12 November 2021
To mark World Kindness Day tomorrow a ‘Breathing Space’ bench has been placed in Newcastleton, overlooking the village on the popular ‘Two Bridges’ walking route, as a reminder of how important it is to be kind to each other and to ourselves.
The bench features a ‘Take Some Breathing Space’ plaque to promote the Breathing Space helpline which is available at evenings and weekends for anyone feeling low, stressed or anxious.
Head of Health Improvement, Fiona Doig, said: “The past 20 months have been extremely challenging for many of us. Coping with stress and change is a very personal thing which can be difficult, so it’s important to be kind to yourself and others.
“There are things you can do to look after your own mental health like taking a few moments to sit on a bench and enjoy nature, walking outside, connecting with other people or even just accepting kindness that others offer. Building ways to be well into our daily lives helps us to improve our mental wellbeing.
“Please remember that help is available should you need it through national confidential helplines like Breathing Space and Samaritans. In addition to these, locally we have the Mental Health & Wellbeing Point on NHS Borders website which has resources, advice and self-referral forms for our Wellbeing Service.”
Breathing Space National Coordinator, Tony McLaren, commented: “We’re delighted to be unveiling this bench in Newcastleton to mark World Kindness Day. Creating welcoming outdoor spaces to pause, reflect and connect is crucial for mental wellbeing. Our Breathing Space advisors are also available in the evenings and throughout the entire weekend on 0800 83 85 87 for anyone needing more support should they be experiencing distress in their lives.”
Newcastleton & District Community Trust’s Enterprise, Learning and Community Outreach Manager, Claire Musson added: “Newcastleton has experienced significant trauma in the last two years. We have suffered two major floods which displaced people from their homes and causing great anxiety around the future. Like many rural communities, Covid has created an even greater sense of isolation for this remote village, and we have lost valued members of our community in tragic circumstances.
“We are therefore thrilled to be the recipient of a Breathing Space bench, as a marker of the new relationships which we are building with the wider network of mental health and wellbeing support. We hope this bench will support our mission to start an open conversation around mental health and provide accessible pathways to the help people need.”