THE first ever Breathing Space bench to be installed in Scotland has been moved to a new location in South Ayrshire.

The bench, which was unveiled on the promenade in Troon in 2018, has now been moved to the recently refurbished Italian Gardens in the town.

The new location provides the perfect spot to take a moment to sit, reflect and have meaningful conversations about mental health and wellbeing.

There are now more than 60 Breathing Space benches in Scotland, creating welcoming spaces to encourage people to share a bit of time for listening and talking.

The benches also promote NHS 24’s Breathing Space service, which is free and confidential for anyone aged 16 or over experiencing anxiety, depression or low mood.

Margo Taylor, NHS Ayrshire and Arran’s South Ayrshire suicide prevention lead, said taking time to chat can be so important.

She said: “We all get overwhelmed sometimes and taking a bit of time to sit down and gather your thoughts or chat over your worries with someone can make a huge difference.

"The Breathing Space bench in Troon is now in the ideal position for people to reflect and support each other during challenging moments and times of stress.”

Tim Eltringham, director of South Ayrshire health and social care partnership, added: “We were delighted to have the opportunity to show our support by introducing the first Breathing Space bench back in 2018.

"It is important that we keep the conversation going for mental health and wellbeing. South Ayrshire will be introducing its new mental health and wellbeing strategy very soon which looks to build on our ambition to work with our communities to ensure people receive the right support, at the right time and in the right place.”

Breathing Space is delivered by NHS 24, and is available from 6pm to 2am weekdays and 24 hours at the weekend on 0800 83 85 87.

The web chat service can be accessed from breathingspace.scot.