Commitment of mental health advocates helps deliver 100 Breathing Space benches across Scotland

NHS 24’s Breathing Space service has marked a major milestone with the unveiling of its 100th Breathing Space bench, installed in collaboration with Network Rail and Scotland’s Railway at Stirling train station. 

This achievement reflects the strength of the partnerships that have driven the initiative from a single bench being installed in Troon in 2018, to a nationwide movement promoting reflection, connection, and accessible mental health support. 

Across Scotland, the Breathing Space bench initiative has been shaped and strengthened by multisector collaboration. Network Rail and Scotland’s Railway have been key long-term partners, ensuring benches are placed in transport hubs throughout the country. Charities, local authorities, private companies, and community groups have also played vital roles – identifying meaningful locations and helping to install the benches into local landscapes. 

Together, these partnerships have enabled benches to be unveiled in locations such as parks, university and college campuses, housing estates, community gardens, and transport hubs all over Scotland, sending a shared message: mental wellbeing matters for everyone.

The new Stirling Station bench is also the first to feature a dedicated QR code, allowing anyone who scans it to be directly signposted to the full range of NHS 24 mental health services, an important step in ensuring people can find help quickly, discreetly, and easily wherever they are. 

Tony McLaren is the National Coordinator for Breathing Space and has overseen the bench initiative since its inception. He said: 

“Reaching 100 Breathing Space benches is an incredible achievement and a testament to the dedication, compassion, and collaboration shown by communities right across Scotland. 

“This initiative has brought together hundreds of individuals, from a variety of groups and organisations, who all share a commitment to promoting kindness, connection, and mental wellbeing. 

“I want to thank every single person who has contributed to the success of this project over the last eight years. Each bench represents more than just a place to sit; it represents hope, community spirit, and a reminder that support is always available.” 

Mental Wellbeing Minister Tom Arthur said: 

“I am delighted to congratulate NHS 24’s Breathing Space service on the installation of its 100th Breathing Space bench. What started with a single bench has grown into a national success story, made possible through strong partnerships across Scotland, offering people a moment of reflection and a clear route to support.  

“The new bench at Stirling Station, with its QR code linking directly to NHS 24 mental health services, is a welcome step in making help easy to find, wherever people need wellbeing and mental health support.” 

Innis Keith, health, safety and environment director at Network Rail Scotland, said: 

“The Breathing Space bench initiative helps bring information about mental health support into everyday places like railway stations. The benches act as a visible signpost to NHS 24’s Breathing Space service and Samaritans, making support easier to come across as part of day‑to‑day journeys. We hope it continues to make a difference in communities across Scotland.” 

Matt Hosgood, Regional Development Lead for Scotland at Samaritans, said: 

“It’s important that people have the chance to take a moment to sit, reflect, have a chat, or just have a minute to take a breath. 

“Samaritans Scotland is proud to play a part in the Breathing Space Bench initiative in Stirling, allowing people that space amidst what can be an overwhelming and busy world. 

“Through the Breathing Space Benches, we’re reminding people to be aware of their own mental health and guiding them on how to reach out for support if they feel they need it.” 

• Find out more about NHS 24’s Breathing Space service.