Tag: Breathing Space

A Prince in Pilton

Duke of Cambridge calls in at Spartans to talk mental health

  • Duke visits Spartans FC to hear about positive impact of the Heads Up ‘Mentally Healthy Football’ declaration in Scotland
  • Scotland’s spot-kick hero David Marshall joins Duke and other Home Nations players in zoom conversation on mental health
  • Mental Health League players engage in shooting drill with Duke and former Scotland international Steven Thompson

Spartans FC received a royal visitor yesterday when the Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, paid a visit to Pilton to hear about the progress made in putting mental health and wellbeing at the forefront of the game in Scotland.

The trip to Spartans was the Duke’s first stop on his visit to Scotland, and saw him meet with representatives from the Scottish FA, Breathing Space, Time to Tackle, the Hampden Sports Clinic and Bonnyrigg Rose to discuss the range of mental health initiatives running in Scottish football.

With the visit also coming on the eve of the Scottish Cup Final, the Duke met with former Scottish Cup winners Chris Iwelumo and Marvin Bartley, who previously won the Scottish Cup with tomorrow’s finalists St Johnstone and Hibs respectively.

David McPhee, Chair of the Scottish Mental Health and Wellbeing League, spoke with the Duke as they took in some action from small-sided matches featuring players from the League.

The League, which was previously run by the Scottish FA, was set up to support recovery and tackle stigma associated with mental health.   

A number of the Mental Health and Wellbeing League players then helped the Duke test his shooting skills, as he took part in a friendly skills challenge with them and former Scotland striker Steven Thompson.

Scotland’s spot-kick hero David Marshall then joined the Duke and other Home Nations players in a zoom conversation to discuss changing the conversation on mental health and their experiences over the past year.

Also taking part in the catch-up ahead of UEFA EURO 2020 were Harry Kane for England, Julie Nelson for Northern Ireland, and Jess Fishlock MBE for Wales.

During his Ainslie Park visit the Duke also met with representatives from the Scottish FA to hear about the progress made in recent years, including the launch of the Scottish FA’s first ever Mental Health Action Plan last year.

The plan, which supports the Royal Foundation’s Heads Up mental health campaign, aims to end the stigma around the issue in football and create an environment for people to talk openly about their mental health in the game.

The Duke learned of the success of the Scottish FA’s mental health e-learning platform, which has seen more than 9,000 players, staff, managers and officials in the Scottish football community complete mental health awareness training through the platform in less than a year.

The module – the first bespoke mental health course created by any of the Home Nations – was developed by the Hampden Sports Clinic in conjunction with Breathing Space and was launched after the Scottish FA signed a joint “Mentally Healthy Football” Declaration as a lasting legacy of the Royal Foundation’s Heads Up campaign.

This commitment saw governing bodies, leagues and organisations from across UK football join in recognising that mental health is as important as physical health, and pioneering a ‘team approach’ on this important issue.

Over 1 million callers have taken some ‘breathing space’ since national helpline began

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.

Mental Health Awareness Week: Kindness Matters

NHS 24 reminds us that kindness matters during Mental Health Awareness Week:

NHS 24 is taking time during Mental Health Awareness Week to remind those who might need some support of their Breathing Space service, and the importance of being kind to yourself.

Breathing Space is a free, confidential phone and web based service for people in Scotland experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety.  The service offers a friendly ear while also providing professional support to those who might need it.

Tony McLaren, National Coordinator of Breathing Space, says: “We all need support from time to time, and it’s really important to remind ourselves that it’s ok to ask someone for help.

“Sometimes we can feel a bit stuck- you might think that others appear to be coping well, so why do I feel I am struggling? It’s worth remembering if you aren’t comfortable speaking to friends or family, you can ask for help on the phone as well. Our advisors will give you time to open up, should you be experiencing distress in your life.

‘Please don’t feel you have to wait until things are very bad to get in touch. Our service is there to provide space to think about why you might be feeling anxious or low. At this time it’s important to look after our mental health, and remind ourselves that kindness matters.”

Breathing Space is available on 0800 83 85 87 or on www.breathingspace.scot, Monday-Thursday 6pm to 2am and from Friday 6pm-Monday 6am.

Find us at www.twitter.com/nhs24 and www.facebook.com/nhs24

New guidance to support mental wellbeing during the coronavirus outbreak

Advice on looking after your mental health during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is now available on NHS inform, Scotland’s trusted health information site.

As people across Scotland adjust to these unusual circumstances, NHS 24’s mental health practitioners anticipate many will experience anxiety and stress about what’s going on in the world. In particular, those living alone or who are self-isolating, may be struggling with limited social contact as a result of social distancing measures.

NHS 24 Medical Director, Dr Laura Ryan, said: “Everyone deals with this type of situation differently, and it may feel like there is a lot going on which is outside of your control.

“Remember it’s ok, not to feel ok. Understandably, you may need some additional mental health support at this challenging time. Don’t forget that we’re all in this together and that support is available from a wide range of organisations to help you get through this.”

The NHS inform website hosts the national information service for COVID-19 and now provides online information and practical advice on mental wellbeing – www.nhsinform.scot/coronavirus-mental-wellbeing

Guidance is centred on four main areas:

  • Staying informed – having the right information, as news from unreliable sources can make you feel more upset and anxious.
  • Creating a healthy home routine – helping everyone in your home to keep a sense of calm and order.
  • Staying connected – keeping in touch with friends and family online or by phone, to help you feel less alone while staying home.
  • Finding support – just talking to someone can help, phonelines such as Breathing Space and Samaritans are there to offer support.

Breathing Space National Coordinator, Tony McLaren, said: “We are receiving lots of calls to the Breathing Space helpline from people feeling anxious about their health, or concerned about the health of others.

“It’s perfectly understandable to feel this way, and our advisors are here to listen and offer support. Having mental health information available on NHS inform is an additional resource which can be accessed to potentially help ease anxieties.”

You can hear more from Tony on how to manage your mental health- search for ‘Tony McLaren NHS 24’ on www.soundcloud.com.

Extra funding from the Scottish Government has been made available for NHS 24 to develop additional self-help guides, online resources and mental health services to cope with further demand.

Mental health campaign encourages Scots to care for others

Scotland is known as one of the friendliest countries in the world, famed for the warmth of our welcome. Breathing Space, Scotland’s mental health phone service, is encouraging Scots to continue to live up to this reputation, as they launch their ‘You Matter, We Care’ campaign this January.

Continue reading Mental health campaign encourages Scots to care for others

Mental Health: help available for low mood, depression and anxiety

https://youtu.be/5JSYhFO9ItI

People experiencing depression, low mood or anxiety should be encouraged to seek help over the holiday period, the Mental Health Minister has said. Clare Haughey also thanked those who provide help and support to people dealing with mental health problems associated with stress and loneliness during the festive period. Continue reading Mental Health: help available for low mood, depression and anxiety

Scots urged to practise positivity in year of 365 Brighter Days

A campaign to encourage Scots to practise a positive outlook to life throughout 2018 is being led by Breathing Space, Scotland’s mental health helpline. Continue reading Scots urged to practise positivity in year of 365 Brighter Days

Mental health help at Christmas

Help available for low mood, depression and anxiety

People experiencing depression, low mood or anxiety should be encouraged to seek help this Christmas, the Mental Health Minister has said. Maureen Watt also thanked those who provide help and support to those dealing with mental health problems associated with stress and loneliness at this time of year.

Breathing Space is a free, confidential phone line offering advice to people experiencing anxiety, depression or low mood. Also available is Living Life, which offers more in depth telephone-based and online therapy.

Samaritans provide confidential non-judgemental emotional support, 24 hours a day, for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair.

Ms Watt said: “I think our much greater awareness of mental health issues in recent years has highlighted that this can be a difficult time of year for many people. Hopefully that increased knowledge also means that people know that they do not need to suffer alone, that support is available and that no-one should ever feel afraid to speak up and ask for help if they feel depressed or anxious.

“I would urge anyone who is feeling low or anxious to reach out to Breathing Space, Samaritans or other services to make sure they get help. This time of year can be overwhelming and we should all aim to be more aware of the toll that can sometimes take and do what we need to reduce unnecessary stress and anxiety.

“I also want thank everyone across the country – in the NHS, social services, the third sector and in local communities – who is working to ensure that people in distress have someone to help them.”

There are a number of steps that can be taken to reduce stress and anxiety over the festive period:

  • Avoid excess alcohol and too much food
  • Exercise can reduce stress and lift a low mood
  • Take time for yourself and relax on your own terms
  • Make sure you get enough sleep
  • Talk to others and take the time to listen.

Tony McLaren, National Coordinator of Breathing Space, said: “Remember, if you are experiencing emotional distress during the festive season and feel you can’t talk to your family or friends, then call a phone line such as Breathing Space. Our advisors are available every day of the year to listen and offer you support. Call them in confidence on freephone 0800 83 85 87 to talk about what you’re going through.”

Executive Director of Samaritans in Scotland, James Jopling, said: “If you’re dealing with difficult thoughts and feelings, the festive season can make everything seem worse. Whether you’re on your own or feeling alone in a crowd, we don’t want anyone to struggle. So, remember you can call Samaritans for free from any phone and, if you’re expecting to have a good Christmas this year yourself, have a think about those around you who may not be as lucky and give them the gift of listening.”

Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123.