What is Breathing Space?

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 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.

What service does Breathing Space provide?

A free, easily accessible and confidential listening service in which callers may be offered advice, guidance and support underpinned by empathy, warmth and understanding.

A signposting service into other statutory or voluntary agencies empowers callers and provides a stepping stone for them to access local services.

The advisor database is updated regularly, ensuring that where necessary, callers can be referred to organisations and agencies best suited to their particular needs.

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 has been set up due to serious concerns about the wellbeing of people in Scotland and is is part of the Scottish Government's Towards A Mentally Flourishing Scotland policy and action plan 2009 to 2011.

Breathing Space compliments the work of other phonelines and agencies which are endeavoring 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 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, Cardonald and South Queensferry.

• What is Breathing Space?
  • What is Breathing Space?
  • Scottish Government Action Plan