The first of the three benches was officially opened on 18th September at Craigtoun Country Park in St Andrews., Community members and parteners, local council representatives, charities and student associations from the University of St Andrews congregated to celebrate the bench opening with Change Mental Health and NHS 24 Breathing Space. 

The new bench in St Andrews was made possible through funding secured from the North East Fife Area Committee, which has enabled two other benches now installed in Tayport and Newburgh. 

There are over 100 Take Some Breathing Space benches across Scotland, with these three new benches adding to others recently unveiled in Kirkcaldy and Dunfermline that have been delivered in partnership between Change Mental Health and NHS 24 Breathing Space. 

The benches offer a reminder that help is always close by, inviting people to take a moment to pause and encouraging conversations in places they already pass through. For Change Mental Health and NHS 24 Breathing Space, that visibility is the important point of initiative, making mental health support part of everyday surroundings.   

The North East Fife benches build on Change Mental Health’s long-standing presence in Fife, where the charity has supported people for over 30 years through its Hearing Voices, Carer Support and Resilience services. 

Susan Grant, Head of Central Services at Change Mental Health, said: 

“The communities of North East Fife have a strong sense of connection and looking out for one another. We know that many people can experience challenges with their mental health but often don’t know where to turn for support.

“The new ‘Take Some Breathing Space’ benches in St Andrews, Tayport and Newburgh create welcoming places to stop, reflect and reconnect, while also signposting people to support.”

Lisa-Jane Dock, National Development Officer at NHS 24 Breathing Space, spoke about what the benches mean for local communities: 

“At NHS 24 Breathing Space, we know that making the first step to get support isn’t always easy. That’s why initiatives like this are so important. By making mental health support visible in local communities across North East Fife, we’re helping to remind people that they don’t have to cope alone and that support is available. We hope this bench will encourage conversations, offer reassurance and help more people know how to access the support that’s right for them.” 

Cllr Jonny Tepp, Councillor for Ward 17 Tay Bridgehead and Chair of the North East Fife Area Committee, welcomed the funding behind the project: 

“I am pleased that local funding has helped bring these Breathing Space benches to North East Fife. They offer a reminder that taking time for ourselves and looking after our mental wellbeing is something we all deserve.” 

Local partners, including North East Fife Area Committee, supported the installation of all three benches, ensuring each is positioned somewhere the community can easily reach when they need a moment to pause.