The first ever Breathing Space bench to be installed in Scotland has been moved to
a new location. The bench, which was unveiled on the promenade in Troon, South
Ayrshire, in 2018, has now been moved to the recently refurbished Italian Gardens in
Troon.
The new location provides the perfect spot to take a moment to sit, reflect and have
meaningful conversations about mental health and wellbeing. There are now over 60
Breathing Space benches in Scotland, creating welcoming spaces to encourage
people to share a bit of time for listening and talking, or by reaching out and showing
kindness and compassion. Troon’s bench has been relocated just in time for World
Kindness Day on Wednesday 13 November.
The benches also promote NHS 24’s Breathing Space service, which is a free and
confidential phone and web chat service for anyone aged 16 or over in Scotland
experiencing anxiety, depression, or low mood.
Margo Taylor, NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s South Ayrshire Suicide Prevention Lead, explains:
“We all get overwhelmed sometimes and take a bit of time to sit
down and gather your thoughts or chat over your worries with someone who can make a
huge difference. The Breathing Space bench in Troon is now in the ideal position for
people to reflect and support each other during challenging moments and times of
stress.”
Lisa-Jane Dock, Breathing Space’s National Development Officer said: “Troon is a
landmark site for our Breathing Space service due to it being chosen as the first ever
location for our ‘Take some Breathing Space’ bench initiative. Since that day in 2018, we have had the opportunity to install over 60 more benches in locations all over
Scotland, helping us to promote the importance of being open about mental health.
“If you ever feel like you need support, remember ‘you matter and we care’. The
Breathing Space service is available to listen to your concerns and provide space
you need to help you find a more positive future.”
Tim Eltringham, Director of South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership, added:
“Breathing Space provides a vital service for the people of Scotland, we were
delighted to have the opportunity to show our support by introducing the first
Breathing Space bench back in 2018. It is important that we keep the conversation
going for mental health and wellbeing. South Ayrshire will be introducing its new
Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy very soon which looks to build on our ambition
to work with our communities to ensure people receive the right support, at the right
time and in the right place.”
Breathing Space is delivered by NHS 24, and is available in the evenings (6pm to
2am weekdays) and 24 hours at the weekend (Friday 6pm to Monday 6am) on 0800
83 85 87. The web chat service can be accessed from breathingspace.scot .