User:Corinna Davies

Breathing Space Scotland

Breathing Space Scotland is a free and confidential phone and web based service for people in Scotland experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety. The telephone helpline is staffed by trained specialist advisers who offer guidance and support underpinned by warmth, empathy and understanding. The service is funded by the Scottish Government Health Directorate and NHS 24, and is operationally managed by NHS 24.

Launched:           2002, became a national phoneline service in 2004. Contact centres:      Cardonald, Clydebank and Southqueensferry. Availability:                Scotland. Mission Statement: We are here in times of difficulty to offer a safe and supportive space by listening, offering advice and providing information. It is our belief and hope that by empowering people, they will have the resources to recover. Website:                    www.breathingspacescotland.co.uk BSL Webcam:           Accessed from the website and offers online emotional    support for deaf people in Scotland.

When is the helpline available?

The service is open 24 hours at the weekend (Fri 6pm - Mon 6am) and from 6pm - 2am weekdays (Mon to Thurs). These are hours at which other services may be unavailable or when worries seem insurmountable or unbearable.

Who is Breathing Space aimed at?

Breathing Space is available to any caller from anywhere in Scotland. However, it specifically but not exclusively, targets men who are experiencing difficulties and unhappiness in their lives. The focus is to provide skilled assistance at an early stage to prevent problems escalating. The service also provides support to those living with mental health problems and those experiencing emotional distress. Breathing Space also receives calls from family members, partners and friends who are concerned about their own wellbeing and that of the people they care about.

BSL Webcam service

A British Sign Language (BSL) webcam service can be accessed from www.breathingspacescotland.co.uk by clicking on 'BSL service'. Trained deaf advisers use BSL via a webcam to offer online advice, information and support for deaf people in Scotland. The BSL service is also accessible to hard of hearing or deafened people using the text mode facility via webcam.

BSL opening hours are Thurs (6pm - 10pm) and Sun (6pm - 9:30pm).

Accreditation

Breathing Space is a COSCA (Counselling and Psychotherapy in Scotland) recognised counselling skills organisation.

Partnerships

Breathing Space works closely with national partner organisations, which include Choose Life (Scotland's national strategy and action plan to prevent suicide), 'See Me' (Scotland's national campaign to end the stigma and discrimination of mental ill-health), the Scottish Recovery Network (an initiative designed to raise awareness about recovery from mental health problems), the Samaritans (charity) and NHS Living Life.

Breathing Space has also formed partnerships with a number of other key organisations within Scotland, including:

• Scottish Huntington's Association
• Macmillan Cancer Support
• Carers Trust
• Glasgow's Helping Heroes
• Veterans First Point
• RNIB Scotland
• Deafblind Scotland