Five New Breathing Space Benches Installed in Scotland to Promote Mental Health Awareness

A Place to Pause: Five Breathing Space Benches Installed in Scotland

Date: Friday, 15 May 2026

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Week (11-17 May), a heartwarming initiative has unfolded across Scotland’s railway stations—five new Breathing Space benches have been installed in Cardonald, Linlithgow, Blairhill, Shettleston, and Wishaw. This effort is designed to encourage individuals on their journeys to pause, reflect, and engage in conversations about mental health.

Creating Welcoming Spaces

With the addition of these five benches, Scotland now boasts a total of 19 benches at various railway stations. The initiative is a collaboration involving Network Rail, ScotRail, NHS 24’s Breathing Space service, Samaritans, and local authorities. This collective vision aims to create supportive community spaces where passengers and residents can find comfort and solace during their travels.

The benches serve as a subtle yet powerful reminder for passengers to take a moment—whether to reflect on their own mental health or to engage in meaningful conversation with others. Each bench is accompanied by information on accessing support services, reinforcing a culture of openness and connection.

Voices from the Initiative

Innis Keith, health, safety, and environment director at Network Rail Scotland, expressed the significance of this initiative: "Scotland’s railway is part of everyday life for hundreds of thousands of people. It’s essential we do what we can to look after mental wellbeing in the communities we serve."

Keith highlighted the transformative potential of small actions: “These small actions can make a big difference. By creating welcoming spaces, we’re helping make the railway a place where people feel cared for.”

Tony McLaren, Breathing Space national coordinator, further emphasized the simplicity and power of the benches. He noted, "Taking action for your mental health doesn’t need to be complicated. For some, it might be taking a moment to pause; for others, it could be the point they decide to reach out for support."

The Importance of Connection

Matt Hosgood, regional development lead at Samaritans, spoke about the significance of providing a space for reflection and conversation: “It’s important that people have the chance to sit, reflect, and take a moment to breathe.”

Paul McKay, ScotRail Communications Director, added: "These benches provide a gentle, visible reminder to pause, reflect, and be kind to yourself. We’re proud to work alongside NHS 24, Samaritans, and partners to expand the reach of the Breathing Space project."

A Network of Support

Mental health can be a challenging topic to navigate, but initiatives like the Breathing Space benches serve to remind us that no one has to face difficult moments alone. Whether through a quiet moment on the bench or a supportive chat with a friend, there are resources available to help anyone feeling low or overwhelmed.

Locations of All Breathing Space Benches in Scotland:

1. Edinburgh Waverley
2. Glasgow Central
3. Bowling
4. Dalmuir
5. Dunbar
6. Falkirk High
7. Aberdeen
8. Hyndland
9. Dumfries
10. Uddingston
11. Dundee
12. Fort William
13. Hamilton West
14. Cardonald
15. Stirling
16. Blairhill
17. Linlithgow
18. Shettleston
19. Wishaw
20. South Gyle (to be installed next month)
21. Dunfermline Queen Margaret (to be installed next month)

Conclusion

As we continue to navigate the complexities of life, let us take inspiration from the Breathing Space benches—simple yet powerful symbols encouraging us to care for ourselves and each other. This initiative, which tugs at our collective heartstrings, shows that even in our busiest moments, there is always room to pause, reflect, and reach out for support.

For more information on mental health resources, the Breathing Space service is available for anyone aged 16 and over in Scotland—offering free, confidential support by phone and webchat.

Let’s remember: a little kindness can go a long way.