Breathing Space

Tel (Helpline): 0800 83 85 87
Web: www.breathingspacescotland.co.uk

Breathing Space is a free and confidential phoneline service for any individual who is experiencing low mood or depression, or who is unusually worried and in need of someone to talk to. The service was launched in Glasgow in 2002, and became a national (Scottish) phoneline service in 2004.

Who is Breathing Space aimed at?

• Breathing Space specifically, but not exclusively targets young men who are experiencing difficulties and unhappiness in their lives. The focus is to provide skilled assistance at an early stage and prevent problems escalating
• Those living with mental health problems and those experiencing emotional distress
• Family members, partners and friends who are concerned about their own wellbeing and that of people they care about.

In particular Breathing Space aims to:

• Provide an alternative and easily accessible 'first stop' service
• Provide assistance at an early stage in order to stop problems escalating
• Provide empathy, understanding and advice through active listening
• To instil hope when none exists
• To provide direction for those who do not know where to seek help.

Who runs the phoneline?

Breathing Space is staffed by trained specialist advisors who have the relevant experience required to assist callers with their problems. There is an equal ratio of male to female advisors who may be part-time or full-time. Breathing Space is not a volunteer service.

When is the service available?

The phoneline is open 24 hours at weekends (6pm Friday - 6am Monday) and from 6pm to 2am on weekdays (Monday - Thursday). These are hours at which other services may be unavailable or when worries seem insurmountable or can be unbearable.

Why is Breathing Space necessary?

Breathing Space compliments the work of other phonelines and agencies which are endeavouring to reduce the suicide rates in Scotland. Specifically targeting young adult males between 16-40 years allows Breathing Space to focus on a particularly vulnerable at-risk of suicide group within Scottish society.

Who funds Breathing Space?

Breathing Space is part of the National Programme for Improving Mental Health and Wellbeing in Scotland and is funded by the Scottish Government Health Department and NHS 24. The Breathing Space service is operationally managed by NHS 24 and delivered from NHS 24 contact centres in Clydebank and South Queensferry.