Take a breath on new mental wellbeing benches

Change Mental Health, through its continuing partnership with NHS 24 Breathing Space, officially opened one of the three benches at Craigtoun Country Park in St Andrews, and were joined by community members and partners, local council representatives, charities and student associations from the University of St Andrews.

The project was made possible through funding secured from the North East Fife Area Committee. The other two benches are now in place in Tayport and Newburgh.

Cllr Jonny Tepp, Councillor for Ward 17 Tay Bridgehead and Chair of the North East Fife Area Committee, said: “I am pleased that local funding has helped bring these Breathing Space benches to North East Fife.

“They offer a reminder that taking time for ourselves and looking after our mental wellbeing is something we all deserve.”

The benches support Change Mental Health's work in the area, which spans over 30 years and includes its Hearing Voices, Carer Support and Resilience services.

Susan Grant, Head of Central Services at Change Mental Health, added: “The communities of North East Fife have a strong sense of connection and looking out for one another. We know that many people can experience challenges with their mental health but often don't know where to turn for support.

“The new 'Take Some Breathing Space' benches in St Andrews, Tayport and Newburgh create welcoming places to stop, reflect and reconnect, while also signposting people to support.”

For Change Mental Health and NHS 24 Breathing Space, the project is one part of a wider effort to put mental health support somewhere people can see it and take action. The benches open up more local conversations about mental health and wellbeing, and ask nothing of the person sitting on it beyond a moment to stop and think.

Lisa-Jane Dock, National Development Officer at NHS 24 Breathing Space, said: “At NHS 24 Breathing Space, we know that making the first step to get support isn't always easy. That's why initiatives like this are so important. By making mental health support visible in local communities across North East Fife, we're helping to remind people that they don't have to cope alone and that support is available.

“We hope this bench will encourage conversations, offer reassurance and help more people know how to access the support that's right for them.”

More than 100 Take Some Breathing Space benches have now been installed across Scotland, helping make mental health support visible in the places communities use most.

Many have been erected across Fife, including areas such as Kirkcaldy and Dunfermline – which have been launched in partnership between Change Mental Health and NHS 24 Breathing Space.