The first ever Breathing Space bench to be installed in Scotland has been moved to a new location in Troon.
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, November 13.
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, said: “We all get overwhelmed sometimes and taking a bit of time to sit down and gather your thoughts or chat over your worries with someone 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 the 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 from 6pm to 2am weekdays and 24 hours at the weekend from Friday at 6pm to Monday at 6am on 0800 83 85 87.
The web chat service can be accessed from here.
Support is also available 24/7 through:
Childline – call 0800 1111 or visit here.
Samaritans – call 116 123 or visit here.
Papyrus Prevention of Young Suicide Hopeline on 0800 068 4141 or here.
NHS 24’s Mental Health Hub – call 111 and follow the telephone prompts.
Anyone may call. There is no upper or lower age limit.
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