Breathing Space bench to be unveiled at Uddingston station
Passengers and community members will be encouraged to pause for thought at the bench, being installed to mark mental health week
A new bench encouraging train passengers to pause for thought and conversation is being unveiled at Uddingston station as part of the current Mental Health Awareness Week.
The station is one of five across Scotland to have the latest new Breathing Space benches put in place by Network Rail to help promote positive mental wellbeing, taking the total across Scotland to 12 including those at Glasgow Central and Edinburgh Waverley.
Uddingston station users and members of the community will be invited to 'take a moment to pause and reflect on their own mental health', while the benches also offer 'a dedicated space to talk through challenges and difficult times with others'.
The benches are being put in place by Network Rail in partnership with Scotrail, NHS 24's Breathing Space service, the Samaritans and local authorities.
Network Rail health, safety and environment director Innis Keith said: 'Mental health support belongs everywhere, including our railway.
'The benches provide an opportunity for people to transform the time spent waiting for their train into a moment to focus on their wellbeing. They invite you to pause, reflect, and, if you choose, share a conversation – whether you're waiting for a train or simply passing through, taking a seat can be the first step toward easing feelings of stress, loneliness, or anxiety.'
Scotrail communications director David Ross added: 'We're proud to support an initiative that encourages kindness, openness, and mental wellbeing – values that are important to ScotRail and the communities we serve.
'Looking after mental health is something we all have a part to play in, and these benches are a simple but powerful reminder that no-one has to face tough times alone.
'By working with our partners, we're helping to make stations welcoming spaces where people can pause, talk, and support each other. Sometimes just sitting down for a chat can make all the difference.'
Tony McLaren, national co-ordinator for Breathing Space, added: 'These benches are more than just a place to sit; they are a symbol of our commitment to encouraging open conversations about mental health.
'By providing a safe and welcoming space, we hope to inspire individuals to take a moment to reflect and reach out for support if needed. Let's continue to break the stigma surrounding mental health by remembering it's OK to not be OK and that reaching out for help is a sign of strength.'
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