27 Jan 2026
Open Air, Open Mind: Find calm outdoors this Breathing Space Day
NHS 24’s Breathing Space is inviting people across Scotland to take a moment outdoors this Breathing Space Day, highlighting the positive impact that time spent in nature can have on stress levels, mood, and overall mental wellbeing.
Breathing Space marks the day each year on 1st February, shining a spotlight on the essential support offered by the service.
Available to anyone in Scotland aged 16 and over, Breathing Space provides a free and confidential place to talk via phone or webchat for anyone experiencing times of difficulty.
Tony McLaren is the National Coordinator for Breathing Space he explains how simple changes to our routines and awareness can have a big impact on our mental health:
“Our theme this year, ‘Open Air, Open Mind,’ encourages everyone to take a little time each day outdoors. Simple interactions with nature, like listening to birdsong or even feeling the breeze on your skin, can help to boost your mental wellbeing.”
Breathing Space also coordinates the ‘Take Some Breathing Space’ bench initiative. Working with charitable groups and other partners to create spaces for reflection and conversation about mental health, while promoting support available across Scotland.
Matt Smith, a Breathing Space Supervisor since 2020 and founder of the volunteer group ‘Friends of Jenny’s Well,’ helps restore and maintain Jenny’s Well Nature Reserve in Paisley. He recently supported the unveiling of one of Breathing Space’s newest benches there.
Matt said:
"I consider green spaces vital – not only do they support wildlife, but they also give people an opportunity to take a break from daily worries. When you reconnect with nature, you often experience a calming and relaxing effect that reduces stress and lifts your mood.
“Engaging in conservation volunteer work keeps you active which brings physical health benefits. You also learn more about nature, gain practical skills, broaden your social circle, and enjoy a sense of fulfilment and reward."
Tony adds:
“Even small, regular steps, like a five-minute walk or a chat with a friend outdoors, can help quiet busy thoughts.
“Nature won’t solve every problem, but it’s a helpful first step - and if you need additional support, remember Breathing Space is always here to listen.”
Contact Information
Gillian Morrison
Communications Manager - External
NHS 24
gillian.morrison@nhs24.scot.nhs.uk
- During office hours: NHS24.hqcommunications@nhs24.scot.nhs.uk (NHS 24 Communications Team)
- Out of hours: 0330 123 3241 (duty press officer)
Notes to editors
About Breathing Space
- Breathing Space is part of a suite of mental health services managed by NHS 24.
- Free and available to anyone in Scotland aged 16 and over.
- Trained advisors listen, offer advice, and signpost callers on to help in their local area through phone or webchat. All contacts are confidential.
- Breathing Space is available to take calls (0800 83 85 87) or webchat (https://www.breathingspace.scot/) weekdays: Monday – Thursday, 6pm to 2am, and weekends: Friday 6pm – Monday 6am.
- The ‘Take Some Breathing Space’ bench initiative, launched in 2018, creates public spaces for reflection and supportive conversations about mental health. In collaboration with partners and charities, benches are placed in parks and other busy or nature-rich locations across Scotland helping to raise awareness and support. The milestone 100th bench will be installed within the next few weeks.
About Jenny’s Well
- The Breathing Space bench in Jenny’s Well Nature Reserve was installed in October 2025. The reserve is less than a mile from Paisley town centre, offering a calm space beside the river for reflection on mental wellbeing.
- The location was chosen through collaboration between Friends of Jenny’s Well, Renfrewshire Council, and NHS 24’s Breathing Space service
- Matt Smith, a Breathing Space Supervisor and founder of Friends of Jenny’s Well, has been closely involved in the reserve’s restoration since 2021. A team of volunteers has helped transform the site into a thriving, well‑used community space.
- Find out more about the ‘Friends of Jenny’s Well’ volunteer group by visiting their Facebook page.
About us
We are Scotland’s provider of digital and telephone-based health and care services. Our services include:
- 111 – providing urgent care triage for anyone who thinks they need A&E, but it is not life or limb threatening, support for those in mental health distress and advice when their GP, pharmacy or dental practice is closed.
- NHSinform.scot - Scotland's online health information service that offers quality assured health and care information including - Symptom checker, Scotland’s Service Directory and Mental health advice and resources.
- Breathing Space a free and confidential phone and web chat service for anyone in Scotland over the age of 16 experiencing low mood, depression, or anxiety.
- Care Information Scotland (CIS) a phone, webchat and website service providing information about care services for people living in Scotland.
- Quit Your Way Scotland an advice and support service for anyone trying to stop smoking in Scotland.
- Living Life a phone service that offers support to people in Scotland who are experiencing low mood, mild to moderate depression or symptoms of anxiety through cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
NHS 24 Online app
Our app ‘NHS 24 Online’ provides people in Scotland an additional channel to find out more about their symptoms, how to safely self-manage illnesses and conditions, and when and where to see further medical advice if required. NHS 24 Online is free and can be downloaded on both iOS and Android devices.
Social media
For more details on our services, including current campaigns and recruitment, have a look at our social media: Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Bluesky.
Recruitment
For all applicants hoping to join the organisation, our careers section of our website provides key information including:
- links to current vacancies
- videos of staff discussing their roles
- details of the recruitment process
- benefits of working for NHS 24 and top tips for a successful application.
Accessibility
Work is continually ongoing to ensure our services are accessible.
You can access 111 in diverse ways:
- Language Line - If English is not your first or preferred language, you can use the free interpretation service Language Line.
- British Sign Language (BSL) - If you use BSL, you can use the free BSL interpreting video relay service Contact Scotland BSL.
- Relay UK. - If you use a textphone you can contact NHS 24 on 18001 111. Or you can contact NHS 24 with the Relay UK app.
NHS inform provides health information online in 24 different languages, British Sign Language (BSL), Audio, Easy Read, and Large Print. For more information on this see: nhsinform.scot/translations/
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