OVER 1 MILLION calls have now been handled by Breathing Space, Scotland’s mental health phone service, since it began in 2002.
The milestone is being marked on this year’s National Breathing Space Day, the annual awareness date, which takes place on 1st February.
With over 9,000 calls to Breathing Space each month the service continues to grow and evolve with the introduction of a new pilot webchat service now offering online support.
Tony McLaren, Breathing Space National Coordinator, said: “Our Advisors work hard to ensure that every caller receives a caring and compassionate response. Sometimes, just being listened to can make all the difference to how someone is feeling.
“This last year has been particularly challenging, and anyone can find themselves in a position where they might need help with their mental health.
“Breathing Space Day encourages people in Scotland to take some time out for activities which improve mental wellbeing, such as enjoying nature, exercising or maintaining connections with others.”
The event also highlights the range of support available from the Breathing Space helpline and webchat service, which provides free, confidential, listening and advice for anyone who is experiencing low mood, anxiety or distress in their lives.
Mental Health Minister Clare Haughey said: “Looking after our mental health and wellbeing is just as important as looking after our physical health. That message is especially relevant at the moment, given the current restrictions in place to protect us from the COVID-19 virus.
“Breathing Space continue to do vital work to support people across Scotland who are feeling low, stressed or anxious. That’s why last Spring we provided an additional £500,000 to help expand their capacity to offer compassionate support to many more people.
“Today’s milestone of handling over one million calls is a remarkable achievement – I would urge anyone who is experiencing low mood, anxiety or distress in their lives to get in touch with the service through the helpline or by looking at the range of helpful advice on the Breathing Space website.
“I also echo Breathing Space’s call to encourage people to take time out to do something they enjoy, within the restrictions – such as keeping in contact with friends and family, and taking some daily physical activity where possible.”
Callers contact Breathing Space for a wide range of reasons, including relationship issues, stress, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. However, over the last year the service has seen an increase in issues such as bereavement, work and money worries, and loneliness.
Breathing Space’s trained advisors ensure that each call is treated with patience and respect, knowing that it can often be the first time that a caller has contacted the service or talked about a problem.
Sometimes, when people call they’re not sure why they’re phoning or find it difficult to speak. This is where the experience of the Advisors can help, giving callers the space to think and talk when they are ready.
The message from Breathing Space is that it’s important to support your mental health through activities such as exercise and relaxation, particularly during these times of heightened stress and anxiety.
And if you’re worried or feeling down, please get in touch for some ‘breathing space’.
Breathing Space is available in the evenings (6pm to 2am weekdays) and 24 hours at the weekend (Fri 6pm to Mon 6am) on 0800 83 85 87. The web chat service can be accessed from www.breathingspace.scot.
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