, but on encouraging connection and conversation.<\/p>\n “This is about bringing people together in a positive, supportive environment,” Mikey added. “Yes, it is a night of food, dancing and fun \u2013 but it is also about reminding people that they are not alone, and that talking can save lives.”<\/p>\n The Better Together Ball, which will take place on Saturday, November 7 at Ardoe House Hotel, will bring together guests from across the north-east for an evening of elegance, entertainment and purpose.<\/p>\n The evening will run from 7pm until 12.30am and will include a three-course meal, live music, dancing, and a charity auction and raffle, with a range of prizes donated by local businesses and supporters.<\/p>\n Funds raised from the event will support mental health and suicide prevention initiatives, with further details on beneficiary organisations to be confirmed.<\/p>\n Members of the public, businesses and organisations across the north-east are encouraged to attend, support, and help make the inaugural Better Together Ball a success.<\/p>\n Tickets are priced at \u00a392.80 (including booking fee) and are available via Eventbrite here<\/a>.<\/p>\n