Tag: Breathing Space

Monday was National Breathing Space Day and it also marked the launch of Scotland’s Year of Listening.

The annual awareness day, which urges people in Scotland to take some ‘breathing space’ to look after their mental wellbeing, encourages us to take time to listen.

The Year of Listening is an initiative promoted by Breathing Space and Living Life mental health telephone services to highlight that listening, and being listened to, is good for your mental health.

Tony McLaren, Breathing Space National Coordinator, said: “We like to think we are good listeners but often find ourselves not truly listening. Talking through your problems is great but it can only help if you feel like you are being heard and perhaps understood.

“Relationships and friendships, where we feel listened to, can have a huge positive impact on our sense of wellbeing. This Year of Listening is a reminder for us all to try to be better listeners. Whether you are a friend, parent, sibling, colleague, spouse, neighbour or carer, take time to listen.”

Breathing Space is a free telephone service where advisors offer listening and advice to anyone feeling low, depressed or anxious. The service is open evenings and weekends on 0800 83 85 87.

The Year of Listening launch is being promoted by a number of national organisations and supported by Jamie Hepburn MSP, Minister for Sport, Health Improvement and Mental Health.

Mr Hepburn said: “Looking after our mental health and wellbeing is crucial. An important part of this is listening empathetically to friends, family or colleagues. Listening carefully and providing support in response can help people to feel a stronger sense of connection, helping to support confidence and wellbeing.

“The Breathing Space telephone advice line and the NHS Living Life service provide an invaluable service for people experiencing low mood, depression and anxiety. It can make such a difference to know that there’s someone there who is willing to listen and offer an empathetic ear. I’d like to thank the Breathing Space and NHS Living life teams for the tremendous work they do to support positive mental health and wellbeing.”

HAVING good relationships with friends, family or the wider community is important for mental wellbeing. The message to ‘stay connected’ with friends and loved ones will mark national Breathing Space Day on  Sunday 1 February. 

The annual awareness day is promoted by Breathing Space, Scotland’s mental health phoneline, and is supported by Minister for Sport, Health Improvement and Mental Health, Jamie Hepburn MSP and a number of national organisations.

Tony McLaren, Breathing Space National Coordinator, explained: “Social connections can improve feelings of self-worth, happiness and self-confidence. Relationships and friendships can have a huge positive impact on a person’s sense of wellbeing. Go for that coffee, phone that relative you’ve been meaning to catch up with – talking things through and making that connection can help relieve worries and stresses in your life. Even doing something like volunteering in your local area can improve your sense of connectedness.”

The campaign is being promoted with a touring van featuring prominent messaging supporting the ‘stay connected’ theme.

Minister for Sport, Health Improvement and Mental Health, Jamie Hepburn MSP, said: “Looking after our mental health and wellbeing is crucial. Making space and time for the people that make us happy is one of the best ways of looking after our own mental wellbeing.

“The Breathing Space telephone advice line provides an invaluable service for people experiencing low mood, depression and anxiety. It can make such a difference to know that there’s someone there who is willing to listen and offer a sympathetic ear. I’d like to thank the Breathing Space call handlers for the tremendous work they do on a daily basis.”

Coffee mornings, conversations cafes, walks, yoga sessions, football tournaments and relaxation classes are just some of the activities taking place for Breathing Space Day. 

Community Football Manager at Elgin City FC Robbie Hope said: “I welcome the opportunity to work with Breathing Space and Moray Community Health and Social Care Partnership to raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing in Moray.

“As a football club we recognise the importance of keeping mentally as well as physically fit. There is a clear link between being physically active and mental health. The more active we are the better mental health we have. We would encourage everyone in Moray to look after their mental health and wellbeing by supporting Breathing Space Day and by getting active, and staying connected with family, friends and people in the community.”