New Take Some Breathing Space Bench unveiled in Kirkcaldy
A new Take Some Breathing Space Bench has been unveiled in Kirkcaldy’s Beveridge Park through a partnership between Change Mental Health, NHS 24 Breathing Space and Fife Health and Social Care Partnership, with funding from the Kirkcaldy Area WRAAP Fund.
The bench raises awareness of mental health and wellbeing in the local community and encourage people to slow down, reflect and look after their wellbeing.
Local partners, supporters and ward councillors joined staff from Change Mental Health and NHS 24 Breathing Space for the unveiling, which was well received by the Kirkcaldy community. They welcome the bench as a simple but meaningful reminder that mental health matters to everyone, while appreciating the act of open conversations.
This is the second Take Some Breathing Space Bench in Kirkcaldy – the first of which lays in the grounds of Fife College – but the first involving Change Mental Health across Fife.
Change Mental Health has been a vital part of the Fife community for over 30 years, delivering services for this time through its Hearing Voices service and Carer Support, with the Resilience service since joining the charity’s range of support in the area.
Susan Grant, Head of Fife and Tayside Services at Change Mental Health, said the bench reflects the charity’s long-standing community focus.
“Change Mental Health has deep roots here in Fife. Our services were built by local people, for local people, and Kirkcaldy has always been a big part of that story. For 30 years, our Hearing Voices service has run peer groups in the town, giving community a place to talk openly, find understanding and know they’re not alone.
“This is our first Take Some Breathing Space Bench in Fife, and it feels right that it’s here in the very place where that journey began. It stands for what we’ve believed in from the start: compassion, connection and keeping support close to home.”
The new bench reflects a shared aim between Change Mental Health and NHS 24 Breathing Space to help make conversations about mental health part of everyday life. Both organisations want to see support rooted in local places, close to where people live, work and gather.
Lisa-Jane Dock, National Development Officer at NHS 24 Breathing Space, spoke about what the benches represent across Scotland:
“It is a pleasure to work in partnership with Change Mental Health and Fife Health and Social Care Partnership to highlight the importance of opening up if you are feeling low.
“We are delighted to bring this Take Some Breathing Space bench to support the Fife community. It is a great reminder that even the smallest act of kindness can make a big difference, and it is also a symbol that help is always nearby. Whether you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious or just need someone to talk to, Breathing Space is there to help. No judgement, no pressure – just someone available to listen and care.”
Ruth Bennett, Health Promotion Service Manager at Fife Health and Social Care Partnership, said:
“Fife Health and Social Care Partnership is proud to support this initiative that promotes positive mental wellbeing in our communities. The Take Some Breathing Space bench provides an opportunity to pause, reflect and if you choose to share, a moment for conversation. This can be a first step to easing feelings of stress, loneliness or anxiety.
“Breathing Space benches are a simple but powerful reminder of the need to break the stigma surrounding mental health.”
NHS 24 Breathing Space offers free and confidential support to anyone aged 16 or over for anyone experiencing low mood, depression and anxiety. The phone line (0800 83 85 87) and webchat is open Monday to Thursday, 6pm to 2am, and Friday 6pm to Monday 6am, with trained advisors ready to listen and help.
The Take Some Breathing Space bench initiative encourages people to:
- Sit and take some breathing space
- Spend a few minutes listening or talking
- Show kindness and compassion.
Benches have been installed in communities across Scotland – from parks to schools and hospitals, such as outside our resource centre in Golspie – to make talking about mental health part of everyday life.
With our first bench now in Kirkcaldy, Change Mental Health hopes it will be the start of more to come, creating spaces like this in every community where the charity supports people, making sure that no one needs to face mental illness alone.
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