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.

A talented young artist from Winchburgh Primary School has won this year’s NHS 24 Christmas Card Competition. P5 pupil Paulina’s festive design, which beautifully captures the theme “I’m dreaming of a Scottish Christmas”, will feature as NHS 24’s official Christmas card for 2025. 

The competition invited pupils to create artwork showcasing an NHS worker in a cherished Scottish setting during the festive season. Paulina’s imaginative design stood out amongst the entries for its creativity and attention to detail. 

To celebrate her achievement, NHS 24 Engagement Manager Mark Conway and Anne MacDougall, Chair of NHS 24’s Public Partnership Forum, visited the school to present Paulina with her prize and congratulate her in person. Speaking at the event, Mark said: 

“The creativity and quality of this year’s entries were outstanding. Paulina’s design perfectly captured the spirit of the competition, and we’re thrilled to showcase her work as our official Christmas card. A huge thank you to all the pupils and schools who took part.” 

Anne added: 

“It’s wonderful to see such enthusiasm and talent from young people. Competitions like this help us connect with communities and spread festive cheer.” 

Runners-up in the competition will also receive prizes for their fantastic contributions. 

The annual Christmas card competition is part of NHS 24’s commitment to engaging with local communities and is a great opportunity to encourage creativity among young people. Paulina’s winning design will be shared widely across NHS 24’s digital channels and with partners throughout Scotland. 

NHS 24 mental health services are here for everyone across Scotland. Whether you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or in crisis, help is available at any time.

NHS 24 has launched its annual winter campaign with a powerful real-life story at its centre.  

Daisy Gilroy a 23-year-old teacher from Finnieston, Glasgow recounts how she survived a sudden life-threatening condition thanks to NHS 24. 

After collapsing in the street, Daisy used NHS 24’s digital symptom checkers to find out what she should do. Advised to contact 111, her call was answered by NHS 24 call handler Shirley Lannan, who, together with a senior charge nurse, directed Daisy to urgent care – ultimately saving her life. 

Daisy and Shirley met for the first time at NHS 24’s campaign launch, sharing their story to highlight how helpful digital services, like NHS 24’s symptom checkers, can be. 

Daisy describes what happened: 

“After my funny episode, I felt a bit silly about coming forward to get more advice because I didn’t feel that badly. I used the symptom checkers to put my mind at rest and was told to call 111. The NHS 24 staff on the phone were really reassuring and made me feel like I wasn’t burdening anyone.”    

Daisy was advised by NHS 24 to attend A&E and was ultimately diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism in each lung. She was told by medics that she wouldn’t have survived if she hadn’t decided to seek advice when she did.   

Dr Ron Cook is NHS 24’s Medical Director. He said:  

“Digital services like the symptom checkers found on NHS inform and the NHS 24 Online app use the same clinical advice as our 111 service.  Daisy’s story shows just how vital accessible digital services are in helping people find the right care and demonstrates that using trusted NHS resources is essential when seeking health information. 

“Our ‘Powered by People’ campaign highlights how every NHS 24 service is backed by real NHS experts. Whether you use our digital tools or call 111, experienced professionals are there to support you. This campaign celebrates the crucial role of our staff, ensuring that behind every digital solution is a caring team dedicated to your wellbeing.” 

NHS 24’s advice for being health prepared this winter: 

• If you become unwell, the symptom checkers on NHS inform can help you decide what to do next.  

• Check your repeat prescription. Order only what you need, in plenty of time.  

• Keep some medicines to treat common illnesses at home.   

• Be aware that your GP and local pharmacy will have amended opening hours over the festive holidays. 

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: 

 “NHS 24’s digital services, such as NHS inform or the NHS 24 Online App, are an excellent first port of call when you’re feeling unwell and are uncertain about the next steps to take. 

 “Many people can find the advice they need using these digital platforms, allowing them to safely manage common winter illnesses at home. This approach helps ensure everyone is accessing the right care in the right place and that urgent and emergency care services remain available for those, like Daisy, who need immediate advice and support in a critical situation. 

 “A key part of our winter response is prevention and our national flu vaccination programme is well underway. Vaccination is one of the best ways to protect our own health and those around us – with flu cases rising and initial evidence suggesting this may be an early and potentially difficult flu season, I urge all those who are eligible to get vaccinated. 

  “We have significantly increased Scottish Ambulance Service staffing and we are investing in capacity in our NHS 24 call centres so that people are getting the right support quickly and when they need it.” 

For more advice on staying healthy this winter, including symptom checkers and health and care tips, visit the NHS 24 winter campaign page.

NHS 24 has been named as one of Scotland’s leading inclusive employers by SUSE (Scottish Union of Supported Employment) in their recently launched Apt 30 initiative  

Forming part of SUSE’s 30th anniversary events, Apt 30 celebrates organisations that are raising standards in inclusive employment. This recognition reflects NHS 24’s ongoing commitment to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported to thrive.  

NHS 24 has formally agreed to SUSE’s Five Key Principles: 

1. Strive towards recruitment practices that are inclusive and accessible. 
2. Give disabled employees the in-work support they need to succeed and thrive. 
3. Ensure disabled employees have access to the same career development opportunities as their non-disabled peers. 
4. Support SUSE’s vision that all disabled people should have access to quality assured Supported Employment. 
5. Engage with the Supported Employment Works campaign and our local service providers.  

Speaking about the recognition, Jacqui Hepburn, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Workforce, said: 

“Being recognised by SUSE as an Apt 30 employer is a proud moment for NHS 24. It validates the work we’ve been doing to ensure our recruitment, support, and development practices are inclusive and accessible. We’re committed to continuing this journey and making NHS 24 a place where everyone can thrive.” 

David Cameron, SUSE’s CEO said: 

“NHS 24’s recognition in Apt 30 highlights their dedication to building a workplace where inclusion is more than a policy – it’s a practice. Their alignment with SUSE’s Five Key Principles demonstrates a clear commitment to ensuring disabled people are supported, respected and given equal opportunities to succeed.”  

A growing portfolio of inclusive accreditations 

NHS 24’s recognition in Apt 30 builds on a strong foundation of inclusive employer accreditations: 

• Living Wage Scotland: NHS 24 is an accredited Living Wage employer, ensuring all staff receive a wage based on the cost of living. This commitment supports financial stability and wellbeing for employees and their families.  

• Disability Confident Leader: As a participant in the UK Government’s Disability Confident Scheme, NHS 24 guarantees interviews for disabled applicants who meet essential criteria and actively promotes disability inclusion across recruitment and workplace practices.  

• Carer Positive Employer: At the Engaged Level, NHS 24 supports staff with caring responsibilities by raising awareness, offering flexible policies, and signposting to resources like Care Information Scotland.  

• SCQF Inclusive Recruiter: NHS 24 values all qualifications equally, focusing on SCQF levels rather than specific credentials in job descriptions. This approach widens the applicant pool and promotes fairer recruitment.  

These accreditations reflect NHS 24’s strategic commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, aligning with national priorities and the organisation’s Workforce Strategy 2022–2026.  

• Learn more about NHS 24’s inclusive employer journey.