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Writer's pictureAyrshire Daily News

New location for Scotland’s first-ever ‘Take some Breathing Space’ bench in Troon

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 .

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